The technology for capacitive micromechanical ultrasonic transducers (CMUT) has advanced significantly, as affirmed by Infineon Technologies in its official release. The company can produce the first integrated one-chip solution for a MEMS-based ultrasonic transducer with this technology, which provides increased functionality, better performance, and a smaller footprint.
The new device is perfect for creating new ultrasonic applications and enhancing current ones in consumer electronics, automotive, and medical technology because of its integration.
In contrast to traditional piezoelectric bulk materials, which depend on the material’s inherent deformation, CMUT uses a semiconductor diaphragm that has been micro-machined to transmit and detect ultrasonic waves.
This idea, combined with the devices’ small size, low power consumption, and excellent performance, allows them to improve a range of ultrasonic applications.
When compared to traditional piezoelectric ceramics of a comparable size, Infineon’s monolithic integration of MEMS and ASIC improves the absolute signal by 1000 times and lowers the noise floor by 20 times when compared to a discrete solution.
Infineon may use its cutting-edge technology in a variety of sectors, including consumer electronics and medical equipment, by utilizing its experience in semiconductor design and manufacture.
Improving solid-state touch buttons
Solid-state touch buttons can be placed beneath any solid surface, including metal and glass, thanks to Infineon’s CMUT technology, which prevents surface deformation.
This lowers the possibility of wear and tear and lengthens the lifespan of devices by enabling the implementation of a more robust and reliable substitute for traditional mechanical buttons.
CMUT-based touch buttons provide full water compatibility and great EMC robustness in contrast to capacitive touch buttons, which are susceptible to environmental influences like temperature and humidity.
The buttons may be incorporated into a variety of devices, including industrial control panels and cellphones, because the technology makes them smaller. Examples include replacing car door handles for a clean look or adding touch buttons beneath a mobile phone’s metal frame.
Level Sensing
When a variety of household appliances need liquid level detection, Infineon’s CMUT can be advantageous.
Continuous fill level measurement, minimal power consumption, and simple, non-invasive attachment beneath the tank’s bottom are just a few benefits of CMUT.
The latter, such as chemicals in dishwashing machines or washing machines where contact electrodes are susceptible to corrosion, is crucial to measure.
Advanced Medical Applications
Innovative medical devices that make use of ultrasonic technology, like wearables for tracking health, monitoring vital signs, and non-invasive diagnostics, can also be developed using CMUT technology.
By utilizing CMUT technology, the devices offer ongoing monitoring and feedback instead of a single measurement, which might enhance patient outcomes and identify any health risks sooner.
They are perfect for wearable and point-of-care applications because of their small size and low power needs.
Key Comments
“Our ultrasonic technology can achieve a very high signal-to-noise ratio and offers a high level of integration. That’s why we believe that the devices represent a breakthrough in the industry,” says Emanuele Bodini, Senior Director at Infineon. “We want to leverage the technology to develop a product platform that is capable of serving multiple use-cases through different industries.”