Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through the use of micro fabrication technology. Microelectronic integrated circuits (ICs) can be thought of as the "brains" of systems and MEMS augments (its decision-making capabilities) its "eyes" and "arms". They allow micro systems to sense and control the environment. In its most basic form, the micro sensors gather information from the environment through measuring mechanical, thermal, biological, chemical, optical, and magnetic phenomena; then the micro electronics process the information derived from the sensors and through some decision making capability directs the micro actuators to respond by moving, positioning, regulating, pumping, and filtering, thereby, controlling the environment for some desired outcome or purpose. While the electronics are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS processes), the micromechanical components are fabricated using compatible "micromachining" processes that selectively etch away parts of the silicon wafer (the micro structures)or add new structural layers to form the mechanical and electromechanical devices. Impact of MEMS Since MEMS devices are manufactured using batch fabrication techniques, similar to ICs, unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability, and sophistication can be placed on a small silicon chip at a relatively low cost. MEMS technology is enabling new discoveries in science and engineering: • A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) micro-systems-for DNA amplification and identification • Micro-machined Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STMs), biochips-for detection of hazardous chemical and biological agents • Micro-systems for high-throughput drug screening and selection. • MEMS devices are emerging as product performance differentiators in numerous markets wherever electromechanical systems are currently functioning • MEMS devices are extremely small (e.g. MEMS has enabled electrically-driven motors smaller than the diameter of a human hair to be realized), many processes from automobiles, to gas turbines, anything mechanical can have performance boosted by MEMS A New Manufacturing Technology MEMS technology is not just about size, and it’s not about making things out of silicon. (Even though silicon possesses excellent materials properties making it an attractive choice for many high-performance mechanical applications–e.g. the strength-to-weight ratio for silicon is higher than many other engineering materials allowing very high bandwidth mechanical devices to be realized). Instead, MEMS is a manufacturing technology—a new way of making complex electromechanical systems using batch fabrication techniques similar to the way integrated circuits are made and making these electromechanical elements along with electronics.
MEMS is an extremely diverse technology that potentially could significantly impact every category of commercial and military products. Already, MEMS is used for everything ranging from in-dwelling blood pressure monitoring to active suspension systems for automobiles. The nature of MEMS technology and its diversity of useful applications make it a far more pervasive technology than even integrated circuit microchips.
MEMS blurs the distinction between complex mechanical systems and integrated circuit electronics. Historically, sensors and actuators are the most costly and unreliable part of a macro-scale sensory-actuator-electronics system.. Since MEMS devices are manufactured using batch fabrication techniques, similar to ICs, unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability, and sophistication can be placed on a small silicon chip at a relatively low cost. As a breakthrough technology, allowing unparalleled synergy between hitherto unrelated fields of endeavor such as biology and microelectronics, many new MEMS applications will emerge, expanding beyond that which is currently identified or known.
MEMS technology is based on a number of tools and methodologies, which are used to form small structures with dimensions in the micrometer scale (one millionth of a meter).
There are three basic building blocks in MEMS technology, which are(1) the ability to deposit thin films of material on a substrate—Deposition , (2) to apply a patterned mask on top of the films by photolithographic imaging—Lithography, and (3) to etch the films selectively to the mask--Etching.
However, there are challenges for future of MEMS technology:
The accessibility of companies, both small and large, to MEMS fabrication facilities needs to be increased. It is believed that many of the largest beneficiaries of MEMS technology will be firms that have no capability or core competency in micro fabrication technology and access by these companies is critically important to their successful utilization. A mechanism allowing these organizations to have responsive and affordable access to MEMS fabrication resources for prototyping and manufacturing is essential.
Advanced simulation and modeling tools for MEMS design are urgently needed. Presently, most MEMS devices are modeled using weak analytical tools resulting in a relatively inaccurate prediction of performance behavior. As a result, the MEMS design process is usually performed in a trial-and-error fashion requiring several iterations before the performance requirements of a given device are finally satisfied. This non-ideal design methodology combined with the length of time and high cost associated with MEMS prototyping results in a very inefficient and ineffective scenario for commercial product development. The availability of suitable design tools combined with computer networks to provide access to high performance workstations and local or remote supercomputer capability can radically alter this situation.
