INMP441 I2S Digital MEMS Microphone Module

INMP441 digital microphone for embedded audio capture

This module is based on the INMP441 digital MEMS microphone and provides I2S audio output. It can be used in suitable voice-interface experiments, audio recording projects and sound-monitoring systems when the host controller and software support the required interface.

It is not an analog microphone board with a simple threshold output. The host must receive and process digital audio samples; voice recognition or a calibrated sound-level reading requires additional software and design work.

Microphone interface and connection roles

• Audio interface: I2S digital output.
• Pickup: omnidirectional INMP441 microphone design.
• Clock: SCK/BCLK supplied by the host.
• Word select: WS/LRCLK supplied by the host.
• Audio data: SD output to the host.
• Channel: L/R selection determines the I2S channel used.

Check voltage and host support

Use the actual board’s marked pinout and verify its supply requirements before connection. The INMP441 IC is a low-voltage device, with a datasheet supply range of 1.62–3.63V. A suitable 3.3V system is a common starting point; neither a 5V supply input nor 5V logic tolerance is established for this module.

Confirm I2S receive support, GPIO assignment, sample format and driver availability on your exact ESP32, Raspberry Pi or other host. Compatibility is not universal across all Arduino boards, and an analog input alone cannot receive I2S audio.

Keep the microphone port unobstructed and use appropriate supply decoupling and wiring. This is a component for audio projects, not a ready-made USB microphone or standalone voice assistant.

For an audio-output project, see the separate MAX98357 I2S amplifier module. Shared use still requires compatible host firmware and clock configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Is I2S the same as I2C?

No. I2S carries digital audio using dedicated clock and data signals.

Can it connect directly to an analog microphone input?

No. It outputs digital I2S audio rather than an analog audio voltage.

Does it detect speech by itself?

No standalone recognition function is established. The host must process the captured audio.