Small and thin 4 mm × 3 mm × 1 mm surface-mount package
Omnidirectional response
Very high SNR: 65 dBA
Sensitivity of −26 dBFS
Extended frequency response from 100 Hz to 16 kHz
Low current consumption: 900 µA
Sleep mode for extended battery life, <1 µA consumption
120 dB maximum SPL
High PSR of −80 dBFS
Fourth-order Σ-Δ modulator
Digital PDM output
Compatible with Sn/Pb and Pb-free solder processes
RoHS/WEEE compliant
APPLICATIONS
Smartphones and feature phones
Tablet computers
Teleconferencing systems
Digital still and video cameras
Bluetooth headsets
Notebook PCs
Security and surveillance
Ultralow Noise Microphone with
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM
Figure 1.
Figure 2. Isometric Views of ADMP521 Microphone Package
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The ADMP5211 is a high performance, ultralow noise, low
power, digital output, bottom-ported omnidirectional MEMS
microphone. The ADMP521 consists of a MEMS microphone
element and an impedance converter amplifier followed by a
fourth-order sigma-delta (Σ-Δ) modulator. The digital interface
allows for the pulse density modulated (PDM) output of two
microphones to be time-multiplexed on a single data line using
a single clock. The ADMP521 is function and pin compatible with
the ADMP421 microphone, providing an easy upgrade path.
The ADMP521 has a very high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and
common sensitivity of −26 dBFS, making it an excellent choice
1
Protected by U.S. Patents 7,449,356; 7,825,484; 7,885,423; 7,961,897. Other patents are pending.
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
for far field applications. The ADMP521 has an extended wideband frequency response resulting in natural sound with high
intelligibility. Low current consumption and a sleep mode with
less than 1 µA current consumption enables long battery life
for portable applications. The ADMP521 complies with the
TIA-920 Te l e -communications Telephone Terminal Equipment
Transmission Requirements for Wideband Digital Wireline
Telephones standard.
The ADMP521 is available in a thin 4 mm × 3 mm × 1 mm
surface-mount package. It is reflow solder compatible with
no sensitivity degradation. The ADMP521 is halide free.
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.
Tel: 781.329.4700
www.analog.com
ADMP521 Data Sheet
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features .............................................................................................. 1
Changes to General Description Section ...................................... 1
Changed Supply Voltage Min Parameter from 1.65 V to 1.8 V ... 3
Changed 500 Hours to 1000 Hours in Table 7 ............................ 14
2/12—Revision 0: Initial Version
Rev. A | Page 2 of 16
Data Sheet ADMP521
PERFORMANCE
Dynamic Range
Derived from EIN and maximum acoustic input
91 dB
Input Voltage Low (VIL)
0.35 × VDD
V
SPECIFICATIONS
TA = 25°C, VDD = 1.8 V, CLK = 2.4 MHz, unless otherwise noted. All minimum and maximum specifications are guaranteed. Typical
specifications are not guaranteed.
Table 1.
Parameter Test Conditions/Comments Min Typ Max Unit
Directionality Omni
Sensitivity1 1 kHz, 94 dB sound pressure level (SPL) −29 −26 −23 dBFS
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) 20 Hz to 20 kHz, A-weighted 65 dBA
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) 20 Hz to 20 kHz, A-weighted 29 dBA SPL
Frequency Response2 Low frequency −3 dB point 100 Hz
High frequency −3 dB point 16 kHz
Deviation limits from flat response within pass band −3/+8 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 105 dB SPL 2.5 %
Power Supply Rejection (PSR) 217 Hz, 100 mV p-p sine wave superimposed on
V
= 1.8 V
DD
Maximum Acoustic Input Peak 120 dB SPL
POWER SUPPLY
Supply Voltage (VDD) 1.8 3.3 V
Supply Current (IS)
Normal Mode VDD = 1.8 V 0.9 1.0 mA
VDD = 3.3 V 1.0 1.2 mA
Sleep Mode3 VDD = 1.8 V 0.5 µA
VDD = 3.3 V 0.8 µA
DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS
Input Voltage High (VIH) 0.65 × VDD V
−80 dBFS
Output Voltage High (VOH) I
Output Voltage Low (VOL) I
= 0.5 mA 0.7 × VDD VDD V
LOAD
= 0.5 mA 0 0.3 × VDD V
LOAD
Output DC Offset Percent of full scale 7 %
Latency <30 µs
Noise Floor 20 Hz to 20 kHz, A-weighted −91 dBFS
1
Relative to the rms level of a sine wave with positive amplitude equal to 100% 1s density and negative amplitude equal to 0% 1s density.
