Smart microphone sensor system platform

A platform for a flexible, smart microphone system using available hardware components is presented. Three subsystems are employed, specifically: (a) a set of digital MEMs microphones, with a one-bit serial output; (b) a preprocessing/digital-to-digital converter; and (c) a CPU/DSP-based embedded system with I2S connectivity. Basic preprocessing functions, such as noise gating and filtering can be performed in the preprocessing stage, while application-specific algorithms such as word spotting, beam-forming, and reverberation suppression can be handled by the embedded system. Widely used high-level operating systems are supported including drivers for a number of peripheral devices. Finally, an employment scenario for a wireless home automation speech activated front-end sensor system using the platform is analyzed.