MWS EU 2021 Speaker

Holger Conrad

  • Arioso Systems GmbH
  • Head of MEMS Product & Development / Co-Founder
  • Biography

Holger Conrad studied electrical engineering and electronics in Dresden (Germany) and graduated with two degrees in 2005 and 2007. He has been working on piezoresistive sensors, piezoelectric and electrostatic micro actuators and gained experience in the conception, modeling, optimization as well as technology development of MEMS at Fraunhofer IPMS from 2003 till 2020. In 2020, he co-founded Arioso Systems, where he is the responsible head for MEMS-development and fabrication.

  • Presentation

Balanced All-Silicon Electrostatic MEMS Speakers with High Efficiency

The wireless in-ear headphone market still expands. Future trends hints sensor integration, internet connection and edge computing. Thus, energy efficiency plays an important role for any component included – like the micro speaker device. Arioso together with his partner Fraunhofer IPMS has found a way to create highly efficient micro speaker systems made from 100% silicon MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems). The micro speaker is based on Nanoscopic Electrostatic Drive (NED) technology, to offer a lighter, longer-lasting headphone experience. In the presentation we show balanced speaker designs and technology with improved linearity. The membrane less chips are compatible with CMOS manufacturing process and therefore suitable for mass production.

Arioso Systems GmbH logo
  • Company Profile

Arioso Systems GmbH

Arioso Systems is a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden. Fraunhofer has granted to Arioso Systems the exclusive license to commercialize the extensive IPMS patent portfolio for audio applications.

Arioso Systems is developing and marketing a novel kind of an all silicon mirco-speaker chip which is able to reproduce audio sound with highest fidelity and efficiency. The Arioso chip is designed to replace common electrodynamic loudspeakers in wireless in-ear headsets, the fastest-growing headphone and wearables market. Arioso’s targeted customer range embraces all well-known audio and mobile phone brands. Arioso Systems’ chips are based on what is known as CMOS manufacturing process. CMOS technology accounts for more than 90% of the worldwide manufacturing capacity for MEMS. Arioso Systems’ all silicon micro-speakers are therefore perfectly suited for large-volume production. The all silicon micro-speakers feature a tiny form factor of only a few mm3, low weight, and high-power efficiency. These are the key requirements for advanced Hearables applications. Hearables are in-ear headsets, directly connected to the internet for perpetual access to multiple voice controlled online services.

View more of our MWS EU 2021 speakers below