2
See Figure 7 and Figure 8.
3
The microphone enters sleep mode when clock frequency is less than 1 kHz.
Rev. A | Page 3 of 16
ADMP521 Data Sheet
SLEEP MODE
INPUT
t
DATA2 (left) disabled after falling clock edge
5 30
ns
t
CLKIN
CLK
DATA2
DATA1
t
2OUTDIS
t
1OUTDIS
t
2OUTEN
t
1OUTEN
10141-002
TIMING CHARACTERISTICS
Table 2.
Parameter Description Min Typ Max Unit
Sleep Time Time from CLK falling < 1 kHz 1 ms
Wake-Up Time Time from CLK rising > 1 kHz, power on 10 ms
t
Input clock period 326 800 ns
CLKIN
Clock Frequency (CLK) 1.25 2.41 3.072 MHz
Clock Duty Ratio 40 60 %
OUTPUT
t
DATA1 (right) driven after falling clock edge 40 ns
1OUTEN
t
DATA1 (right) disabled after rising clock edge 5 30 ns
1OUTDIS
t
DATA2 (left) driven after rising clock edge 40 ns
2OUTEN
2OUTDIS
1
The microphone operates at any clock frequency between 1.0 MHz and 3.3 MHz. Some specifications may not be guaranteed at frequencies other than 2.4 MHz.
Timing Diagram
Figure 3. Pulse Density Modulated Output Timing
Rev. A | Page 4 of 16
Data Sheet ADMP521
Digital Pin Input Voltage
−0.3 V to VDD + 0.3 V or +3.6 V,
Test Condition B
t
P
t
L
t
25°C TO PEAK
t
S
PREHEAT
CRITICAL ZONE
T
L
TO T
P
TEMPERATURE
TIME
RAMP-DOWN
RAMP-UP
T
SMIN
T
SMAX
T
P
T
L
10141-003
Ramp-Up Rate (T
to TL)
1.25°C/sec
1.25°C/sec
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Table 3.
Parameter Rating
Supply Voltage −0.3 V to +3.6 V
whichever is less
Sound Pressure Level 160 dB
Mechanical Shock 10,000 g
Vibration Per MIL-STD-883 Method 2007,
Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings
may cause permanent damage to the device. This is a stress
rating only; functional operation of the device at these or any
other conditions above those indicated in the operational
section of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.
Temperature Range −40°C to +85°C
ESD CAUTION
Figure 4. Recommended Soldering Profile Limits
Table 4. Recommended Soldering Profile Limits
Profile Feature Sn63/Pb37 Pb-Free
Average Ramp Rate (TL to TP) 1.25°C/sec maximum 1.25°C/sec maximum
Preheat
Minimum Temperature (T
Maximum Temperature (T
Time (T
SMIN
to T
), tS 60 sec to 75 sec 60 sec to 75 sec
SMAX
SMAX
) 100°C 100°C
SMIN
) 150°C 200°C
SMAX
Time Maintained Above Liquidous (tL) 45 sec to 75 sec ~50 sec
Liquidous Temperature (TL) 183°C 217°C
Peak Temperature (TP) 215°C +3°C/−3°C 260°C + 0°C/−5°C
Time Within 5°C of Actual Peak Temperature (tP) 20 sec to 30 sec 20 sec to 30 sec
Ramp-Down Rate 3°C/sec maximum 3°C/sec maximum
Time 25°C (t25°C) to Peak Temperature 5 minute maximum 5 minute maximum
Rev. A | Page 5 of 16
ADMP521 Data Sheet
3
CLK
L/R SELECT
GND
DATA
V
DD
4
5
2
1
10141-004
PIN CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS
Figure 5. Pin Configuration (Bottom View)
