English 
Chinese Choosing the right microphone is a critical step in designing any voice-enabled product. Whether you’re developing a smart speaker, a wireless earbud, or an AI-enabled sensor, understanding how SNR, THD, Dynamic Range, and AOP affect performance will guide your component selection.
At Wuxi Silicon Source Technology Co., Ltd., we specialize in MEMS microphones, pressure sensors, and intelligent components optimized for embedded voice systems.
For more on microphone design, visit our MEMS Microphone Knowledge Center.
1. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
SNR defines how well a microphone can distinguish signal from background noise. A high SNR is essential for voice recognition systems, especially in far-field and noisy environments.
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2. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
Low THD ensures accurate audio reproduction, which is especially critical for Hi-Fi applications, musical recordings, or advanced noise-cancellation algorithms.
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3. Dynamic Range (DR)
Dynamic range determines how well a microphone captures both whisper-quiet sounds and loud events. For smart home assistants or industrial monitoring, a DR of over 100 dB is recommended.
🔗 Discover our low-noise MEMS microphone solutions designed for wide dynamic response.
4. Sensitivity
Sensitivity influences how the microphone reacts to sound pressure levels and how it’s matched with your preamp or ADC. This is especially relevant in analog signal chain designs.
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5. Acoustic Overload Point (AOP)
High AOP allows microphones to handle loud sounds like machine impact, concerts, or motor noise without clipping.
📘 See how our microphones are built to endure:
6. Test & Calibration Methods
We follow rigorous test standards across acoustic performance, including:
- SNR in anechoic chambers
- THD via FFT harmonic analysis
- Sensitivity with 94 dB SPL calibrators
🔧 For technical integration, check out our Hardware Design Guides.
7. Application-Based Microphone Selection
| Application Scenario | Recommended Specs | Suggested Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics | SNR ≥ 60 dB, THD ≤ 1%, AOP ≥ 120 dB | MEMS Digital Mic |
| Professional Recording | SNR > 70 dB, THD < 0.5% | ECM or Premium MEMS |
| Industrial Monitoring | AOP ≥ 130 dB, High PSRR, EMI shielding | Industrial MEMS Mic |
💡 You may also be interested in our MEMS Pressure Sensors for ambient audio sensing.
8. MEMS vs ECM Comparison
| Feature | MEMS Microphones | ECM Microphones |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Ultra-compact, SMD-ready | Bulky, limited surface-mount options |
| Power Efficiency | Excellent for battery-powered devices | Less efficient |
| Integration | Easy MCU/DSP interface via I2S or PDM | Requires analog front-end design |
| Cost and Yield | Mass-production ready, consistent QA | Less scalable, more variation |
📘 Additional reading:
Conclusion
Understanding SNR, THD, dynamic range, and AOP is fundamental to microphone selection. With the shift toward compact, energy-efficient, and high-performance solutions, MEMS microphones are the preferred choice for everything from AI voice assistants to industrial noise sensors.
At Wuxi Silicon Source Technology Co., Ltd., we are proud to supply MEMS audio products that deliver precision, performance, and scalability for next-generation audio applications.
👉 Learn more about our MEMS Microphone Portfolio
📥 Download our latest Product Selection Guide (PDF)
