Knowles Acoustics, the leading provider of microacoustic technology, and austriamicrosystems, one of the leading analog semiconductor designers and manufacturers, today announced they have signed a strategic agreement detailing their shared vision for the advancement of surface mount microphone technology. As part of the agreement, austriamicrosystems will be a preferred silicon provider for Knowles Acoustics’ SiSonic microphone.

The SiSonic™ microphone takes advantage of semiconductor manufacturing processes that result in a robust microphone that yields a high degree of repeatability, stable acoustic performance, and flexibility for future design enhancements. SiSonic microphones are ideally suited for high volume applications associated with automatic pick-n-place surface mounting such as Cell Phones and PDAs.

"austriamicrosystems is one of the few semiconductor suppliers with unique capability to meet our demanding requirements," stated Jeff Niew, Vice President and General Manager of Knowles Acoustics. "With the record-breaking growth in consumer electronics products, securing partners who can accommodate this expansion is a critical factor in the success of our SiSonic microphone."

With over 20 years experience in chip design and fabrication, austriamicrosystems delivers highly competitive integrated analog and mixed signal solutions worldwide. austriamicrosystems is strongly positioned in the analog semiconductor market providing industry-leading design capabilities and well-established RF CMOS, high-voltage CMOS and BiCMOS processes.
"Knowles' global presence and emergence as the leading provider of MEMS acoustic components make them a strong partner," said John Heugle, Chief Executive Officer at austriamicrosystems. "The analog expertise and process know-how we offer and Knowles' acoustic heritage are a powerful combination. Together we are well-positioned to meet the worldwide surge in MEMS microphone technology."

About Knowles Acoustics
Knowles Acoustics is a division of Knowles Electronics LLC, the world leader in microacoustic technology for the Hearing Health Industry. Leveraging the company's heritage of 50 plus years supplying acoustic expertise, Knowles Acoustics has expanded this capability to new markets and customers. Knowles is a leading supplier of acoustic interface solutions, specifically surface mount microphones, subminiature transducers, and speech enhancing software. For more information visit Knowles Acoustics’ website at www.knowlesacoustics.com or call 1-630-250-5935.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, combining more than 20 years of analog design capabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces, portable audio and car access through its business units Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and Full Service Foundry. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).