This is a Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) chip that, according to the company, sets a new benchmark for performance and edge AI compute efficiency. This chip delivers exceptional noise suppression, handling challenging environments like strong windy conditions and noisy industrial settings with a single microphone while consuming just 150μA.
Designed with an ultra-compact silicon die, it can be integrated into a microphone package, saving PCB space, making it suitable for space-constrained applications.
In addition, its software-free design enables seamless and rapid integration of ENC functionality into any edge devices. Integrated with established microphone developer ZillTek's AI digital microphone, PIMIC will showcase Clarity NC100 silicon samples at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
"Developed with the latest advancements in Deep Neural Networks and PIMIC's innovative PIM (Processing-In-Memory) silicon architecture, the NC100 chip is a major breakthrough in noise cancellation technology," said Subi Krishnamurthy, Founder and CEO of PIMIC. "It eliminates even the most challenging background noise, excelling in single-microphone setups where traditional DSP solutions fall short. Clarity NC100 opens new market opportunities by overcoming constraints of size, power, and cost, redefining noise cancellation across industries."
Unlike traditional multi-microphone noise cancellation systems, PIMIC's Clarity NC100 chip delivers enhanced noise suppression using a single microphone. This approach eliminates the need for complex multi-microphone setups, reducing system costs, power consumption, and integration challenges. The result is a clear audio experience for noisy environments across diverse applications.
Target markets and applications for PIMIC's Clarity NC100 chip include:
Gaming Headsets: Delivering clear in-game communication, even in chaotic settings.
Surveillance Cameras: Enhancing audio quality to capture critical sound details in noisy outdoor conditions.
Industrial Environments and Airfields: Improving communication clarity where loud ambient noise is unavoidable.
Edge and Wearable Markets: Enabling effective noise cancellation in space-constrained, battery-powered devices.
Robotics: Suppresses environmental noise while preserving human voices, ensuring clear communication for remote monitoring, telepresence, or public-facing robots in noisy environments.
ZillTek, a prominent microphone manufacturer and an early adopter of Clarity NC100, is set to integrate Clarity NC100 inside of their microphone with samples available in Q1, 2025.
"We are excited to integrate PIMIC's Clarity NC100 chip into our advanced microphone solutions," said Joshua Yeh, CTO at ZillTek. "This collaboration enables us to deliver an AI digital microphone with environmental noise cancellation that sets a new benchmark for audio clarity, efficiency, and compact design. Together with PIMIC, we are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in smart AI microphone technology."
According to Yole Group the MEMS microphone sensor market for consumer applications is set to reach nearly $1.2 billion by 2029, with a 3% CAGR from 2023 to 2029.
