Case Studies - Information, Communication and Electronics

Within a few years, you could be using "micro-electro-mechanical systems" (MEMS) in a variety of everyday devices. But the chances are you won't know they are there.

MEMS are usually incredibly small, yet can often perform the same roles as systems that have traditionally been much larger - one of the most famous MEMS to date is an electrically powered motor no larger than the width of a few human hairs.

Their method of manufacture promises huge functionality at a very low cost. MEMS can be etched on to silicon wafers using much of the technology that produces integrated circuits. Their electronic components can be created using standard methods such as CMOS, bipolar or BICMOS. Meanwhile, their mechanical components are 'micromachined' - a process where parts of the silicon wafer or surface layers are selectively etched away and new structural layers are added to create tiny pumps, filters or other moving parts. This means that entire systems can be fabricated on a single chip and replicated reliably in large batches.

It's a process that has created huge cost-saving opportunities for certain industries. For example, MEMS accelerometers are quickly replacing conventional accelerometers in car airbag deployment systems. Not only can they perform the same task at less than 10% of the cost of a conventional system but also they are smaller, lighter, more energy-efficient and more reliable. However, access to MEMS fabrication has traditionally been limited - many of the existing MEMS facilities are expensive and used exclusively by the companies that own them.