Patent Description:
<FIG> illustrates a hearing aid <NUM> that includes a shell <NUM>, a tube <NUM> and an ear piece <NUM>. The shell <NUM> includes a battery <NUM>, a microphone <NUM> and a speaker <NUM>. The shell <NUM> encapsulates the battery <NUM>, the microphone <NUM> and the speaker <NUM>. The shell <NUM> is coupled to the tube <NUM>. The tube <NUM> is coupled to the ear piece <NUM>. An ear (e.g., human ear) includes an outer ear, a middle ear and an inner ear. The outer ear includes an ear canal, an auricle and a lobe. The ear piece <NUM> is designed to fit into the ear canal of an ear. The shell <NUM> and the tube <NUM> are positioned outside of the ear. For example, the shell <NUM> may be positioned behind the auricle of the outer ear.

The hearing aid <NUM> operates by using the microphone <NUM> to pick out sounds. The speaker <NUM> then emits the sounds through the tube <NUM> and to the ear piece <NUM>. The sound coming out of the ear piece <NUM> then travels through the ear canal, to the middle ear and the inner ear. The battery <NUM> provides the power to operate the microphone <NUM> and the speaker <NUM>. Once the battery <NUM> runs low or is out of power, the battery <NUM> is replaced with another battery.

There are many drawbacks to the hearing aid <NUM>. One, the hearing aid <NUM> has limited functionality. Another, the design of the hearing aid <NUM> is such that it is fits awkwardly outside of the ear. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for better hearable devices with better form factors, and more functionalities and capabilities.

<CIT> describes A circuit module comprising: a base element integrated circuit having at least two major surfaces and comprising a first and a second set of contacts; a support element integrated circuit having at least two major surfaces and comprising a first and a second set of contacts, the base element integrated circuit and the support element integrated circuit being in a stacked disposition relative to each other; a flex circuit comprising a first conductive layer disposed at a first conductive layer level of the flex circuit and a second conductive layer disposed at a second conductive layer of the flex circuit, between which levels is an intermediate layer, the first conductive layer level having base element flex contacts and the second conductive layer level having support element flex contacts, the base element flex contacts at the first conductive layer level being in contact with the first and second sets of contacts of the base element integrated circuit and the support element flex contacts at the second conductive layer level being in contact with the first and second sets of contacts of the support element integrated circuit.

<CIT> describes hearing assistance device for a user, device comprising: a housing; a battery disposed in the housing; a substrate disposed in the housing, the substrate adapted to conform around the battery; and hearing assistance electronics mounted to the substrate.

<CIT> describes a hearing assistance device for an ear of a wearer comprising a microphone for receiving sound, hearing assistance electronics in communications with the microphone, the hearing assistance electronics including a hybrid circuit, and a wearable housing adapted to house at least the hearing assistance electronics. The hybrid circuit comprises a first integrated circuit die having one or more through-silicon-vias (TSVs), a first redistribution layer disposed on a surface of the first integrated circuit, and a second integrated circuit die having one or more contacts, the second integrated circuit die disposed on the first redistribution layer, wherein the first redistribution layer is adapted to connect one or more of the one or more TSVs of the first integrated circuit die to one or more of the one or more contacts of the second integrated circuit die.

<CIT> describes a circuit assembly, comprising: a printed circuit board assembly, comprising: a first circuit board; a second circuit board; a first flexible substrate interposed between, and continuous with, the first circuit board and the second circuit board; and a second flexible substrate extending from, and continuous with, the second circuit board; one or more electronic circuits disposed along one or more of the first circuit board or the second circuit board; and a battery to power the one or more electronic circuits, the battery comprising a first major face, a second major face, and one or more side faces; the printed circuit board assembly folded about the battery with the first circuit board adjacent to the first major face, the second circuit board adjacent to the second major face, and the first flexible substrate spanning the one or more side faces.

Various features relate generally to a hearable device, and more specifically to a hearable device that includes an integrated device and wireless functionality.

Features of some embodiments are recited in dependent claims.

