MxArray: A Modular, Multiplexed, and Massive MEMS-Based Acoustic Array

While state-of-the-art massive acoustic arrays typically rely on costly, specialized FPGA architectures or rigid proprietary hardware, there is a growing need for modular, high-density sensing in complex aeroacoustics environments. This paper presents the electronic and acoustic design of a multiplexed, modular, scalable, and low-cost massive acoustic array (MxArray) founded on an embedded Linux system. The AM3358 SoC microprocessor collects audio data through its multichannel audio peripheral, where it simultaneously receives four Time-Division Multiplexing streams of 16 microphones each. This multiplexed scheme enables the handling of 64 microphones per module, whose acquisition synchronization is set with the Precision Time Protocol and a pulse injection hardware. The combination of both BeagleBone Black and microphones based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems yields a cost-effective solution with built-in Ethernet connectivity and accessible software development through an embedded Linux environment with audio libraries for hardware control. Sensors are arranged in an Underbrink Spiral pattern on a four-layer printed-circuit board. The perforated thin layout minimizes any airborne disturbance, exploiting a distribution that simultaneously achieves a low sidelobe level and a narrow main lobe when used with a beamforming algorithm. Measurement results for the developed module are presented, as well as an evaluation of a full-scale system comprising 16 modules (1024 microphones) arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The resulting instrument offers a practical and scalable solution for applications that require a large number of simultaneous microphone measurements, such as beamforming technology for aeroacoustics applications.