Table 5. Pin Function Descriptions
Pin No. Mnemonic Description
1 CLK Clock Input to Microphone.
2 L/R SELECT Left Channel or Right Channel Select.
DATA1 (right): L/R SELECT tied to GND.
DATA2 (left): L/R SELECT pulled to VDD.
3 GND Ground.
4 VDD Power Supply. Placing a 0.1 µF (100 nF) ceramic type X7R capacitor between Pin 4 (VDD) and ground is strongly
recommended for best performance and to avoid potential parasitic artifacts. Place the capacitor as close to Pin 4
as possible.
5 DATA Digital Output Signal (DATA1, DATA2).
Rev. A | Page 6 of 16
Data Sheet ADMP521
–10
–8
–6
–4
–2
0
2
4
6
8
10
100
10k1k
FREQUENCY ( Hz )
SENSITIVITY (dB)
10141-005
–20
–18
–16
–14
–12
–10
–8
–6
–4
–2
0
2
4
6
8
10
1001k
10k
FREQUENCY RESPONSE (dB)
FREQUENCY (Hz)
10141-006
–100
–90
–80
–70
–60
–50
–40
2005001k2k
FREQUENCY ( Hz )
PSR (dBFS)
5k10k20k
10141-007
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Figure 6. Frequency Response Mask
Figure 8. Typical PSR vs. Frequency
Figure 7. Typical Frequency Response (Measured)
Rev. A | Page 7 of 16
ADMP521 Data Sheet
DATA1 (R)DATA1 (R)DATA1 (R)
CLK
DATA
10141-012
DATA2 (L)DATA2 (L)DATA1 (R)DATA1 (R)
CLK
DATA
10141-013
THEORY OF OPERATION
PDM DATA FORMAT
The output from the DATA pin of the ADMP521 is in PDM
format. This data is the 1-bit output of a fourth-order Σ-Δ
mo dulator. The data is encoded so that the left channel is clocked
on the falling edge of CLK and the right channel is clocked on
the rising edge of CLK. After driving the DATA signal high or
low in the appropriate half frame of the CLK signal, the DATA
driver of the microphone tristates. In this way, two microphones,
one set to the left channel and the other to right, can drive a
single DATA line. See Figure 3 for a timing diagram of the PDM
data format; the DATA1 and DATA2 lines shown in this figure are
two halves of the single physical DATA signal. Figure 10 shows a
diagram of the two stereo channels sharing a common DATA line.
If only one microphone is connected to the DATA signal, the
output is only clocked on a single edge (see Figure 9). For example,
a left channel microphone is never clocked on the rising edge of
CLK. In a single microphone application, each bit of the DATA
signal is typically held for the full CLK period until the next
transition because the leakage of the DATA line is not enough
to discharge the line while the driver is tristated.
See Tabl e 6 for the channel assignments according to the logic
level on the L/R SELECT pin.
Table 6. ADMP521 Channel Setting
L/R SELECT Setting Channel
Low (tie to ground) DATA1 (right)
High (tie to VDD) D ATA2 (le ft )
For PDM data, the density of the pulses indicates the signal
amplitude. A high density of high pulses indicates a signal near
positive full scale and a high density of low pulses indicates a signal
near negative full scale. A perfect zero (dc) audio signal shows
an alternating pattern of high and low pulses.
The output PDM data signal has a small dc offset of between 3% to
7% of full scale. This dc signal is typically removed by a high-pass
filter in the codec that is connected to the digital microphone.
