Adaptive MEMS device, codec for use with the MEMS device and method for providing diagnostic data, at run-time, on the current condition of a MEMS device

A method for operating an adaptive microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising integrated circuitry electrically connected to a MEMS microphone, the method comprising:

• reading out, by the integrated circuitry, a non-stimulated sensed output signal from the MEMS microphone;
• providing, by the integrated circuitry, the non-stimulated sensed output signal or a rendered version of the non-stimulated sensed output signal to an external processing device, via a first integrated interface;
• determining, by the integrated circuitry, at run-time, diagnostic data on a current condition of the MEMS device, by comparing the non-stimulated sensed output signal to a reference value or reference signal, thereby synergistically using the integrated circuitry for both reading out the non-stimulated sensed output signal and determining the diagnostic data;
• and
• providing, by the integrated circuitry, at run-time, the diagnostic data to the external processing device, via a second integrated interface.