Examples presented herein that do not, by themselves, include all features of the independent claims do not, by themselves, represent the invention defined by the independent claims. Such examples might assist the reader in understanding or implementing the invention defined by the independent claims.

Various features, nature and advantages may become apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the aspects may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order to avoid obscuring the aspects in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the aspects of the disclosure.

Some features pertain a hearable device that includes a board, a first integrated device coupled to the board, a speaker coupled to the first integrated device, a microphone coupled to the first integrated device and a power source configured to provide power to the first integrated device, the speaker and the microphone. The hearable device has a length of about <NUM> centimeter (cm) or less, and a diameter of about <NUM> centimeter (cm) or less. The first integrated device includes a processor. The first integrated device may include a low power processor configured to operate with <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts of processor power consumption. The hearable device further includes a flex board coupled to the board (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB)). The hearable device further includes another integrated device configured to provide wireless communication capabilities. The hearable device further includes a coil and a wireless charging circuit to enable wireless charging of the power source. The hearable device includes another integrated device configured to provide compression/decompression (CODEC) functionality.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a hearable device <NUM> that includes several functionalities and capabilities. The hearable device <NUM> includes a first board <NUM>, a second board <NUM>, a third board <NUM>, a flex board <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, a first integrated device <NUM>, a speaker <NUM>, a microphone <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, a second integrated device <NUM> and an encapsulant <NUM>. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may have a length of about <NUM> centimeter (cm) or less, and a diameter of about <NUM> centimeter (cm) or less. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> is small enough to substantially fit in the ear canal of the outer ear. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may be positioned in the ear such that the microphone <NUM> faces outwards and the speaker <NUM> faces the inner ear.

The flex board <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or any flexible board. The flex board <NUM> is coupled to the first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM> and the third board <NUM>. The flex board <NUM> may include one or more flex boards. The first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM> and the third board <NUM> may each include a printed circuit board (PCB). The power source <NUM> may be a means for providing power (e.g., battery) to one or more components of the hearable device <NUM>. The first board <NUM> is coupled to a first portion of the flex board <NUM>. The second board <NUM> is coupled to a second portion of the flex board <NUM>. The third board <NUM> is coupled to a third portion of the flex board <NUM>. A board (e.g., first board <NUM>, flex board <NUM>) includes one or more interconnects that are configured to provide one or more electrical paths between two or more points or components. A board may include one or more dielectric layers (e.g., polyimide layer) that at least partially encapsulate the interconnects. In some implementations, interconnects are formed between two dielectric layers of the board. A board may include a substrate (e.g., silicon substrate) that is sufficiently thin to be flexible.

As shown in <FIG>, the flex board <NUM> is at least partially wrapped around the power source <NUM> (e.g., around a length and/or periphery of the power source <NUM>). The first board <NUM> and the second board <NUM> are positioned along the length of the power source <NUM>. The third board <NUM> is positioned over a top portion of the power source <NUM>. The microphone <NUM> (e.g., means for detecting a sound wave) is coupled to the third board <NUM>. The first integrated device <NUM> is coupled to the first board <NUM>. The first integrated device <NUM> may include a processor (e.g., low power processor, central processing unit (CPU)). The first integrated device <NUM> may include a System in Package (SiP) that is configured to provide several functionalities. In some implementations, a System in Package (SiP) may be a package with multiple chips, actives and passive components packaged inside of a single package to reduce foot print by either stacking and/or reducing the spacing between components and/or tighter line and space design rules. The speaker <NUM> (e.g., means for generating a sound wave) may be coupled to the first board <NUM>.

The second integrated device <NUM> is coupled to the second board <NUM>. The second integrated device <NUM> may include a compression/decompression (CODEC) device for providing compression/decompression (CODEC) functionality (e.g., means for providing compression/decompression (CODEC) functionality). An example of CODEC functionality is audio CODEC functionality.