Figure 9. Mono PDM Format
Figure 10. Stereo PDM Format
PDM MICROPHONE SENSITIVITY
The acoustic input levels of the microphone in dB SPL are rms
measurements; h owe ver, the sensitivity and output level of a
digital microphone is given as a peak level. This is because its
output is referenced to the full-scale digital word, which is a
peak value. This convention is different from the output levels
of analog microphones, which are given as an rms voltage. The
ADMP521 has a sensitivity of −26 dBFS. A 94 dB SPL (rms) input
signal gives a −26 dBFS peak output level; therefore, the rms
level of this digital output is −29 dBFS.
This convention of using peak levels to specify the output of
digital microphones must be kept in mind when configuring
downstream signal processing that may rely on precise signal
levels. For example, dynamic range processors (compressors,
limiters, noise gates) typically set thresholds based on rms
signal levels; therefore, adjust the signals of the microphone
from peak to rms by lowering the dBFS value by 3 dB.
Rev. A | Page 8 of 16
Data Sheet ADMP521
CLOCK OUT P UT
CODEC
0.1µF
1.8V TO 3.3V
GND
L/R SELECT
DATA
ADMP521
CLK
V
DD
DATA INPUT
10141-014
CLOCK OUT P UT
CODEC
0.1µF
1.8V TO 3.3V
GND
L/R SELECT
DATA
ADMP521
CLK
V
DD
DATA INPUT
0.1µF
1.8V TO 3.3V
GND
L/R SELECT
DATA
ADMP521
CLK
V
DD
10141-015
CLOCK OUT P UT
CODEC
DATA
ADMP521
ADMP521
CLK
DATA INPUT
DATA
CLK
10141-016
CONNECTING PDM MICROPHONES
A PDM output microphone is typically connected to a codec with
a dedicated PDM input. This codec separately decodes the left
and right channels and filters the high sample rate modulated data
back to the audio frequency band. This codec also generates the
clock for the PDM microphones or is synchronous with the source
that is generating the clock. See the Applications Information
section for additional details on connecting the ADMP521 to
Analog Devices, Inc., audio codecs with a PDM input. Figure 11
and Figure 12 show mono and stereo connections of the
ADMP521 and a codec. The mono connection shows an
ADMP521 set to output data on the right channel. To output on
the left channel, tie the L/R SELECT pin to V
Figure 11. Mono PDM Microphone (Right Channel) Connection to Codec
instead of GND.
DD
Decouple the V
capacitor. Place this capacitor as close to V
board (PCB) layout allows.
Do not use a pull-up or pull-down resistor on the PDM data signal
line because it can pull the signal to an incorrect state during the
period that the signal line is tristated.
The DATA signal does not need to be buffered in normal use when
the ADMP521 microphone(s) is placed close to the codec on the
PCB. If the ADMP521 needs to drive the DATA signal over a long
cable (>15 cm) or other large capacitive load, a digital buffer may
be needed. Only use a signal buffer on the DATA line when one
microphone is in use or after the point where two microphones
have been connected (see Figure 13). The DATA output of each
microphone in a stereo configuration cannot be individually
buffered because the two buffer outputs cannot drive a single signal
line. If a buffer is used, take care to select one with low propagation
delay so that the timing of the data connected to the codec is not
corrupted.
When long wires are used to connect the codec to the ADMP521,
a 100 Ω source termination resistor may be used on the clock
output of the codec instead of a buffer to minimize signal overshoot or ringing. Depending on the drive capability of the codec
clock output, a buffer may still be needed, as shown in Figure 13.
pin of the ADMP521 to GND with a 0.1 µF
DD
as the printed circuit
DD
Figure 13. Buffered Connection Between Stereo ADMP521s and a Codec
SLEEP MODE
The microphone enters sleep mode when the clock frequency falls
below 1 kHz. In this mode, the microphone data output is in a
high impedance state. The current consumption in sleep mode
is less than 1 µA.
