SparkFun Analog MEMS Microphone Breakout - VM2020

The SparkFun Analog MEMS Microphone Breakout is a versatile and robust microphone, designed specifically for use in loud environments. The VM2020 analog microphone, which is the heart of this device, is a high dynamic range, differential analog output piezoelectric MEMS microphone with an ultra-high Acoustic Overload Point (AOP). This microphone is unique in its ability to buffer and amplify the output through its piezoelectric sensor and circuitry. It features an acoustic overload point of 152dB SPL, enabling it to capture audio in loud settings.

The design of this microphone is low-profile, with the port located on the bottom side. This allows the microphone to be mounted flush to the outer surface of an enclosure. The omnidirectional nature of the microphone ensures it captures sound sources effectively from all directions.

Unlike many other microphone breakouts in the SparkFun catalog, this one does not have an OpAmp. It instead offers a differential output. To connect this with an Arduino, the signal needs to be amplified to a usable level and ADC with differential inputs. The recommended device for this is the SparkFun WM8960 Audio Codec Breakout, which comes with a built-in programmable gain amplifier and ADC.

The SparkFun Analog MEMS Microphone Breakout is perfect for applications that require volume measurement in loud environments, audio capture next to speakers, fast Fourier transform analysis of sound at concerts, creation of electronic hearing protection, or adaptive filter development for smart speakers.

Features:

• Differential Analog Output
• Frequency Range: 80Hz to 10kHz
• Designed for loud environments
• Acoustic Overload Point (AOP): ~10% distortion at 152dB
• 1.6VDC to 3.6VDC supply voltage
• 248µA typical supply current
• 1100Ω Output impedance
• SNR of 50dBA
• Dust and water resistant to IP57
• Weight: 0.54g
• Board Dimensions: 10.16mm x 13.97mm

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Board Dimensions
• Hookup Guide
• Fritzing Part
• Datasheet (VM2020)
• Application Note: Improving Barge in Performance on Smart Speakers with Ultra High Dynamic Range Microphone
• VM2020 Compared to Capacitive MEMS Microphone in the Back Cavity of a Smart Speaker
• GitHub Hardware Repo