This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Microphones category on DigiKey.com
Microphones are transducers that convert sound into an electrical signal for storage, transmission, and/or rebroadcasting. Ranging from large boom-style microphones to small and popular MEMS types, they are differentiated by impedance, voltage rating, sensitivity, frequency range, port location, overall size, and mounting type. Analog, I2S, PDM, and TDM output interfaces are available.
SelectionCharacteristics
Type: The type of device being offered.
Output Type: Indicates the type of electrical signal the device provides, such as analog or I2S.
Direction: Describes in general terms how a microphone’s sensitivity to acoustic inputs varies as a function of orientation relative to a sound source.
Frequency Range: The maximum range of frequencies the device can accurately pick up.
Sensitivity: The ratio between input pressure on the microphone and the output value. This is typically tested using a 1KHz sine wave at the stated sound pressure level (SPL).
S/N Ratio: Signal to Noise ratio; the strength of output signal components representing an acoustic input relative to those representing noise, under manufacturer-defined test conditions.
Impedance: The microphone’s characteristic impedance.
Voltage - Rated: Typically this represents the maximum voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Voltage Range: Indicates the span over which a device’s operational supply voltage may be permitted to vary.
Current - Supply: The amount of current that must be supplied to the device for it to function correctly.
Port Location: Describes location of a hole in a device for sound transmission, relative to the electrical contacts. This applies primarily to devices that consist of a moving diaphragm enclosed within an outer shroud.
Ratings: Minimum performance standards of the device, which are typically set by a third party.
IP Ratings
First number is for dirt and solid contaminants, the second number is for liquids.
| Solids | Liquids | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against solids larger than 50mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited Ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against solids larger than 12.5mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against solids larger than 2.5mm. | Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against solids larger than 1mm. | Protected against water splashed from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust. Limited ingress of dust permitted. | Will not affect operation of equipment 2-8 hours. Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust 2-8 hours. | Protected against powerful jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | ______________________ | Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm-1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | ______________________ | Continuous immersion in water up to 3m for long periods of time. |
| 9 | ______________________ | Protected against high pressure jets of hot water. (30 seconds) |
| 9K | ______________________ | Protected against high pressure jets of hot water. (2 minutes) |
Termination: The style of the terminations used to connect the device to the system, such as PC Pins, Solder Pads, or Wire Leads.
Size / Dimension: The physical dimensions of the device. Usually given as either Diameter in Inches (Millimeters) or as Length by Width in Inches (Millimeters).
Height (Max): Indicates how far the device will extend above the surface to which it has been attached.
Shape: The physical shape of the device.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | CMEJ-0415-42-LP |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 102-6541-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Devices |
| DESCRIPTION | 100 Hz ~ 10 kHz Analog Microphone Electret Condenser Omnidirectional (-42dB ±3dB @ 94dB SPL) PC Pins |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | MMICT390200012 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1428-MMICT390200012TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | TDK InvenSense |
| DESCRIPTION | Digital, PDM Microphone MEMS (Silicon) 1.65 V ~ 3.63 V Omnidirectional (-32dB ±1dB @ 94dB SPL) Surface Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | POW-1644L-LWC50-B-R |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 668-1210-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | PUI Audio, Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | 50 Hz ~ 16 kHz Analog Microphone Electret Condenser 2 V ~ 10 V Omnidirectional (-44dB ±3dB) Wire Leads |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
MediaLinks
Videos
Hear Underwater Whale Sounds with Vesper’s Tiny Waterproof MEMS Microphone
Motion - Activated Microphone - Potentially Genius™
Articles
Comparing MEMS and ECM Microphone Technologies
MEMS Microphone Apps, Design Considerations
MEMS Technology for Microphones in Audio Applications
An Introduction to MEMS Microphones Beamforming
Product Training Modules
Introduction To Microphones - Knowles
MEMS Microphones - CUI Devices
TechForum
Traditional Mems microphones vs Piezo Mems microphones
Electret Condenser (ECM) vs MEMS Microphone