The ADMP521 enters sleep mode within 1 ms of the clock
frequency falling below 1 kHz. The microphone wakes up from
sleep mode in 32,768 cycles after the clock becomes active. With a
3.072 MHz clock, the microphone wake time is 10.7 ms; for a
2.4 MHz clock, the microphone wake time is 13.7 ms.
START-UP
Figure 12. Stereo PDM Microphone Connection to Codec
The start-up time of the ADMP521 from when the clock is
active is the same time as the waking from sleep time. The
microphone starts up 32,768 cycles after the clock is active.
Rev. A | Page 9 of 16
ADMP521 Data Sheet
AVDD
AGND
DGND
MICBIAS
ADAU1361
OR
ADAU1761
0.1µF
0.1µF
1.8V TO 3.3V
JACKDET/MICIN
GNDL/R SELECT
DATA
V
DD
CLK
ADMP521
ADMP521
GNDL/R SELECT
DATA
V
DD
CLK
BCLK/GPIO2
10141-008
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
INTERFACING WITH ANALOG DEVICES CODECS
The PDM output of the ADMP521 interfaces directly with
the digital microphone inputs on Analog Devices ADAU1361,
ADAU1761, and ADAU1781 codecs. See the connection diagram
shown in Figure 14, and refer to the AN-1003 Application Note
and the respective data sheets of the codecs for more details on
the digital microphone interface.
The CN-0078 Circuit Note describes the connection between these
codecs and a digital microphone. All configuration information
is the same for the ADMP521 as it is for the ADMP421.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
For additional information, see the following.
Evaluation Board User Guides
UG-326, EVAL -ADMP521Z-FLEX: Bottom-Ported, Digital Output,
MEMS Microphone Evaluation Board
UG-335, EVAL -ADMP521Z Bottom Port Digital Output MEMS
Microphone Evaluation Board
Circuit Note
CN-0078, Digital MEMS Microphone Simple Interface to a
SigmaDSP Audio Codec
Application Notes
AN-1003, Recommendations for Mounting and Connecting
Analog Devices, Inc., Bottom-Ported MEMS Microphones
AN-1068, Reflow Soldering of the MEMS Microphone
AN-1112, Microphone Specifications Explained
AN-1124, Recommendations for Sealing Analog Devices, Inc.,
Bottom-Port MEMS Microphones from Dust and Liquid Ingress
AN-1140, Microphone Array Beamforming
Figure 14. ADAU1361 or ADAU1761 Stereo Interface Block Diagram
Rev. A | Page 10 of 16
Data Sheet ADMP521
R
PCB DESIGN AND LAYOUT
The recommended PCB land pattern for the ADMP521 should
be laid out to a 1:1 ratio to the solder pads on the microphone
package, as shown in Figure 15. Take care to avoid applying solder
paste to the sound hole in the PCB. A suggested solder paste
stencil pattern layout is shown in Figure 16.
The response of the ADMP521 is not affected by the PCB hole
size as long as the hole is not smaller than the sound port of the
(0.30)
4× 0.40 × 0.60
microphone (0.25 mm, or 0.010”, in diameter). A 0.5 mm to 1 mm
(0.020 inch to 0.040 inch) diameter for the hole is recommended.
Take care to align the hole in the microphone package with the
hole in the PCB. The exact degree of the alignment does not affect
the microphone performance as long as the holes are not partially
or completely blocked.
The standard PCB land pattern of the ADMP521 has a solid ring
around the edge of the footprint that may make routing the
microphone signals more difficult in some board designs. This
ring is used to improve the RF immunity performance of the
ADMP521; howe ver, it is not necessary to have this full ring
connected for electrical functionality. If a design can tolerate
reduced RF immunity, this ring can either be broken or removed
completely from the PCB footprint. Figure 17 shows an example
PCB land pattern with no enclosing ring around the edge of the
part, and Figure 18 shows an example PCB land pattern with the
ring broken on two sides so that the inner pads can be more
easily routed on the PCB.
