With the rapid advancement of intelligent vehicles and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the demand for high-performance environmental sensing continues to grow. Solid State System Co., Ltd. (3S) has successfully developed an IP69K-rated exterior MEMS microphone module, achieving a key technological breakthrough in acoustic design under high-pressure water exposure. The product has completed validation testing and is currently undergoing further optimization toward automotive-grade mass production.

Exterior sensing components must operate reliably under harsh conditions such as rain, dust, mud, and high-pressure water jets. Among these, IP69K high-temperature, high-pressure water jet testing presents a significant challenge for acoustic devices. In conventional designs, direct exposure to high-pressure water can compromise microphone reliability due to mechanical impact. Conversely, reinforcing protective structures often increases acoustic impedance, leading to degraded frequency response. Striking a balance between acoustic performance and extreme environmental protection has long been a critical industry challenge.

Through industry–academia collaboration, Solid State System has integrated advanced acoustic design with mechanical engineering expertise to develop an innovative structural solution, for which related patents have been filed. This design maintains excellent frequency response while effectively mitigating direct impact from high-pressure water jets at the acoustic inlet, ensuring long-term reliability in exterior automotive environments. This breakthrough positions Solid State System as the only solution provider globally capable of meeting both IP69K protection standards and stringent acoustic performance requirements simultaneously.

As vehicle sensing technologies continue to evolve, MEMS microphones are rapidly expanding beyond traditional voice and in-cabin communication applications into high-growth areas such as exterior acoustic sensing, ultrasonic distance measurement, and environmental perception. These technologies are also extending into robotics, medical, and industrial automation markets. Solid State System is currently collaborating with leading global automotive semiconductor companies and Tier-1 suppliers to advance the adoption of MEMS microphones in exterior ultrasonic sensing systems. The module is well-suited for applications including smart parking, distance detection, and environmental sensing, offering strong system integration potential.

Solid State System stated that it has established differentiated core technologies and continues to drive product optimization and mass production readiness, positioning itself to capture emerging opportunities in next-generation high-precision sensing markets. In response to rapidly growing demand, the company is actively seeking strategic partnerships with global semiconductor and automotive industry players to accelerate commercialization and expand its global footprint—creating long-term value together with its partners and investors.