Although not shown in <FIG>, the hearable device <NUM> may include other integrated devices that may be configured to provide different functionalities and capabilities. For example, in some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may include an integrated device that is configured to provide wireless communication (e.g., means for wireless communication), such as Bluetooth wireless communication. In some implementations, the wireless communication may be implemented as a separate integrated device or as part or another integrated device in the hearable device <NUM>. In some implementations, some or all of the functionalities of the hearable device are implemented in a single integrated device (e.g., SiP that includes several chips).

<FIG> illustrates the coil <NUM> wrapped around the power source <NUM>, part of the flex board <NUM>, the first board <NUM> and the second board <NUM>. The coil <NUM> may wrap around the power source <NUM>, part of the flex board <NUM>, the first board <NUM> and the second board <NUM> in a solenoid pattern or spring pattern. The coil <NUM> may be a wireless charging coil. The coil <NUM> may be coupled to the power source <NUM> and a wireless charging circuit. The coil <NUM> and the wireless charging circuit are configured to enable wireless charging of the power source <NUM>. The wireless charging circuit may be a separate integrated device or may be part of another integrated device (e.g., first integrated device <NUM>). In some implementations, a means for wireless charging may include the coil <NUM> and the wireless charging circuit.

In some implementations, the flex board <NUM> is configured in such a way as to enable electrical paths (e.g., electrical connections) between, the power source <NUM>, the first integrated device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, the microphone <NUM>, the coil <NUM>, the second integrated device <NUM>, and/or any other components (e.g., passive device) described in the disclosure, while keeping the form factor of the hearable device <NUM> as small and compact as possible.

<FIG> illustrates the encapsulant <NUM> encapsulating the first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM>, the third board <NUM>, the flex board <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, the first integrated device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, the microphone <NUM>, the coil <NUM>, and the second integrated device <NUM>. Different implementations may use different materials for the encapsulant <NUM>. The encapsulant <NUM> may include material that is malleable so as the encapsulant <NUM> can substantially take the shape of the ear canal when the hearable device <NUM> is positioned in the ear canal. In some implementations, the encapsulant <NUM> may include one or more cavities <NUM> near the speaker <NUM>. In some implementations, the cavities <NUM> travel through the encapsulant <NUM> and can be configured as wave guides for the speaker <NUM>. That is, the cavities <NUM> may allow sound waves generated by the speaker <NUM> to pass through the encapsulant <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary view of the hearable device <NUM> unfolded. The view of <FIG> is across the line AA of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the hearable device <NUM> includes the first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM>, the third board <NUM>, the flex board <NUM>, the first integrated device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, the microphone <NUM> and the second integrated device <NUM>. The hearable device <NUM> also includes the second integrated device <NUM> and a third integrated device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates that the hearable device <NUM> includes the flex board <NUM> (e.g., first flex board) and the flex board <NUM> (e.g., second flex board). In some implementations, the flex board <NUM> and the flex board <NUM> are the same flex board.

The second integrated device <NUM> and the third integrated device <NUM> are coupled to the second board <NUM>. In some implementations, the second integrated device <NUM> is a compression/decompression (CODEC) device that is configured for providing compression/decompression (CODEC) functionality (e.g., means for providing compression/decompression (CODEC) functionality). An example of CODEC functionality is audio CODEC functionality. In some implementations, the third integrated device <NUM> is configured to provide power management (e.g., means for power management). An example of power management includes voltage regulation. It is noted that in some implementations, the functionalities of the second integrated device <NUM> and the third integrated device <NUM> may be implemented in a same integrated device. For example, in some implementations, the functionalities of the second integrated device <NUM> and the third integrated device <NUM> may be implemented in the first integrated device <NUM>.

In some implementations, integrating diverse functionalities into the hearable device faces two major challenges. First, the desire to fit the device into the ear canal imposes drastic form factor (e.g., volume) constraint. The hearable device needs to be small enough to fit within the ear canal and a large fraction or percentage of the volume needs to be dedicated to the power source (e.g., battery). This requires that the volume of the electronics (chips, passives, flexible PCB, components) need to be minimized through advanced packaging techniques such as using System in Package (SiP) design that includes stacking and integrating multiple chips and components into each individual package. This reduces parasitic losses and power needed to energy long traces on printed circuit boards. An example of such an integrated device (e.g., SiP) is illustrated and described in <FIG> below.

