Suppliers of microspeakers keep up efforts to develop smaller configurations

Miniaturization based on SMD and MEMS technologies remains a key point on the microspeaker R&D agenda.

Manufacturing of microspeakers in China might be centered on conventional designs mostly, but development continues to revolve around advanced methods to achieve greater miniaturization. Companies hope to release types in SMD packages, with large companies also pursuing MEMS technology.

Local initiatives in the SMD category include piezoelectric or ceramic variants and integrated solutions as well. Suppliers such as Zhaoqing Jiecheng persist in work on the first and more are expected to follow suit. Key players foray into the latter type to realize a smaller footprint and reduced material cost. Acoustic components specialist Goertek has presented microspeakers incorporating antennas for mobile phones, and tablet and other PCs.

China makers will keep watching developments in MEMS technology and will prepare to undertake R&D in the next one or two years. The system has been attracting attention in the line globally as it enables not only miniaturization but also a wide frequency bandwidth, high sound quality and low power dissipation.

Germany's Fraunhofer has introduced one measuring 4x4mm. The unit, although chip-sized, boasts a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz and sound pressure level of 110dB. It can be incorporated into microphones, wearable devices and hearing aids.

Besides product development, many manufacturers are raising output. Xiamen Honch Industrial Suppliers Co. Ltd will maintain a 10 percent boost. Microspeakers represent 85 percent of its shipments and 80 percent are sent overseas. Despite the US tariffs, the maker is confident of achieving a 5 to 10 percent increase in deliveries abroad. In general, domestic enterprises affected by this will emphasize other markets in the next two years.

Demand from the consumer electronics, communications and automotive fields remains strong, keeping the microspeaker sector growing at up to 10 percent annually. The total sales volume is projected to hit 15.16 billion units by 2021, according to Technavio. In terms of aggregate sales value, China benefited from a 10 to 15 percent rise in recent years. The majority of makers there predict the trend will extend to 2020.

More than 500 companies in China are engaged in the development and production of microspeakers, and over 80 percent are locally owned businesses. The latter includes AAC and Goertek, which are also among the world's top suppliers in this category. Among the major foreign makers with factories there are BSE of South Korea and Knowles of the US.

Most manufacturers turn out other acoustic components suchas buzzers and transducers. Microspeakers account for between 30 and 90 percent of shipments.

The key production hubs are in the cities of Dongguan and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Xiamen in Fujian, Ningbo in Zhejiang, and Changzhou and Suzhou in Jiangsu. These areas, which are known for their comprehensive industry chain and developed transport infrastructure, will continue to attract players entering the line.

Mainstream microspeakers

China's range of conventional microspeakers consists of round, square, rectangular and oval variants, with the first dominating supply. Units have a rated power of 0.1 to 5W, frequency response range of 0 to 20kHz, sound pressure level of 70 to 105dB and impedance of 4 to 64ohm.

Most makers offer RoHS-compliant selections.

Baskets, magnets, diaphragms, voice coils, covers and glue are the main materials and components in this line. Companies obtain them mostly from local providers, turning to foreign sources only when required.

The cost of manufacturing inputs is likely to stay stable and keep product prices unchanged throughout 2019.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our mainland China-based market analyst for representing current trends in microspeakers from mainland China and Taiwan makers.

Microspeaker has 750Hz±20% resonant frequency

The model WSYD40-2 microspeaker from Changzhou Weishuo Electronics Co. Ltd has 87±3dB sound pressure level at 1W, 0.5m, and average 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5kHz, and 750Hz±20 percent resonant frequency. The unit, which is 40mm and 10mm in diameter and height, supports 1W rated and 2W maximum input power.

The negotiable minimum order has a 5-day delivery lead time.

Inquire Now

5W-rated microspeaker with 80±3dB SPL

Marquess Co. Ltd's model DSCN2390 microspeaker has 5W rated input power reaching 8W maximum in the short term, and 4ohm±15 percent rated impedance at 800Hz. Its sound pressure level is 80±3dB at 1W, 0.5m, and average 500Hz, 1, 3 and 5kHz. The total harmonic distortion is less than 10 percent at 1W, 0.5m and 1kHz, and resonant frequency 190Hz±20 percent.

The 52x29.3mm unit weighing 50±5g has a 3,000-unit minimum order requirement. Delivery is within 7 days.

Inquire Now

Microspeaker has 86±3dB SPL

This model FBF40-1N microspeaker from Ningbo Deli Electronics Co. Ltd has a rated power of 0.25 or maximum 0.5W and rated impedance of 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 100 or 150ohm. The unit has 700 to 3,500Hz frequency response range, 700Hz±20 percent resonant frequency and 86±3dB sound pressure level.

The order quantity for this 40x6.5mm unit is negotiable. Delivery is within 5 days.

Inquire Now

Microspeaker has 260 to 10,000Hz range

Xiamen Honch Industrial Suppliers Co. Ltd markets the model F50M39J microspeaker with 0.2W power and 50ohm impedance. The sound pressure level is 94±3dB at 0.1W and 0.1m. The 7.2mm-thick unit has a frequency response range of 260 to 10,000Hz and resonant frequency of 460Hz. It operates in -25 to 70 C.

The 1,000-unit minimum order is delivered within 7 days.

Inquire Now