DALSA and Akustica Collaborate on Semiconductors and MEMS Devices

Akustica, Inc., a pioneer in acoustic system-on-chip solutions, and DALSA Corporation's semiconductor-wafer fabrication division today announced the formation of a strategic silicon foundry relationship. The collaboration combines Akustica's expertise in its patented Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) semiconductor design technology with DALSA's advanced MEMS and device-manufacturing capabilities. The pairing will generate new classes of CMOS MEMS chips that offer dramatic improvements in manufacturing cost, quality, and time-to-market.

The relationship will focus on wafer production of Akustica's family of AKU200x single-chip digital-output microphones, the world's first CMOS MEMS microphones. The surface-mountable AKU200x's are designed to replace electret condenser microphones (ECMs) in PC laptops, Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, PC camera modules, and other portable computing devices. Akustica has secured major design wins for its microphone with top-tier notebook PC OEMs and has garnered numerous "product of the year" awards from leading electronics publications.

"We chose DALSA as a strategic supplier because of their strong alignment with our fundamental advantage of manufacturing MEMS products using standard processes," stated Jim Rock, CEO of Akustica. "In addition to having proven experience in quality processes, DALSA has effectively demonstrated high-volume manufacturing. With rapid growth in the silicon microphone market projected to continue for years to come, Akustica is building its core supplier network to service that demand."

"We are delighted to support Akustica in the fabrication of their AKU200x microphones," said Ralf Brooks, President of DALSA's Semiconductor Division. "Our extensive experience in developing and manufacturing sensors for a wide variety of industries, combined with our proven MEMS capabilities, allows us to participate successfully as a strategic supplier to the industry's leading semiconductor companies. We are especially pleased to be working with Akustica, the industry innovator in CMOS MEMS devices, while leveraging DALSA's patent-pending deep-etch technologies at the same time."

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.