Second, even though a majority of the form factor in the hearable device <NUM> may be dedicated to the power source <NUM> (e.g., battery), the size of the battery is quite small. In some implementations, the integration of various chips and their functionalities needs to be carefully selected to reduce the amount of power drawn from the power source <NUM> (e.g., battery) in order to provide adequate battery life. Two exemplary areas of focus for reducing power is to use ultra-low power logic processors and ultra-lower power radios. For example, in some implementations, processors based on advanced node Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) such as <NUM> nanometer (nm) low power (LP) or <NUM> Fully Depleted Silicon on Insulator (FD-SOI) technology that enable ultra-lower power processors with <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts of processor power consumption while supporting always-on functionality may be used in the hearable device <NUM> or any of the hearable devices described in the disclosure. Additionally, the availability of a low power processor (e.g., ultra-low power processor) within the hearable device <NUM> enables data processing and signal processing to happen locally. The eliminates the power consumption of transmitting data from the hearable device to a secondary device such as smart phone. With availability of a local ultra-low power processor most of the signal processing is done locally and only a small fraction of data is transmitted to the secondary device (e.g., phone). Furthermore data transmission is done through radios designed at similarly ultra-low power advanced node CMOS are desired to keep leakage current draw to a minimum, have low power (e.g., sub-microWatt) wake-up circuits to support useful battery life. Thus, in some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may include one or more processors that draws about <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts of power (e.g., processor power) and locally processes at least most of the audio data (e.g., audio CODEC). In some implementations, an ultra low power processor or a low power processor may be configured to use about <NUM> milli-Watts of power of less (<NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts). In some implementations, one or more of the lower power processors described in the disclosure may operate at a clock rate or clock speed of about <NUM>-<NUM> megahertz (Mhz).

It is noted that different implementations may include different numbers of integrated devices coupled to the first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM> and/or the third board <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> are merely examples of a configuration of a hearable device. For example, the speaker <NUM> may be coupled to the second board <NUM> instead of the first board <NUM> in some implementations. The flex board <NUM> and the flex board <NUM> are flexible (e.g., bendable) such that the first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM> and/or the third board <NUM> can be at least partially wrapped around the power source <NUM>. In some implementations, at least one flex board (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) has a bend radius of <NUM> millimeters (mm) or less. In some implementations, at least one flex board (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) may be flexible in such a way that the flex board can bend by at least <NUM> degrees or more (e.g., <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). In some implementations, the flex board(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) allows the hearable device <NUM> to have a small form factor (e.g., volume) by allowing components to wrap around the power source <NUM> thereby saving a lot of space.

Different implementations may use components that take up different real estate or footprint. For example, an integrated device may take up about <NUM> square millimeters (mm). A component (e.g., surface mounted technology (SMT) component) may take up about <NUM>-<NUM> square millimeters (mm). As shown in <FIG>, the first board <NUM> may have a size of about <NUM> square millimeters (mm) or less, and the second board <NUM> may have a size of about <NUM> square millimeters (mm) or less. However, different implementations may use boards (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) with different sizes. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> comprises a length of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters), and a diameter of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters) or a width and height (W x H) that is similar to about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters).

Different implementations of a hearable device may have different designs, configurations, and/or components. For example, different components (e.g., SMT components, passive devices) may be coupled to the boards. Below are further examples of hearable devices.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate views of a hearable device <NUM>. The hearable device <NUM> is similar to the hearable device <NUM>, but with a different design. The hearable device <NUM> may have the same or different functionalities as the hearable device <NUM>. The hearable device <NUM> is shown without the encapsulant <NUM>. However, in some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may include the encapsulant <NUM>. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may have a length of about <NUM> centimeter (cm) or less, and a diameter of about <NUM> centimeter (cm) or less. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> is small enough to substantially fit in the ear canal of the outer ear. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may have similar dimensions as the hearable device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hearable device <NUM> includes the first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM>, the flex board <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, the first integrated device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, the microphone <NUM>, the coil <NUM>, and the second integrated device <NUM>.

