Analog Devices wins MEMS microphone patent case

NORWOOD, USA: Analog Devices Inc. announced that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled decisively against Knowles Electronics.

Administrative Law Judge Robert K. Rogers, Jr. concluded that Knowles’ patents were invalid. As a result, Judge Rogers determined that Analog Devices should not be prohibited from importing or selling its microphones.

This ruling followed his March 24th order denying Knowles’ request for temporary relief. Judge Rogers’ two rulings are consistent with the position taken by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which in separate reexaminations, has rejected all of Knowles’ asserted claims as invalid.

“Since bringing our first MEMS microphone products to market in 2008, ADI has maintained our focus on innovation and providing the highest performance MEMS microphones available. Our products are designed for many applications where small size and great sound quality go hand in hand,” commented Mark Martin, Analog Devices’ Vice President, MEMS/Sensor Technology Group. “We are gratified that Judge Rodgers has twice agreed with our position in this matter.”

Separately, Analog Devices has sued Knowles for shipping microphone products which infringe ADI’s patented Wafer Anti-Stiction Application (WASA) process. Judge Rogers is expected to rule on the WASA case on or before January 4, 2011.

iMEMS microphones: designed for high quality sound
Design engineers worldwide have become familiar with the vast capabilities of ADI’s innovative iMEMS technology. That’s why the real promise of the technology is being realized daily in hundreds of cutting-edge applications, beginning with motion sensors and now with MEMS microphones.

Combining nearly 20 years of MEMS know-how with ADI’s audio signal processing expertise, iMEMS microphones provide unprecedented performance and reliability.

By integrating a MEMS transducer with an audio ASIC, iMEMS microphones optimize system designs with more control over the full solution and value chain. iMEMS microphones and their many performance advantages will differentiate and radically change acoustic input designs in future electronics devices.