A Low-Frequency Multi-Band Piezoelectric MEMS Acoustic Sensor Inspired by <i>Ormia ochracea</i>

Since the discovery of the unique auditory system of the <i>Ormia ochracea</i> fly, researchers have designed various directional acoustic sensors inspired by its principles. However, most of these sensors operate only within a single- or dual-frequency band and typically exhibit high ei...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yi Liu, Liye Zhao, Xukai Ding
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Micromachines
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/4/451
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Summary:Since the discovery of the unique auditory system of the <i>Ormia ochracea</i> fly, researchers have designed various directional acoustic sensors inspired by its principles. However, most of these sensors operate only within a single- or dual-frequency band and typically exhibit high eigenfrequencies, making them unsuitable for low-frequency applications. This paper proposes a low-frequency, multi-band piezoelectric MEMS acoustic sensor that incorporates an improved coupling structure within the inner diaphragm to enable low-frequency signal detection in a compact design. Additionally, an asymmetric wing and coupled structure are introduced in both the inner and outer diaphragms to achieve multi-band frequency response. Aluminum nitride (AlN), a material with low dielectric and acoustic losses, is selected as the piezoelectric material. The sensor operates in the d₃₃ mode and employs a branched comb-like interdigitated electrode design to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Simulation results demonstrate that the four eigenfrequencies of the sensor are evenly distributed below 2000 Hz, and at all eigenfrequencies, the sensor exhibits a consistent cosine response to variations in the incident elevation angle of the sound source.
ISSN:2072-666X