Innovation in Microsystems
Report
Driving comfort and safety through driver assistance systems in automobiles, medical systems, e.g. for the self-test of the blood sugar level, or multifunctional mobile phones are examples of innovative products that are based on specific developments in microsystems technology. Intelligent microsystems combine sensors, actuators and a chip for data processing in one system and can be produced efficiently and inexpensively in large quantities with the semiconductor technology. Like the roadmap for chip manufacturing, also microsystems become constantly more powerful through technological advancements, yet becoming smaller and more robust.
These were central topics of the 2nd Congress “Innovation in Microsystems” that took place together with the European network NEXUS in the framework of BAIKEM on 4 March 2008 in Munich. Speakers from Germany, France, the Netherlands, UK, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as 170 participants from 17 countries - including the United States and India - emphasize the international character. The participants came from the entire value chain of microsystems technology: materials development, systems engineering, design, manufacturing and system integration, as well as from the target sectors automotives, aerospace, life sciences and consumer electronics.
Especially biotechnology and nanotechnology will set impulses for further developments of sensors. Professor Forchel, spokesman for the cluster of nanotechnology at the University of Würzburg, emphasized that, in the future, various measuring principles on the basis of quantum mechanical phenomena will be developed for technical applications. An example are miniaturized gas sensors, which are based on variable quantum dot lasers. Such sensor could be applied for the analysis of Helicobacter bacteria from the exhaled air without the use of a stomach tube, or to divine water on the next Mars expedition in 2009.
Another phenomenon from nanotechnologies are used by position sensors, using the GMR technology (Giant Magnetic Resistance), a technology for which Prof. Grünberg received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2007. These very robust systems can be applied for a precise valve control in engines. Particularly the use in the engine compartment of vehicles with temperatures of up to 170 °C and chemically aggressive oils with a required zero-error rate represents a special challenge. These special requirements can be met by producing systems one stop - chip, sensor, actuator and packaging and complete quality control from one company, said Andreas Nebeling of Elmos Semiconductor in Dortmund. The degree of contamination of oils is indicated by newly developed oil and gearbox sensors. Hence oil changes are only done when necessary, and no longer according to mileage intervals.
A completely different aspect was described by Prof. Ian Underwood from MicroEmissive Displays, Edinburgh. He presented the smallest TV displays on the basis of organic light emitting diodes. With a size of 3.8 x 2.9 mm these displays even managed to jump into the Guinness Book of World Records. The displays are used in the sector of consumer electronics such as data eyeglasses, and can be powered by a connected mobile phone, amongst others.
Experts agreed: The development of microsystems will continue to go forward dynamically. Particularly nanotechnologies, but also new analytical methods from biotechnologies will open up numerous applications. A close cooperation between the different disciplines is the key to success. Many participants consider the successful combination of contributions from research and industry as an important impulse for the design of future microsystems and innovative end-products.
Among the participants from research and user industries were Infineon, Continental, Bosch, EV Group, ELMOS, EADS, Delphi, SUSS MicroTec, Astrium Satellites, Panasonic Electric Works, Colibrys, Trumpf Maschinen, ABB, Schott Electronic Packaging, Osram Semiconductors, MicroEmissive Displays, Merial, microTEC, Tronics Microsystems, HSG IMAT, Stichting IMEC Nederland, Acreo AB, CSEM, CEA Leti, the Institute of Microtechnologies Mainz (Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz) and several Fraunhofer Institutes, amongst others.
The evening reception at the Allianz Arena, the football world of Munich, made a special impression on the international participants. During an impressive tour through the arena and catacombs the participants got a glimpse behind the scenes. Interesting facts about the size and profitability of the arena and the club surprised the participants who were impressed by the stadium’s size and the atmosphere of the players' changing room and the media and press area.
Many participants consider the combination of research presentations and industry presentations of developers and users as an important contribution to the design of future products.
