Earbuds

[David_Thomas]

Hi Team,

I came across the LSM6DSV16BX, which seems suitable for sports earbuds. Are there any compact earbud-style development boards or hearable devices available on the market?

[Andrew Neil]

I would rather doubt it.

The whole point of development boards is easy access for development - which would be pretty much precluded by an earbud-style form factor!

[David_Thomas]

Thank you for your response.

I completely understand the challenge of combining development accessibility with an earbud-style form factor. That said, I was wondering if there are any compact reference designs, demo boards, or third-party hearable platforms (even if not fully earbud-sized) that showcase the LSM6DSV16BX or similar IMUs optimized for wearable/hearable applications.

Even suggestions of low-profile or partially integrated form factors would be very helpful.

[Federica Bossi]

Hi @David_Thomas ,

To optimally simulate the earbuds system, it is recommended to use the STEVAL-MKI237KA, as it allows the use of both boards available. With the smaller of the two boards that comprise the STEVAL-MKI237KA, it is possible to effectively simulate the presence of an earbud. Using the MEMS Studio software, you can acquire the values read by the sensor and reconstruct the captured audio signal.

The STEVAL-MKI237KA consists of two boards that can be connected and interfaced with using the STEVAL-MKI109V3 and the STEVAL-MKIGI06A interface board.

There are two different boards inside the STEVAL-MKI237KA. One can be used as a standard application board, and a small adapter can be placed inside the earphone to verify the bone conduction feature. This small electrode flex connector can be used as a concept for the application.