xMEMS Labs, a leader in solid-state MEMS audio tech, just shared some big news: their innovative Cypress full-range MEMS speaker, paired with the Alta-S drive ASIC, is ready for mass production! This marks the industry’s first practical full-range solid-state audio solution that meets the high sound pressure level (SPL) needs for noise-cancelling true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds.
Cypress’s silicon diaphragm, all-in-one solid-state build, super-quick mechanical response, and flat, near-zero phase response make earbuds better at blocking noise, isolating sound passively, and delivering crystal-clear audio—all in a tiny 46 mm³ package weighing just 98 milligrams.
Cypress swaps out bulky traditional drivers for a durable solid-state setup, freeing up space for better sensors and longer-lasting batteries in small, light earbuds.
“This is a huge milestone for our ultrasonic transducer platform and our goal to bring full-range solid-state audio to wireless earbuds,” said Dr. Chiung Lo, VP of Engineering at xMEMS Labs. “Pairing Cypress with Alta-S speeds up the move to MEMS audio, offering better sound, smaller sizes, and the reliability of silicon in the world’s top consumer audio device.”
Sound from Ultrasound
Cypress uses a fresh approach to audio: ultrasonic amplitude modulation. Instead of moving air like old coil speakers, it creates ultrasonic pulses that match the audio signal. As these pulses hit the air, they turn into rich, detailed sound that stays true to the original.
This tech provides excellent time-domain accuracy for high-res and spatial audio, while delivering 40 times louder low frequencies than earlier xMEMS designs. With SPLs over 140dB down to 20 Hz, Cypress makes sound-from-ultrasound a real, high-performance option for ANC earbuds, rivaling traditional speakers.
Availability
Cypress and Alta-S are ready for sampling now, with full mass production shipments expected in 2026.
You can see demos at xMEMS Live Asia 2025 in Taipei (September 16) and Shenzhen (September 18).
What do you think about this tiny audio breakthrough? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Source: xMEMS
