The Electronics Weekly Blog reports on a panel discussion that delved into the evolution and potential of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in the current technological landscape, highlighting key insights from industry leaders. The discussion featured Vijay Ullal, group president of Maxim Integrated Products, and Mark Martin, vice president and general manager of Analog Devices, both of whom provided perspectives on the growth of MEMS technology and its implications for the semiconductor industry.
Ullal articulated the historical significance of MEMS, tracing its origins back 200 years to the Industrial Revolution. He remarked, "The evolution of MEMS started 200 years ago... motion, computation and sensing gives a truly intelligent machine that may be the rival of human beings." He emphasized the critical position that MEMS holds within the business models of analog companies, describing the market as fragmented with numerous customers, offering substantial opportunities for differentiation in products. This evolution suggests that semiconductor companies must adapt to the MEMS paradigm or risk obsolescence.
Mark Martin highlighted the deep roots of MEMS technology within their own company, noting, "We’ve been developing MEMS for 20 years... We’ve shipped 400m sensors, accelerometers and gyros." He pointed out that iconic consumer electronics, such as the iPhone and the Wii, have significantly propelled the MEMS market, indicating a shift towards mainstream adoption.
The panel also discussed the challenges and dynamics of customer relationships in the MEMS industry. Martin acknowledged a slow proactive promotion from the industry, stating, "We have been a bit slow. We do help our customers. We provide algorithms and software. We’re not a one-way vendor – we educate the customers." This admission indicates a recognition of the need for a more collaborative approach in product development.
Scott Smyser, vice president and general manager of VT Technologies, contributed to the conversation by underscoring the customer-driven nature of MEMS innovations, stating, "There are so many uses that it is really our customers who are driving us. It is hard to keep up with our customers." This reflects a broader trend within the industry where customer needs are dictating the pace and direction of technological advancements.
The discussion brought up the prospect of process standardization within the MEMS industry, a topic of considerable importance for future manufacturing models. When asked about the potential for a fabless model akin to what exists in the CMOS processing space, Martin expressed caution, indicating that "we are several years away from a standard process for MEMS." Ullal echoed this sentiment, noting that the volumes necessary for a foundry model are not currently present, adding that "if you want the fastest turns, you have to do it yourself."
The insights shared during the panel not only highlight the transformative potential of MEMS technology but also underscore the existing challenges and future directions within the semiconductor landscape. With rapid advancements and a growing market, the MEMS sector appears positioned to play a pivotal role in the evolution of intelligent systems and business practices across various industries.
Source: Noah Wire Services