4. Microsystems applications

This brief overview of technologies and components is enough to give an idea of the many applications of microsystems. This approach complements that of microelectronics by adding the objective of a complete system, including sensors and actuators. It calls for greater specialization in design, and a case-by-case treatment of products. It is essential whenever a high-volume product is identified: we'll look at a few examples of this type of product already on the market. But many hopes are pinned on small, high value-added production runs for medical, aeronautical, space and military applications. It is therefore likely that microsystems, like microelectronics, will represent a technology that will spread to all application sectors. Table 7 compares the operating modes and performance of different types of actuator.