English 
Chinese Introduction
As voice control, smart audio systems, and autonomous machines advance, so too must the acoustic sensors that enable them to “hear” with directionality and selectivity. Traditional MEMS microphones are limited in directional resolution or require complex stereo configurations.
Now, inspired by the exceptional directional hearing system of the Ormia ochracea fly, researchers have developed a bio-inspired MEMS directional microphone array capable of sensing multiple unknown sound sources simultaneously — opening the door to more intelligent, responsive sound interfaces.
At SiSTC (Wuxi Silicon Source Technology Co., Ltd.), we are committed to advancing MEMS acoustic technology. This study shows how innovations in biomimetic design and analog logic processing can dramatically improve microphone functionality, selectivity, and application potential.
What Makes This Directional MEMS Microphone Unique?
Unlike conventional MEMS microphones that rely on complex algorithmic directionality or stereo spacing, this system uses:
- 🦟 Ormia ochracea–inspired mechanical design to enable directionality at sub-wavelength scales
- 🎤 Three MEMS directional microphones arranged in a compact array
- ⚙️ Custom-built analog logic circuits to identify and process the most dominant sound signal
- 🔉 Audio amplifier to reconstruct the selected signal into audible form
This system enables the detection and separation of multiple incoming sound sources — even when their frequency, intensity, or direction of arrival (DOA) is unknown.
From Biology to Application: How It Works
The fly Ormia ochracea has a unique coupling mechanism between its tympanic membranes, allowing it to localize sound with high precision despite its small body size. Mimicking this mechanism, the MEMS microphones in this study feature:
- Coupled diaphragms with resonant behaviors that respond directionally to sound
- Piezoelectric sensing to capture diaphragm movement without complex optical systems
- Analog signal processing that avoids high-computation digital filtering
This analog-first approach keeps the system lightweight, low-power, and hardware-efficient—ideal for embedded systems and edge-AI applications.
Real-World Testing & Performance
In lab experiments:
- The MEMS array was placed in an anechoic chamber and rotated 360° in 5° steps
- Two sound sources were emitted simultaneously from different angles and frequencies (5 kHz and 10 kHz)
- The system successfully distinguished and amplified the more dominant sound based on direction and energy
- Directional response curves confirmed consistent differentiation between sound sources without prior frequency knowledge
Applications and Future Potential
This multi-sound receiver (MSR) architecture is highly relevant for:
- 🎧 Noise control in smart speakers and conferencing systems
- 🤖 Assistive robots and hearing devices that respond to dominant sound cues
- 🔊 Gunshot or incident localization in security and defense systems
- 🚘 Automotive voice assistants with directional audio filtering
- 🌐 IoT audio sensing platforms requiring low power and smart front-end processing
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Why It Matters
Traditional microphone systems rely heavily on digital post-processing to determine the sound direction or identity, often requiring known SPL or DOA inputs. In contrast, this bio-inspired MSR system:
- ✅ Automatically detects the most prominent sound
- ✅ Does not require pre-programmed sound parameters
- ✅ Operates efficiently with simple analog circuitry
This innovation points to a future where smart microphones can think and react, not just record.
Conclusion
The integration of bio-inspired mechanical design, directional MEMS array technology, and low-complexity signal processing represents a leap forward in acoustic intelligence. At SiSTC, we believe that MEMS microphones must evolve alongside the AI systems they support—becoming more adaptive, perceptive, and biologically informed.
