MEMS Drivers Debut in Wearable Devices Including XR Glasses, Smartwatches, and Earbuds

xMEMS Labs has introduced Sycamore, a compact, high-performance ultrasonic MEMS micro-speaker, designed for open earbuds, smart glasses, and watches, heralding a new era in portable sound technology.

A Small Leap for Audio, A Giant Leap for Wearable Devices

MEMS ultrasonic microspeakers have already transformed the sound quality of wireless earphones. Now, xMEMS Labs, the pioneer in this field, is expanding its focus to include open earbuds, smart glasses, and smartwatches with its new microspeaker, the Sycamore.

Sycamore: Ushering in a New Era of Sound

Sycamore builds on the same platform as xMEMS’s noise-cancelling Cypress microspeaker, using ultrasonic waves to produce sound across all frequencies from a 1mm thick chip. According to xMEMS, it matches current speaker performance while providing up to 11dB more in sub-bass and improving treble by up to 15dB above 5KHz compared to conventional speakers.

High-Quality Sound in a Compact Format

Beyond enhanced audio performance, Sycamore’s major advantage lies in its ultra-compact size. xMEMS claims these microspeakers are seven times smaller than traditional dynamic speakers and one-third their thickness, also weighing 70% less. This size reduction allows for greater design flexibility, leading to sleeker and more attractive product designs.

“As these products are at the forefront of fashion, something really thin and light is required, and that’s where Sycamore steps in,” said Mike Housholder, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at xMEMS.

On the Road to Mass Production

Since Sycamore is based on the same platform as the Cypress and xMEMS’s XMC-2400, a micro-cooling fan on a chip, it will utilize the same manufacturing device. This means xMEMs can deliver it faster, while speeding up the industrial process for future micro-products. Initial samples of Sycamore are expected in the first quarter of 2025, with mass production slated for October of that year. The first products featuring Sycamore speakers are anticipated to hit the market in 2026.