The packaging of MEMS devices and systems needs to improve considerably from its current primitive state. MEMS packaging presents unique challenges compared to IC packaging due to the diversity of MEMS devices and the requirement that many of these devices are in continuous and intimate contact with their environment. Presently, nearly all MEMS development efforts must develop a new and specialized package each time a new device is designed. Consequently, most companies find that packaging is the single most expensive and time consuming task in their overall MEMS product development program. As with the actual components themselves, numerical modeling and simulation tools for MEMS packaging are virtually non-existent. Approaches which allow designers to select from a catalog of existing standardized packages for a new MEMS device without compromising performance would be beneficial. MEMS device design must be separated from the complexities of the fabrication sequence. Currently, the designer of a MEMS device requires a high level of fabrication knowledge in order to embody a successful design. Further, the development of even the most mundane MEMS device frequently requires a dedicated research effort directed at formulating a suitable fabrication sequence. An interface which separates design from fabrication allowing the designer to use process-independent design tools and methodologies will reduce the amount of time and effort required to successfully realize MEMS devices. This will permit more manufacturable designs, done correct the first time or with fewer iterations to become routine. Since extensive knowledge of fabrication will no longer be a prerequisite before beginning design activities, more designers will be able to participate in design activities and this will result in increased levels of innovation and creativity. Further, an interface separating design from fabrication will enable higher levels of integration without increasing development time or costs. To be of most utility, the interface should allow designers to have ability and know the manufacturing implications of their designs at design time and fabrication specialists to be able to provide the needed functions to aid designers. Quality control standards for MEMS technologies are needed. Frequently, the quality of many MEMS devices fabricated at either academic or commercial facilities is low. Part of the problem is that the technology is so new that the fabricators do not yet know how to define quality, much less measure it. The output of well-trained MEMS engineers and scientists from the nation's universities needs to increase. The present output from the nation's universities of technical persons trained in MEMS technology is much smaller than the number required to support the projected growth of MEMS industry. Traditionally, the training of MEMS engineers and scientists has entailed a graduate education at one of a few research universities with the student working under the direction of an experienced faculty member to design, fabricate, and test some hopefully new and unique type of MEMS device. A graduate education in MEMS technology is very costly and comparatively time-consuming. A new methodology to increase the number of MEMS engineers and scientists
Definition: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication technology. While the electronics are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS processes), the micromechanical components are fabricated using compatible "micromachining" processes that selectively etch away parts of the silicon wafer or add new structural layers to form the mechanical and electromechanical devices..
MEMS and Nanotechnology is currently used in low- or medium-volume applications. Some of the obstacles preventing its wider adoption are:
Limited Options in terms of: --Most companies who wish to explore the potential of MEMS and Nanotechnology have very limited options for prototyping or manufacturing devices, and have no capability or expertise in microfabrication technology. Few companies will build their own fabrication facilities because of the high cost. A mechanism giving smaller organizations responsive and affordable access to MEMS and Nano fabrication is essential.
MEMS and Nanotechnology is currently used in low- or medium-volume applications. Some of the obstacles preventing its wider adoption are:
Limited Options in terms of: --Most companies who wish to explore the potential of MEMS and Nanotechnology have very limited options for prototyping or manufacturing devices, and have no capability or expertise in microfabrication technology. Few companies will build their own fabrication facilities because of the high cost. A mechanism giving smaller organizations responsive and affordable access to MEMS and Nano fabrication is essential.
Definition: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication technology. While the electronics are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS processes), the micromechanical components are fabricated using compatible "micromachining" processes that selectively etch away parts of the silicon wafer or add new structural layers to form the mechanical and electromechanical devices..
MEMS technology is enabling new discoveries in science and engineering: • A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) micro-systems-for DNA amplification and identification • Micro-machined Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STMs), biochips-for detection of hazardous chemical and biological agents • Micro-systems for high-throughput drug screening and selection. • MEMS devices are emerging as product performance differentiators in numerous markets wherever electromechanical systems are currently functioning • MEMS devices are extremely small (e.g. MEMS has enabled electrically-driven motors smaller than the diameter of a human hair to be realized), many processes from automobiles, to gas turbines, anything mechanical can have performance boosted by MEMS ..
Introduction To Engineering is introduced as part of the CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) skills for Engineering students in Singapore Polytechnic. At this moment 3 skill sets have been identified that is :
1. Personal Skills and Attitutes 2. Teamwork 3. Communication.
Students are encouraged to participate actively and be open to the various skills (soft and technical skills) that are being taught in this subject.
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Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through the use of micro fabrication technology.
