TDK Launches Sensor Partner Program and MEMS Microphone
TDK is building a collaborative ecosystem around its InvenSense MEMS sensors for IoT, wearable, hearable, AR/VR, and robotics applications.
At this week’s Sensors Converge show, TDK revealed a new partner program for its MEMS product line and a new MEMS microphone solution. All About Circuits attended Sensors Converge June 24–26, 2024, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California, to learn firsthand about these announcements.
TDK Launches InvenSense Sensor Partner Program
TDK’s InvenSense Sensor Partner Program organizes partnerships that offer reference designs, evaluation kits, modules, and software algorithms that support IoT and wearables development. TDK hopes this program will accelerate time to market and reduce development costs.
At Sensors Converge 2024, Dale Wilson (left) talks to TDK representatives about the company's new Sensor Partner Program.
Sahil Choudhary, Director of Product Marketing and Strategy, explained that they have started with ten companies to develop a new ecosystem with both hardware and software support. It is an open environment hosted on the Invense website. He described one of their key goals as providing a seamless interface that even supports direct product ordering in addition to documentation and design resources.
The program centers around InvenSense MEMS sensors, which encompass a range of motion sensors, industrial motion modules, microphones, pressure sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. Notable sensors include the ICM-42670-P, a low-power inertial measurement unit (IMU); the ICM-45605, an ultra-low-power IMU with a balanced gyroscope; the ICM-42688-P, an ultra-low-noise IMU; and the T5838, a low-noise pulse density modulation (PDM) microphone.
Some example partnerships within the program include the following:
- Renesas integrates InvenSense sensors on its Quick Connect platform.
- Ambiq uses InvenSense sensors for ultra-low-power applications in wearables and hearables and leverages the Apollo510 SoC for energy-efficient designs.
- Qualcomm employs the TDK Mezzanine board in robotics platforms, streamlining the integration of sensor and motor controller technology.
- Alif Semiconductor features TDK motion sensors and microphones on the AK-E7-AIML AppKit for edge AI/ML applications.
At the Sensors Converge launch, Pooja Bhadrappanavar, Senior Product Marketing Manager from Renesas, demonstrated to All About Circuits their QuickConnect Platform. The QCIoT-ICM42688 PMOD board that allows TDK's ICM-42688 IMU to connect to any Renesas MCU platform on QC Studio. She described QC Studio as a browser-based tool that is both lightweight and freely available.
Other partners include AI chip companies Ambarella, AONDevices, and Syntiant, and 3D Hall sensor maker Isentek. TDK is also collaborating with MindMics as a software partner and Avnet as a distribution and design house partner.
TDK Unveils MEMS Microphone for IoT and Edge AI
TDK's new InvenSense T5848 is a MEMS microphone designed for low-power IoT and edge AI applications. Featuring an I²S digital interface, the T5848 (datasheet linked) can simplify system design by reducing additional components and processing requirements. TDK optimized this microphone for intelligent keyword and sound detection, making it suitable for smartwatches, TV remotes, AR glasses, smart speakers, home security systems, and beyond.
T5848 functional block diagram.
The T5848 offers a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 68 dBA and an acoustic overload point (AOP) of 133 dB SPL in high-quality mode. It consumes just 330 µA at 1.8 V in this mode, delivering exceptional sound fidelity that ensures accurate keyword detection even in noisy environments. For always-on applications, the microphone operates in a low-power mode, drawing only 130 µA, which significantly extends battery life. Additionally, its acoustic activity detect (AAD) feature allows the microphone to listen for acoustic activity, such as keywords or voice commands. The application processor can then efficiently manage power during idle periods.
All About Circuits examines a demo of TDK Invensense's new T5848 MEMs microphone.
The device also supports a high sensitivity of −37 dB FS ±1 dB in high-quality mode and an extended frequency response from 27 Hz to 18 kHz. Given these features and a compact size of 3.5 mm × 2.65 mm × 0.98 mm, TDK envisions this product finding use in applications including smart watches, augmented reality glasses, and smart speakers.
IoT Collaboration and Innovation to Come
IoT and wearable devices require the convergence of several disparate fields of expertise. A single wearable, for example, requires sensors, low-power design, wireless connectivity, battery management, and more. TDK’s InvenSense Sensor Partner Program aims to bring multiple companies together to share their knowledge and collectively design better products. By facilitating such collaboration and introducing advanced sensor solutions, TDK hopes to position itself at the forefront of the evolving IoT and wearables market.
