1. Microsystems by example
Microsystems are compact, miniaturized, multifunctional, collectively-manufactured devices that interact with the non-electrical world via sensors and actuators; they are able to exchange information and communication with the outside world or with other microsystems.
This definition, while perfectly correct, is too general to illustrate the reality. Two examples should be more explicit.
-
In 1992, Analog Devices announced the launch of a fully integrated accelerometer on 10 mm2 silicon for automotive shock detection. Figure 2 shows the corresponding integrated circuit. It is an exemplary microsystem, combining sensor, actuator and signal processing. The sensor is a capacitive accelerometer and the actuator uses the...
Exclusive to subscribers. 97% yet to be discovered!
Already subscribed? Log in!
Microsystems by example
Basic microsystem technologies
Economic data
These data are taken from studies carried out by the European NEXUS organization (table 1 and table 2).
The total market today is worth 60 billion francs, and will be worth 240...
Exclusive to subscribers. 97% yet to be discovered!
Already subscribed? Log in!
Article included in this offer
"Electronics"
(
271 articles
)
Updated and enriched with articles validated by our scientific committees
A set of exclusive tools to complement the resources