Microelectronic integrated circuits (ICs) can be thought of as the "brains" of systems and MEMS augments (its decision-making capabilities) its "eyes" and "arms". They allow micro systems to sense and control the environment. In its most basic form, the micro sensors gather information from the environment through measuring mechanical, thermal, biological, chemical, optical, and magnetic phenomena; then the micro electronics process the information derived from the sensors and through some decision making capability directs the micro actuators to respond by moving, positioning, regulating, pumping, and filtering, thereby, controlling the environment for some desired outcome or purpose.
While the electronics are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS processes), the micromechanical components are fabricated using compatible "micromachining" processes that selectively etch away parts of the silicon wafer (the micro structures)or add new structural layers to form the mechanical and electromechanical devices.
Impact of MEMS
Since MEMS devices are manufactured using batch fabrication techniques, similar to ICs, unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability, and sophistication can be placed on a small silicon chip at a relatively low cost. MEMS technology is enabling new discoveries in science and engineering:
• A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) micro-systems-for DNA amplification and identification
• Micro-machined Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STMs), biochips-for detection of hazardous chemical and biological agents
• Micro-systems for high-throughput drug screening and selection.
• MEMS devices are emerging as product performance differentiators in numerous markets wherever electromechanical systems are currently functioning
• MEMS devices are extremely small (e.g. MEMS has enabled electrically-driven motors smaller than the diameter of a human hair to be realized), many processes from automobiles, to gas turbines, anything mechanical can have performance boosted by MEMS
A New Manufacturing Technology
MEMS technology is not just about size, and it’s not about making things out of silicon. (Even though silicon possesses excellent materials properties making it an attractive choice for many high-performance mechanical applications–e.g. the strength-to-weight ratio for silicon is higher than many other engineering materials allowing very high bandwidth mechanical devices to be realized). Instead, MEMS is a manufacturing technology—a new way of making complex electromechanical systems using batch fabrication techniques similar to the way integrated circuits are made and making these electromechanical elements along with electronics.
MEMS is an extremely diverse technology that potentially could significantly impact every category of commercial and military products. Already, MEMS is used for everything ranging from in-dwelling blood pressure monitoring to active suspension systems for automobiles. The nature of MEMS technology and its diversity of useful applications make it a far more pervasive technology than even integrated circuit microchips.
MEMS blurs the distinction between complex mechanical systems and integrated circuit electronics. Historically, sensors and actuators are the most costly and unreliable part of a macro-scale sensory-actuator-electronics system.. Since MEMS devices are manufactured using batch fabrication techniques, similar to ICs, unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability, and sophistication can be placed on a small silicon chip at a relatively low cost. As a breakthrough technology, allowing unparalleled synergy between hitherto unrelated fields of endeavor such as biology and microelectronics, many new MEMS applications will emerge, expanding beyond that which is currently identified or known.
MEMS technology is based on a number of tools and methodologies, which are used to form small structures with dimensions in the micrometer scale (one millionth of a meter).
There are three basic building blocks in MEMS technology, which are(1) the ability to deposit thin films of material on a substrate—Deposition , (2) to apply a patterned mask on top of the films by photolithographic imaging—Lithography, and (3) to etch the films selectively to the mask--Etching.
From: Jeremy Team
However, there are challenges for future of MEMS technology:
The accessibility of companies, both small and large, to MEMS fabrication facilities needs to be increased. It is believed that many of the largest beneficiaries of MEMS technology will be firms that have no capability or core competency in micro fabrication technology and access by these companies is critically important to their successful utilization. A mechanism allowing these organizations to have responsive and affordable access to MEMS fabrication resources for prototyping and manufacturing is essential.
Advanced simulation and modeling tools for MEMS design are urgently needed. Presently, most MEMS devices are modeled using weak analytical tools resulting in a relatively inaccurate prediction of performance behavior. As a result, the MEMS design process is usually performed in a trial-and-error fashion requiring several iterations before the performance requirements of a given device are finally satisfied. This non-ideal design methodology combined with the length of time and high cost associated with MEMS prototyping results in a very inefficient and ineffective scenario for commercial product development. The availability of suitable design tools combined with computer networks to provide access to high performance workstations and local or remote supercomputer capability can radically alter this situation.