The first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM>, the flex board <NUM>, the first integrated device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, the microphone <NUM>, the coil <NUM>, and the second integrated device <NUM> are all located on one side of the power source <NUM>. The first board <NUM> may be coupled to a first side of the flex board <NUM>. The second board <NUM> may be coupled a second side of the flex board <NUM>.

The first integrated device <NUM> and/or the second integrated device <NUM> may be low power consumption processors, as described in <FIG>. Thus, in some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may include one or more processors that draws about <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts of power (e.g., processor power) and locally processes at least most of the audio data (e.g., audio CODEC). In some implementations, an ultra low power processor or a low power processor may be configured to use about <NUM> milli-Watts of power of less (<NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts). In some implementations, one or more of the lower power processors described in the disclosure may operate at a clock rate or clock speed of about <NUM>-<NUM> megahertz (Mhz).

The coil <NUM> is formed such that the coil <NUM> surrounds the first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM>, the flex board <NUM> and the microphone <NUM>.

The speaker <NUM>, the microphone <NUM> and the power source <NUM> are coupled to the flex board <NUM>. The flex board <NUM> is coupled to the first board <NUM> and the second board <NUM>. The first integrated device <NUM> and the second integrated device <NUM> are coupled to the first board <NUM>. In some implementations, the speaker <NUM>, the microphone <NUM> and/or the power source <NUM> may be coupled to the first board <NUM> and/or the second board <NUM>.

The hearable device <NUM> may include other components and/or devices as described for the hearable device <NUM>. These other components and/or devices (e.g., passive device, wireless communication device, CODEC device) may be coupled to the first board <NUM>, the second board <NUM> and/or the flex board <NUM>. These and other functionalities may be implemented in a single integrated device (e.g., SiP) or two or more integrated devices. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> comprises a length of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters), and a diameter of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters) or a width and depth that is similar to about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters).

<FIG> illustrates a view of a hearable device <NUM>. The hearable device <NUM> is similar to the hearable device <NUM>, but with a different design. The hearable device <NUM> may have the same or different functionalities as the hearable device <NUM>. The hearable device <NUM> is shown without the encapsulant <NUM>. However, in some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may include the encapsulant <NUM>. In some implementations in accordance with the independent claims, the hearable device <NUM> has a length of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters), and a diameter of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters). In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> is small enough to substantially fit in the ear canal of the outer ear.

As shown in <FIG>, the hearable device <NUM> includes a first board <NUM>, a second board <NUM>, a third board <NUM>, a first flex board <NUM>, a second flex board <NUM>, a third flex board <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, a first integrated device <NUM>, a second integrated device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM> and the microphone <NUM>.

The first board <NUM> is coupled to the first flex board <NUM>. The first flex board <NUM> is coupled to the second board <NUM>. The second board <NUM> is coupled to the second flex board <NUM> and the third flex board <NUM>. The second flex board <NUM> and the third flex board <NUM> are coupled to the third board <NUM>. The flex board(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are flexible (e.g., bendable) such that the flex board(s) (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are at least partially wrapped around the power source <NUM>. In some implementations, at least one flex board (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) has a bend radius of <NUM> millimeters (mm) or less. In some implementations, at least one flex board (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may be flexible in such a way that the flex board can bend by at least <NUM> degrees or more (e.g., <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). In some implementations, the flex board(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) allows the hearable device <NUM> to have small form factor (e.g., volume) by allowing components to wrap around the power source <NUM> thereby saving a lot of space.

The power source <NUM> includes a plurality of button cell batteries. The power source <NUM> is coupled to the second board <NUM>, the first flex board <NUM> and the second flex board <NUM>. In some implementations, the first flex board <NUM> and the second flex board <NUM> at least partially wrap around the power source <NUM>.

