MEMS Microphone Sensor: Ultra-Low Power, High-Performance Semiconductor Replacing Human Hearing
Manufactured at SK hynix System IC's Dedicated MEMS Facility in China
Scynic Solution, a specialist in system semiconductors, announced on November 7 that it is accelerating the development of core sensor semiconductors for "Physical AI," which aims to replicate human senses. The company explained that its micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) microphone sensor, currently under development, has reached the final stage before mass production.
The MEMS microphone sensor being developed by Scynic Solution is an ultra-low-power, high-performance semiconductor designed for voice recognition, serving as a substitute for human hearing. It is produced through SK hynix system IC's MEMS-dedicated process at its Wuxi, China facility.
This sensor is expected to serve as a core sensory module in Physical AI-based devices such as smart devices, mobility solutions, and robots. By utilizing specialized MEMS processes, the company is also accelerating the expansion of its fabless customer base in regions including Taiwan.
A company representative stated, "MEMS technology is an advanced semiconductor technology that integrates micro-scale electronic and mechanical structures on a single chip, achieving both ultra-low power consumption and miniaturization, as well as high precision." The representative added, "Going forward, it will be a key factor in determining the performance competitiveness of interactive robots, wearable devices, and on-device AI product lines."
Following its work on microphones, Scynic Solution has also begun joint development of MEMS ultrasonic sensors. These ultrasonic sensors precisely detect external stimuli such as distance, shape, and pressure, substituting for the human sense of touch. They are also eco-friendly sensors that do not use lead (Pb), and are expected to be applied in industrial robots and healthcare sectors in the future.
The representative introduced, "For 'vision,' one of the core domains of Physical AI, we are jointly developing a short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor with STRATIO, INC., an infrared AI specialist headquartered in Silicon Valley and Korea."
STRATIO, which is collaborating with Scynic Solution, is the first company in the world to commercialize Ge-on-Si-based SWIR sensor technology. Compared to conventional InGaAs sensors, it has achieved groundbreaking cost reductions and productivity improvements. STRATIO is expanding the application of its technology into various industrial fields that were previously difficult for InGaAs sensors to penetrate, leading a new technological paradigm called Infrared AI. The technology has the potential to expand into a wide range of industries, including consumer electronics, medical, automotive, defense, and robotics.
To secure technological barriers to entry, Scynic Solution possesses sensor-specific circuit design technology, know-how in composite material sensors and mass production processes, and a broad portfolio of related patents. Leveraging these strengths, the company is building a diverse lineup of sensor semiconductors-including MEMS and SWIR sensors-solidifying its unique position within the Physical AI ecosystem.
Kwon Sungjun, Executive Director and Head of Business Support at Scynic Solution, stated, "Physical AI is evolving beyond simple recognition technologies to the stage where machines can mimic human senses and responses."
He continued, "Scynic Solution is the only domestic sensor-specialized foundry design house that has internalized auditory, tactile, and visual sensors. Together with global foundry specialists and technology partners, we aim to become a leading company in the Physical AI value chain."
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