Micro Electromechanical Systems -- MEMS -- Device Markets Expand Into New Areas, According to Study by Peripheral Research.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers SANTA BARBARA Santa Barbara (săn'tə bär`brə, –bərə), city (1990 pop. 85,571), seat of Santa Barbara co., S Calif., on the Pacific Ocean; inc. 1850. , Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2002 The MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) Tiny mechanical devices that are built onto semiconductor chips and are measured in micrometers. In the research labs since the 1980s, MEMS devices began to materialize as commercial products in the mid-1990s. (Micro Electromechanical The use of electricity to run moving parts. Disk drives, printers and motors are examples. Electromechanical systems must be designed for the eventual deterioration of moving components that wear over time. The first TVs were electromechanical systems (see video/TV history). Systems) markets are expected to triple between 2000 and 2005 from $3.8 billion to over $11 billion. MEMS devices have been used for years as sensors for Automotive Air Bag deployment, Ink Jet See inkjet printer. Print heads, and Blood Pressure sensors A pressure sensor measures the pressure, typically of gases or fluids. Pressure is an expression of the force required to stop a gas or fluid from expanding, and is usually stated in terms of force per unit area. A pressure sensor generates a signal related to the pressure imposed. . During the next few years a variety of new applications will emerge: -- Optical Network Switches -- Image Sensors -- Accelerometers -- Drive By Wire Automobiles -- Brake By Wire Automobiles -- Bio Chips/DNA analysis -- Digital TV Products -- Game Controllers -- Data Storage positioning motors The technology will change from a sensor-based technology today, to an actuator A mechanism that causes a device to be turned on or off, adjusted or moved. The motor and mechanism that moves the head assembly on a disk drive or an arm of a robot is called an actuator. See access arm. technology, with very controlled microscopic movements. With increased production volume expected from the new applications comes a lower price which will open up new markets. During 2001 the sensor prices were approximately $10.00 per unit; this is expected to decrease to $1.00 for the same product in 2005. A new report from Peripheral Research Corporation identifies some of the product uses, and industry trends, which will drive these new markets; as well as some initial market forecast data to identify the growth areas. Of these new markets, Optical Switches, Sensors (Automobile and other), and Bio Medical products are expected to be the large growth segments. This new 100 page report is available at a price of $995.00 from: Peripheral Research Corporation Phone (805) 563-9720 FAX (805) 563-6020 351 Hitchcock Way B-200 Santa Barbara, Calif. |
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