The speaker <NUM> is coupled to the first board <NUM>. The first integrated device <NUM> is coupled to the third board <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first integrated device <NUM> is located underneath the third board <NUM>. However, the first integrated device <NUM> may be located in different locations. The first integrated device <NUM> may include a System in Package (SiP) that includes various functionalities. The first integrated device <NUM> may for example include a processor and/or a memory. The first integrated device <NUM> includes a communication device (e.g., Bluetooth device). The microphone <NUM> and the second integrated device <NUM> are coupled to the third board <NUM>. The second integrated device <NUM> may include various functionalities, CODEC and/or power management. It is noted that in some implementations, the functionalities of the first integrated device <NUM> and the second integrated device <NUM> may be implemented in a same integrated device. Other components (e.g., passive device) may also be coupled to the boards.

As shown in <FIG>, the first integrated device <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeters (mm) x <NUM> millimeters (mm) x <NUM> millimeters (mm), or less. The power source <NUM> (e.g., battery) is about <NUM> millimeters (mm) x <NUM> millimeters (mm), or less. However, different implementations may use components with different dimensions. It is noted that the hearable device <NUM> may be modified to include other components and/or functionalities as described for the other hearable devices in the present disclosure.

Various integrated devices (e.g., first integrated device <NUM>, second integrated device <NUM>, first integrated device <NUM>, second integrated device <NUM>) are described in the present disclosure. These integrated devices may be implemented in any of the hearable devices described in the present disclosure. These integrated devices may also include different functionalities and/or capabilities. An integrated device may include a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit, a die, an interposer, a package or package-on-package (PoP), and/or a System-in-Package (SiP).

<FIG> illustrates an example of an integrated device <NUM> that may be implemented in a hearable device of the present disclosure. For example, the integrated device <NUM> may be implemented as the first integrated device <NUM>, the second integrated device <NUM>, the first integrated device <NUM>, and/ or the second integrated device <NUM>. The integrated device <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM>, a first die <NUM>, a second die <NUM>, a third die <NUM>, a spacer <NUM> and an encapsulation layer <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> includes one or more dielectric layers <NUM> and a plurality of interconnects <NUM>. A plurality of solder interconnects <NUM> (e.g., solder balls) is coupled to the plurality of interconnects <NUM>.

The first die <NUM> is coupled to the substrate <NUM>. The second die <NUM> is coupled (e.g., mounted over) the first die <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> is coupled to the second die <NUM>. The third die <NUM> is coupled (e.g., mounted over) the spacer <NUM>. The second die <NUM> is electrically coupled to the substrate <NUM> through a plurality of first wire bonds <NUM>. The third die <NUM> is electrically coupled to the substrate <NUM> through a plurality of second wire bonds <NUM>.

The encapsulation layer <NUM> at least partially encapsulates the first die <NUM>, the second die <NUM>, the third die <NUM> and the spacer <NUM>. The encapsulation layer <NUM> may include a mold compound, an epoxy fill and/or a resin. <FIG> is merely an example of an integrated device. Different implementations may use integrated devices with different configurations and arrangements.

The first die <NUM> includes a processor. The second die <NUM> includes a Bluetooth communication device. The third die <NUM> includes a memory device. However, different implementations may have dies with different configurations and/or functionalities. For example, a die may include a wireless charging functionality, near field communication (NFC) functionality and/or a CODEC functionality.

In some implementations, the integrated device <NUM> has dimensions of about <NUM> millimeters (mm) x <NUM> millimeters (mm) x <NUM> millimeters (mm), or less. In some implementations, the integrated device <NUM> is configured to use ultra-low power logic processors and ultra-lower power radios. For example, in some implementations, processors based on advanced node CMOS such as <NUM> LP or <NUM> FD-SOI technology that enable ultra-lower power processors with <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts of processor power consumption while supporting always-on functionality may be used for the integrated device <NUM>. An example of a transistor for an low power processor is illustrated an described below in <FIG>.

