The technology behind

Optical Audio Capture

A quantum leap in audio capture

Capture audio with ultra-low noise and handle high sound levels with ease.

SBM100B

Component breakdown

  • Conventional MEMS microphone packaging

    The SBM100B package consists of a bottom substrate and top metal lid; the industry standard for bottom-port MEMS microphones, and is surface mount (SMT) reflow compatible.

  • Improved MEMS detection system

    SBM100B utilises a traditional ASIC and MEMS-sensor, combined with a precision optical detection system to capture the displacement of the MEMS based diaphragm. This replaces traditional capacitive sensing which is made up of a diaphragm and backplate which limits the performance and dynamic range of the traditional MEMS microphone technologies
    SBM100B utilises a traditional ASIC and MEMS-sensor, combined with a precision optical detection system to capture the displacement of the diaphragm. This replaces traditional capacitive sensing of a diaphragm and backplate, which limits the performance of traditional MEMS microphone technologies
  • Optical detection module

    The optical module consists of a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface emitting Laser) and photodetector to send and receive the optical signals, and a diffractive optical element that creates a measurable diffraction pattern.  

SBM100B

Component breakdown

The advantage of

Optical MEMS microphones

Capacitive MEMS

Capacitive MEMS

Capacitive MEMS

sensiBel

sensiBel

sensiBel

132 dB DNR

Wide dynamic range

The SBM100B optical MEMS microphone with digital output provides a dynamic range of up to 132dB. Where other MEMS microphones are typically limited to dynamic range below 110dB, the SBM100B is comparable to some of the best studio microphones, making this level of performance affordable in volume applications.  The SBM100B dynamic range performance means that very low noise levels and very high sound levels can be captured using a single microphone. This dynamic range is supported by the SBM100B’s 24-bit digital output.

A young woman using her phone as a webcam while attending a video call from her laptop
A young woman using her phone as a webcam while attending a video call from her laptop
A young woman using her phone as a webcam while attending a video call from her laptop

80 db SNR

Low Noise - High SNR 

SBM100B reaches incredibly low noise and high Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) levels, with 80dBA (EIN of 14dBA SPL). This SNR of 80dBA is almost 10dB higher than other digital MEMS microphones available today, meaning crystal clear recordings. This performance is important in applications where audio fidelity is critical, like studio recordings and applications where distant sounds can otherwise get lost in the self-noise of the microphone. In applications where advanced processing of microphone signals is carried out, such as microphone array beamforming or active noise cancellation, very high SNR reduces white noise gain to create a more optimised signal.

A man laying on a couch with a smart speaker on a table in front of him
A man laying on a couch with a smart speaker on a table in front of him
A man laying on a couch with a smart speaker on a table in front of him

146 dB AOP SPL

High overload point - Low distortion

The SBM100B can be used everywhere - even the loudest environments - meaning sound can be captured with very low distortion due to the microphones very high AOP (Acoustic Overload Point).  SBM100B has an AOP of up to 146dB SPL, over 10dB higher than leading MEMS microphones available today. The ability to handle high sound pressure levels without sacrificing audio fidelity ensures that the true dynamics and detail of a sound event, such as a live music performance, are captured cleanly and accurately. Very high AOP is also an important advantage for industrial applications such as machine health monitoring where intensely loud sounds can be a common occurrence. 

Get an in-depth understanding

Learn more about the sensiBel technology

Download product information on the SBM100B and our technology, or contact us directly.

Get an in-depth understanding

Learn more about the sensiBel technology

Download product information on the SBM100B and our technology, or contact us directly.

Get an in-depth understanding

Learn more about the sensiBel technology

Download product information on the SBM100B and our technology, or contact us directly.

FAQ

  • Is sensiBel developing future generations of its optical MEMS technology?

    Is sensiBel developing future generations of its optical MEMS technology?

    Is sensiBel developing future generations of its optical MEMS technology?

  • Where is sensiBel based and how can I get in touch?

    Where is sensiBel based and how can I get in touch?

    Where is sensiBel based and how can I get in touch?

  • What interfaces does the SBM100 support?

    What interfaces does the SBM100 support?

    What interfaces does the SBM100 support?

  • Do you have an evaluation board?

    Do you have an evaluation board?

    Do you have an evaluation board?

  • Is the SBM100 microphone available for commercial applications today?

    Is the SBM100 microphone available for commercial applications today?

    Is the SBM100 microphone available for commercial applications today?

  • What makes sensiBel microphone (SBM) different from traditional MEMS microphones?

    What makes sensiBel microphone (SBM) different from traditional MEMS microphones?

    What makes sensiBel microphone (SBM) different from traditional MEMS microphones?