Industry news--Karmin Electronic (HK) Limited

Infineon launches integrated advanced ultrasonic sensors based on MEMS, empowering new industrial and medical use cases
2025-02-12

Infineon Technologies has made significant progress in the development of capacitive microelectromechanical ultrasonic sensors (CMUT) technology. With this technology, the company has launched its first highly integrated single-chip solution based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) ultrasonic sensors. This solution has a smaller footprint and stronger performance and functionality, and can be widely used to develop new ultrasonic applications and improve existing applications in the fields of consumer electronics, automotive industry, and medical technology.

CMUT packaged in eWLB

Emanuele Bodini, Senior Director of Infineon Technologies, said, "Infineon's ultrasonic technology can achieve high signal-to-noise ratio and integration, so we believe that this device represents a major breakthrough in the industry. We hope to use this technology to develop a product platform that serves multiple application scenarios in different industries

Unlike traditional piezoelectric materials that rely on the deformation of the material itself, CMUT transmits and detects ultrasonic waves through the deflection of microfabricated semiconductor membranes. With this principle, coupled with its small size, low power consumption, and high performance, this device can enhance various ultrasonic applications. Compared to single tube solutions, Infineon's MEMS and ASIC integration technology can reduce background noise to one twentieth of that of traditional piezoelectric ceramic materials of the same size, and enhance absolute signals by a thousand times. With professional experience in semiconductor design and manufacturing, Infineon can apply advanced technology to multiple industries ranging from consumer electronics to medical devices.

Improve solid-state touch buttons

Infineon's CMUT technology can achieve solid-state touch buttons on any solid material, such as glass or even metal, without causing surface deformation. This provides a more durable and reliable alternative to traditional mechanical buttons, reducing the risk of wear and extending the overall lifespan of the equipment. Compared to capacitive touch buttons that may be affected by environmental factors such as humidity and temperature, CMUT based touch buttons are fully compatible with water and have high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Due to the reduced size of the buttons, this technology can integrate various devices from smartphones to industrial control panels, such as installing touch buttons under the metal frame of a phone or replacing car door handles to achieve a neat design.

Liquid level sensing

Infineon's CMUT can benefit some household appliances that require liquid level sensing. CMUT has multiple advantages, including continuous measurement of filling level, low power consumption, and easy and non-destructive installation below the bottom of the water tank. Due to the possibility of corrosion of contact electrodes, the last point is crucial for measuring chemicals in washing machines or dishwashers.

Advanced Medical Applications

CMUT technology can also be used to develop innovative medical devices that utilize ultrasound technology, such as wearable devices for vital sign monitoring, health tracking, and non-invasive medical diagnosis. With the help of CMUT technology, these devices can perform continuous monitoring and feedback instead of single measurements, thus enabling earlier detection of potential health issues and improving patient treatment outcomes. Due to their small size and low power consumption, they are highly suitable for wearable devices and point of care applications.

About Infineon

Infineon Technologies is a global semiconductor leader in the fields of power systems and the Internet of Things. Infineon drives the low-carbon and digital process with its products and solutions. The company has approximately 58060 employees worldwide (as of the end of September 2024) and generated revenue of approximately 15 billion euros in the fiscal year 2024 (as of September 30). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (stock code: IFX）， Listed on the OTCQX international over-the-counter market in the United States (stock code: IFNNY）。

Infineon China

Infineon Technology Co., Ltd. officially entered the Chinese Mainland market in 1995. Since establishing its first enterprise in Wuxi in October 1995, Infineon's business has grown rapidly, with over 3000 employees in China, becoming an important driving force for Infineon's global business development. Infineon has established a complete industrial chain in China, covering production, sales, marketing, technical support, etc., and has carried out in-depth cooperation with leading domestic enterprises and universities in sales, technical application support, talent cultivation, and other aspects.

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