Additionally, the availability of a ultra-low power processor within the hearable device enables data processing and signal processing to happen locally. The eliminates the power consumption of transmitting data from the hearable device to a secondary device such as smart phone. With availability of a local ultra-low power processor most of the signal processing is done locally and only a small fraction of data is transmitted to the secondary device (e.g., phone). Furthermore data transmission is done through radios designed at similarly ultra-low power advanced node CMOS are desired to keep leakage current draw to a minimum, have low power (sub-microWatt) wake-up circuits to support useful battery life. Thus, in some implementations, the second integrated device <NUM> may include one or more processors that draws about <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts of power (e.g., processor power) and locally processes at least most of the audio data (e.g., audio CODEC). In some implementations, an ultra low power processor or a low power processor may be configured to use about <NUM> milli-Watts of power of less (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts).

<FIG> illustrates a profile view of a transistor <NUM> that may be implemented in a low power processor. For example, the transistor <NUM> may be implemented in the integrated device <NUM> of <FIG> and/or any other integrated devices described in the disclosure. The transistor <NUM> is an example of a transistor that uses a Fully Depleted Silicon on Insulator (FD-SOI) process.

As shown in <FIG>, the transistor <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM>, an oxide layer <NUM>, a source <NUM>, a drain <NUM>, a silicon layer <NUM>, and a gate <NUM>. The source <NUM> and the drain <NUM> is formed in the substrate <NUM>. In some implementations, the oxide layer <NUM> is a buried oxide in the substrate <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> may be a silicon. The silicon layer <NUM> may be a thin film silicon layer formed over the substrate <NUM>. The gate <NUM> is formed over the silicon layer <NUM>.

In some implementations, the transistor <NUM> enables a low power processor that uses about <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts of processor power consumption while supporting always-on functionality. In some implementations, such a low power processor may operate at a clock rate or clock speed of about <NUM>-<NUM> megahertz (MHz).

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate views of a hearable device <NUM>. The hearable device <NUM> is similar to the hearable device <NUM>, but with a different design. The hearable device <NUM> may have the same or different functionalities as the hearable device <NUM>. The hearable device <NUM> is shown without the encapsulant <NUM>. However, in some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may include the encapsulant <NUM>. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may have a length of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM> - <NUM>), and a diameter of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) or less (e.g., about <NUM> - <NUM>). However, different implementations may have different dimensions. In some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> is small enough to substantially fit in the ear canal of the outer ear.

The hearable device <NUM> includes a first board <NUM>, a second board <NUM>, a third board <NUM>, a fourth board <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, a first flex board <NUM>, a second flex board <NUM>, a third flex board <NUM>, a first integrated device <NUM>, a second integrated device <NUM>, a third integrated device <NUM>, one or more components <NUM> (e.g., surface mounted technology component), the speaker <NUM>, the microphone <NUM> and the coil <NUM>.

The first board <NUM> is coupled to the second board <NUM> through the first flex board <NUM>. The microphone <NUM> is coupled to the first board <NUM>. The one or more components <NUM> (e.g., passive device) are coupled to the second board <NUM>.

The third board <NUM> is coupled to the fourth board <NUM> through the second flex board <NUM> and the third flex board <NUM>. The third board <NUM>, the fourth board <NUM>, the second flex board <NUM> and the third flex board <NUM> at least partially surround the power source <NUM> and the power source <NUM>.

The flex board(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are flexible (e.g., bendable) such that the board(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can be at least partially wrapped around the power source <NUM>. In some implementations, at least one flex board (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) has a bend radius of <NUM> millimeters (mm) or less. In some implementations, at least one flex board (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may be flexible in such a way that the flex board can bend by at least <NUM> degrees or more (e.g., <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). In some implementations, the flex board(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) allows the hearable device <NUM> to have a small form factor (e.g., volume) by allowing components to wrap around the power source(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) thereby saving a lot of space.

The power source <NUM> and the power source <NUM> are configured to provide power to the first integrated device <NUM>, the second integrated device <NUM>, the third integrated device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM> and the microphone <NUM>.

The speaker <NUM> and the first integrated device <NUM> are coupled to the third board <NUM>. The second integrated device <NUM> and the third integrated device <NUM> are coupled to the fourth board <NUM>.