Figure 17. Example PCB Land Pattern with No Enclosing Ring
Figure 18. Example PCB Land Pattern with Broken Enclosing Ring
Note that in both of these patterns, the solid ring around the sound
port is still present; this ring is needed to ground the microphone
and for acoustic performance. The pad on the package connected
to this ring is ground and still needs a solid electrical connection to
the PCB ground. If a pattern like one of these two examples is
used on a PCB, take care that the unconnected ring on the bottom
of the ADMP521 is not placed directly over any exposed copper.
This ring on the microphone is still at ground and any PCB traces
routed underneath it need to be properly masked to avoid short
circuits.
PCB MATERIAL AND THICKNESS
The performance of the ADMP521 is not affected by PCB
thickness and can be mounted on both a rigid and flexible PCB.
A flexible PCB with the microphone can be attached directly to
the device housing with an adhesive layer. This mounting method
offers a reliable seal around the sound port, while providing the
shortest acoustic path for good sound quality.
Rev. A | Page 12 of 16
Data Sheet ADMP521
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
PICK-AND-PLACE EQUIPMENT
The MEMS microphone can be handled using standard pick-andplace and chip shooting equipment. Ta ke care to avoid damage to
the MEMS microphone structure as follows:
•Use a standard pickup tool to handle the microphone.
Because the microphone hole is on the bottom of the
package, the pickup tool can make contact with any part
of the lid surface.
•Use care during pick-and-place to ensure that no high shock
events above 10 kg are experienced because such events
may cause damage to the microphone.
•Do not pick up the microphone with a vacuum tool that
makes contact with the bottom side of the microphone.
Do not pull air out of or blow air into the microphone port.
•Do not use excessive force to place the microphone on
the PCB.
REFLOW SOLDER
For best results, the soldering profile should be in accordance with
the recommendations of the manufacturer of the solder paste used
to attach the MEMS microphone to the PCB. It is recommended
that the solder reflow profile not exceed the limit conditions
specified in Figure 4 and Ta ble 4.
BOARD WASH
When washing the PCB, ensure that water does not make contact
with the microphone port. Do not use blow-off procedures and
ultrasonic cleaning.
Rev. A | Page 13 of 16
ADMP521 Data Sheet
RELIABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
The microphone sensitivity after stress must deviate by no more than 3 dB from the initial value.
Table 7.
Stress Test Description
Low Temperature Operating Life −40°C, 1000 hours, powered
High Temperature Operating Life +125°C, 1000 hours, powered
Temperature Humidity Bias (THB) +85°C/85% relative humidity (RH), 1000 hours, powered
Temperature Cycle −40°C/+125°C, one cycle per hour, 1000 cycles
High Temperature Storage 150°C, 1000 hours
Low Temperature Storage −40°C, 1000 hours
Rev. A | Page 14 of 16
Data Sheet ADMP521
04-19-2012-G
1.50
2.80
BOTTOM VIEW
TOP VIEW
SIDE VIEW
REFERENCE
CORNER
4.10
4.00
3.90
3.10
3.00
2.90
12
3
45
0.90
2.48
REF
0.72 REF
3.54 REF
1.05 REF
2.05
3.80
0.70
0.30 REF
0.25 DIA.
(THRU HOLE )
1.10 DIA.
R 0.10 (2 ×)
1.70 DIA.
0.95 REF
0.35
0.35
0.30 REF
0.30 REF
1.10
1.00
0.90
0.24 REF
0.40 × 0.60
(Pins 1, 2, 4, 5)
0.30 REF
PIN 1
ADMP521ACEZ-RL7
−40°C to +85°C
5-Terminal LGA_CAV, 7” Tape and Reel
CE-5-1
1,000
OUTLINE DIMENSIONS
Figure 19. 5-Terminal Chip Array Small Outline No Lead Cavity [LGA_CAV]
4 mm × 3 mm Body
(CE-5-1)
Dimensions shown in millimeters
ORDERING GUIDE
Model1 Temperature Range Package Description Package Option2 Ordering Quantity
ADMP521ACEZ-RL −40°C to +85°C 5-Terminal LGA_CAV, 13” Tape and Reel CE-5-1 5,000