The packaging of MEMS devices and systems needs to improve considerably from its current primitive state. MEMS packaging presents unique challenges compared to IC packaging due to the diversity of MEMS devices and the requirement that many of these devices are in continuous and intimate contact with their environment. Presently, nearly all MEMS development efforts must develop a new and specialized package each time a new device is designed. Consequently, most companies find that packaging is the single most expensive and time consuming task in their overall MEMS product development program. As with the actual components themselves, numerical modeling and simulation tools for MEMS packaging are virtually non-existent. Approaches which allow designers to select from a catalog of existing standardized packages for a new MEMS device without compromising performance would be beneficial.
MEMS device design must be separated from the complexities of the fabrication sequence. Currently, the designer of a MEMS device requires a high level of fabrication knowledge in order to embody a successful design. Further, the development of even the most mundane MEMS device frequently requires a dedicated research effort directed at formulating a suitable fabrication sequence. An interface which separates design from fabrication allowing the designer to use process-independent design tools and methodologies will reduce the amount of time and effort required to successfully realize MEMS devices. This will permit more manufacturable designs, done correct the first time or with fewer iterations to become routine. Since extensive knowledge of fabrication will no longer be a prerequisite before beginning design activities, more designers will be able to participate in design activities and this will result in increased levels of innovation and creativity. Further, an interface separating design from fabrication will enable higher levels of integration without increasing development time or costs. To be of most utility, the interface should allow designers to have ability and know the manufacturing implications of their designs at design time and fabrication specialists to be able to provide the needed functions to aid designers.
Quality control standards for MEMS technologies are needed. Frequently, the quality of many MEMS devices fabricated at either academic or commercial facilities is low. Part of the problem is that the technology is so new that the fabricators do not yet know how to define quality, much less measure it. The output of well-trained MEMS engineers and scientists from the nation's universities needs to increase. The present output from the nation's universities of technical persons trained in MEMS technology is much smaller than the number required to support the projected growth of MEMS industry. Traditionally, the training of MEMS engineers and scientists has entailed a graduate education at one of a few research universities with the student working under the direction of an experienced faculty member to design, fabricate, and test some hopefully new and unique type of MEMS device. A graduate education in MEMS technology is very costly and comparatively time-consuming. A new methodology to increase the number of MEMS engineers and scientists
From: Jeremy Team
Pictures of MEMS are available at the following website: http://www.ltas-vis.ulg.ac.be/cmsms/
From: Jeremy Team
Firstly, what is MEMS technology?
Definition: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication technology. While the electronics are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS processes), the micromechanical components are fabricated using compatible "micromachining" processes that selectively etch away parts of the silicon wafer or add new structural layers to form the mechanical and electromechanical devices..
From: Jeremy Team
Challenges for MEMS....
MEMS and Nanotechnology is currently used in low- or medium-volume applications.
Some of the obstacles preventing its wider adoption are:
Limited Options in terms of:
--Most companies who wish to explore the potential of MEMS and Nanotechnology have very limited options for prototyping or manufacturing devices, and have no capability or expertise in microfabrication technology. Few companies will build their own fabrication facilities because of the high cost. A mechanism giving smaller organizations responsive and affordable access to MEMS and Nano fabrication is essential.
From: Jeremy Team
Challenges for MEMS....
MEMS and Nanotechnology is currently used in low- or medium-volume applications.
Some of the obstacles preventing its wider adoption are:
Limited Options in terms of:
--Most companies who wish to explore the potential of MEMS and Nanotechnology have very limited options for prototyping or manufacturing devices, and have no capability or expertise in microfabrication technology. Few companies will build their own fabrication facilities because of the high cost. A mechanism giving smaller organizations responsive and affordable access to MEMS and Nano fabrication is essential.
From: Jeremy Team
Firstly, what is MEMS technology?
Definition: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication technology. While the electronics are fabricated using integrated circuit (IC) process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOS processes), the micromechanical components are fabricated using compatible "micromachining" processes that selectively etch away parts of the silicon wafer or add new structural layers to form the mechanical and electromechanical devices..
From: Jeremy Team
MEMS technology is enabling new discoveries in science and engineering:
• A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) micro-systems-for DNA amplification and identification
• Micro-machined Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STMs), biochips-for detection of hazardous chemical and biological agents
• Micro-systems for high-throughput drug screening and selection.
• MEMS devices are emerging as product performance differentiators in numerous markets wherever electromechanical systems are currently functioning
• MEMS devices are extremely small (e.g. MEMS has enabled electrically-driven motors smaller than the diameter of a human hair to be realized), many processes from automobiles, to gas turbines, anything mechanical can have performance boosted by MEMS
..
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