The coil <NUM> at least partially encapsulates the power source <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, the third board <NUM>, the fourth board <NUM>, the speaker <NUM> and/or the first integrated device <NUM>.

Different implementations may configure the integrated devices to perform different functions. In some implementations, the first integrated device <NUM> is configured to operate as a processor. In some implementations, the second integrated device <NUM> is configured to operate as a wireless communication device (e.g., Bluetooth communication device). In some implementations, the third integrated device <NUM> is configured to operate as a memory device (e.g., flash memory).

It is noted that in some implementations, the functionalities of the first integrated device <NUM>, the second integrated device <NUM> and/or the third integrated device <NUM> may be implemented in a same integrated device. The first integrated device <NUM>, the second integrated device <NUM> and/or the third integrated device <NUM> may be low power consumption processors, as described in <FIG>. Thus, in some implementations, the hearable device <NUM> may include one or more processors that draws about <NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts of power (e.g., processor power) and locally processes at least most of the audio data (e.g., audio CODEC). In some implementations, an ultra low power processor or a low power processor may be configured to use about <NUM> milli-Watts of power of less (<NUM>-<NUM> micro-Watts). In some implementations, one or more of the lower power processors described in the disclosure may operate at a clock rate or clock speed of about <NUM>-<NUM> megahertz (Mhz).

It is noted that the hearable device <NUM> may be modified to include other components and/or functionalities as described for the other hearable devices in the present disclosure.

It is noted that the various devices, components (e.g., SMT components, passive devices) and/or the integrated devices may be coupled to the board(s) (e.g., first board <NUM>, flex board <NUM>) differently. In some implementations, the devices, components, and/or the integrated devices may be coupled to the board(s) through a plurality of solder interconnects (e.g., solder balls, copper pillars and solder).

One or more of the components, processes, features, and/or functions illustrated in <FIG> may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, process, feature or function or embodied in several components, processes, or functions. Additional elements, components, processes, and/or functions may also be added without departing from the disclosure. It should also be noted <FIG> and its corresponding description in the present disclosure is not limited to dies and/or ICs. In some implementations, <FIG> and its corresponding description may be used to manufacture, create, provide, and/or produce devices and/or integrated devices. In some implementations, a device may include a hearable device, a die, an integrated device, a die package, an integrated circuit (IC), a device package, an integrated circuit (IC) package, a wafer, a semiconductor device, a package-on-package (PoP) device, and/or an interposer.

Also, it is noted that various disclosures contained herein may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. A process is terminated when its operations are completed.

Claim 1:
An apparatus comprising:
first, second and third printed circuit boards (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
first and second integrated devices (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the third printed circuit board (<NUM>), the first integrated device (<NUM>) comprising means for providing wireless communication;
means (<NUM>) for generating a sound wave, the means for generating a sound wave coupled to the first printed circuit board (<NUM>);
means (<NUM>) for detecting a sound wave, the means for detecting a sound wave coupled to the third printed circuit board (<NUM>);
means (<NUM>) for providing power to the first and second integrated devices, the means for generating the sound wave and the means for detecting the sound wave, the means for providing power comprising a plurality of button cell batteries including first and second button cell batteries spaced from each other, and
first, second and third flex boards (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each being at least partially wrapped around a button cell battery of the plurality of button cell batteries, each flex board including one or more interconnects to provide electrical paths between two or more points or components,
wherein the first flex board (<NUM>) is coupled to the first and second printed circuit boards (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the second and third flex boards (<NUM>, <NUM>) are each coupled to both the second and third printed circuit boards (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first button cell battery is located between the first and second printed circuit boards (<NUM>, <NUM>), the first and second flex boards (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially wrapped around the first button cell battery,
wherein the second button cell battery is located between the second and third printed circuit boards (<NUM>, <NUM>), the third flex board (<NUM>) at least partially wrapped around the second button cell battery,
wherein the apparatus has a length of about <NUM> centimeter (cm) or less, and a diameter of about <NUM> centimeter (cm) or less.