Abstract

GORE® Acoustic Vents protect electronic devices from liquid and particulate ingress while enabling sound to reach the MEMS microphone with minimal degradation. Selecting the right acoustic vent for an electronic device requires a balance between the level of protection the vent supplies, and what the vent contributes to the overall sound performance of the acoustic system. This involves balancing requirements within an available design space, optimizing acoustic performance, and ensuring the device is fully protected against every environmental challenge it is likely to face.

The acoustic components, their position, and the spacing of the acoustic vent all affect sound performance. The level of protection depends on the vent (e. g. membrane, stack-up, etc.), and how it interacts with the housing and other components. This guide explains how the right approach to acoustic design can help you ensure the best possible balance of protection and acoustic performance for your device. 

Intended audience

These guidelines are intended to help acoustic engineers, product designers, and mechanical engineers to reduce or eliminate any issues that might occur when including acoustic vents in smartphones, watches, hearables, radios, or other electronic devices.

Table of Contents

  • Design and functional requirements
  • Typical acoustic system
  • Acoustic channel design and acoustic performance
  • Vent design
  • Tradeoffs in acoustic vent parameters
  • Vent design process
  • Design recommendations with GORE® Acoustic Vents

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FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.