In the rapidly evolving landscape of wearable technology, AI Earbuds are no longer just about playing music; they are becoming intelligent personal assistants. However, the biggest challenge for manufacturers remains the trade-off between sophisticated voice features and battery life.
Enter the WBC-HRA381-M10 from Silicon Source Technology—a breakthrough Smart MEMS microphone – SILICON SOURCE that integrates sensing, storage, and computing into a single, ultra-compact module.

The Power of “Sense-Store-Compute” Architecture
Traditional audio systems rely on the main SoC (System on Chip) to process voice commands, which consumes significant power. The WBC-HRA381-M10 shifts this paradigm by incorporating an internal Neural Processor Unit (NPU) and Analog Signal Processing (ASP) unit.
This integrated AI chip allows the microphone to perform:
- Offline Voice Activity Detection (VAD): Intelligently identifying human speech while ignoring background noise.
- Keyword Spotting (KWS): Supporting up to 30 local keywords for instant response without cloud latency.
Key Technical Specifications for AI Applications
To meet the rigorous demands of high-fidelity audio and AI processing, our module delivers industry-leading performance:
- High SNR & AOP: With a 65dBA Signal-to-Noise Ratio and a 127dBSPL Acoustic Overload Point, it captures crystal-clear audio even in noisy environments.
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption: In VAD mode, the chip operates at a mere 70μA, extending the standby time of TWS earbuds significantly.
- Compact Integration: Measuring only 3.5 x 2.65 x 1.0mm, it fits seamlessly into the most space-constrained designs like smartwatches and AR/VR glasses.
Enabling “Always-On” Intelligence in AI Earbuds
The WBC-HRA381-M10 features an “Always-On” (AON) strategy. The LP_NPU (Low-power NPU) stays active to detect voice signals; once a valid signal is found, it wakes up the main NPU for complex classification, and only then alerts the host SoC.
This hierarchical wake-up mechanism ensures that your AI earbuds remain responsive to “Hey Siri” or “Hi Galaxy” without draining the battery.
Why Choose Silicon Source?
With 15 years of expertise in MEMS design and audio algorithms, Wuxi Silicon Source Technology is committed to providing hardware-software integrated solutions. Our products are designed to survive rigorous industrial standards, featuring Level 3 ESD protection and MSL 1 storage reliability.
Conclusion
As AI continues to migrate from the cloud to the “edge,” the Smart MEMS microphone – SILICON SOURCE will be the cornerstone of intelligent wearables. The WBC-HRA381-M10 is not just a component; it’s the brain of your next audio innovation.
Ready to elevate your AI Earbud project? Contact our technical team today for samples and detailed reference designs.
For further reading on MEMS technology trends, check out the latest industry reports on MEMS Journal or explore IEEE Xplore for advanced research in acoustic sensors.


