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The Growing Impact of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Technology

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Leena Shedmake
The Growing Impact of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Technology

MEMS Begin to Transform Daily Life


Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology involves the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication technology. Originally designed for applications in areas like automotive, biotechnology and defense, MEMS are now starting to make their presence felt in a wide variety of consumer electronic products and industrial equipment that impact daily life.


Miniaturized Accelerometers in Smartphones


One of the most ubiquitous implementations of MEMS technology today is the accelerometer. Modern smartphones contain MEMS accelerometers that can detect the spatial orientation of the device and respond accordingly. For example, when a user tilts or rotates a smartphone, the embedded accelerometer registers the change in position and switches the display from portrait to landscape mode. MEMS accelerometers are a key part of fitness trackers and smartwatches as well, continuously monitoring body movements and counting steps.


MEMS Pressure Sensors Monitor Tire Pressure


The automobile industry was one of the early adopters of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). MEMS pressure sensors are now standard equipment for monitoring tire pressure in modern vehicles. Embedded in each tire or wheel of a car, these tiny sensors wirelessly report air pressure levels to a receiver in the dashboard. Low tire pressure can significantly compromise vehicle handling and fuel efficiency, so MEMS sensors help maintain optimal performance as well as alert drivers to underinflation issues.


Microfluidic Applications in Lab-on-a-Chip Diagnostics


In the realm of biotechnology and medical diagnostics, MEMS technology is enabling the development of novel "lab-on-a-chip" or microfluidic devices. Such systems integrate one or more laboratory functions on a single integrated microfabricated chip of only millimeters to a few square centimeters in size. Their miniature scale allows performance of complex biochemical analyses requiring only tiny volumes of samples and reagents. This opens up possibilities for point-of-care medical testing without conventional large and expensive laboratory setups. MEMS-based microfluidic systems could make routine screening tests more accessible worldwide.


MEMS Enable Mass Production of Consumer Electronics


Consumer electronics giants have incorporated MEMS components into a wide variety of mass market products to enhance functionality as well as reduce costs. Modern inkjet printer heads contain arrays of MEMS thermal actuators that heat and vaporize ink in precise locations. Consumer cameras feature MEMS autofocus actuators and image stabilization systems for sharper photos. Blu-ray players rely on MEMS mirrors in place of motorized galvanometers to read high-density optical discs much more quickly. Mass producing such delicate MEMS structures at low unit costs has been essential for driving technology into mainstream markets.


Industrial Process Control with MEMS Sensors


Beyond consumer markets, MEMS sensors play a vital role in industrial process monitoring and control applications. For example, they are deployed to continually track factors like temperature, pressure, flow rates and vibration levels in locations that may be hazardous for human operators. This enables remote oversight of manufacturing and ensures processes operate within safe and optimal parameter limits. MEMS are also finding increased use in monitoring critical infrastructure and predicting maintenance needs of structures like bridges and buildings.


MEMS Microphones Emerge as Affordable Alternative


Conventional electromagnetic microphones based on voice coil technologies have dominated the market for over a century. However, MEMS microphones leveraging microfabrication are gaining ground due to compelling advantages. They are 90% smaller than traditional microphones while providing superior audio quality and directional pickup. Being fully solid-state devices with no moving parts also makes them more durable and impervious to electromagnetic interference. Leading technology firms are now incorporating MEMS microphones into laptops, tablets, VoIP phones, and other consumer products to meet demand for high performance audio at affordable prices.


Opportunities and Challenges for Future Growth


As penetration of MEMS expands across more industries, global market size is projected to reach over $86 billion by 2027 according to Allied Market Research, growing at above 10% annually. Continued miniaturization and multifunction integration on a single MEMS chip could open up novel applications that have not even been conceived yet. However, massadoption will require further lowering of design and manufacturing costs. Supply chain resilience should also be ensured to avoid production bottlenecks, especially amid ongoing semiconductor chip shortages. With steady technological progress addressing such business concerns, MEMS are poised to play an even more pervasive role in shaping our 21st century lives through smart interconnected devices and infrastructure


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