Cloud-based multiphysics simulation for MEMS micro speaker design and development
USound GmbH is developing MEMS miniature piezoelectric speakers. These speakers offer smaller form factors, low heat generation, and improved linearity. However, production is expensive and time-consuming. A HPC solution is implemented, offering more detailed geometry and faster development.
Start date: 01/11/2015
Duration in months: 18
Problem Description
Improved multi-physics simulation tools are needed in MEMS development as an alternative to physical prototypes for predicting the acoustic performance of the speaker and to reduce the number of production runs needed.
Goals
New services
Challenges
USound's in-house simulation has been used to predict the SPL produced. This approach has some restrictions due to limited computational power available. The calculation time for this model is 10 to 20 hours, which slows down the development process and does not allow fast development studies.
Innovation results
A HPC solution using COMSOL Multiphysics's native user interface was adapted to run on the HLRS cluster system, using a more detailed geometry without compromises and analyzing acoustical losses with thermos-viscous methods.
Business impact
USound's next-generation speaker development will be 50% faster using these new methods. This will allow USound to gain market share and promptly respond to customer needs. €400k and years of development can be saved by halving the prototyping runs using HPC simulations.