12/08/2003  Revenues for MEMS gyros are expected to grow by more than $100 million in the next four years based on their ability to sense and measure rotational motion in automotive and military applications, according to a new report.

12/02/2003  These accelerometers won't save your life. But they soon might save your data. IBM announced recently that it was launching an updated line of its ThinkPad laptop computers with accelerometers in a system to protect data during drops. The IBM Active Protection System includes a motion sensor that detects acceleration, such as in a fall.

11/25/2003  Nano-Proprietary Inc. recently presented its concept (PDF, 65.1 KB) for nanotechnology-enabled remote explosives detectors, according to a news release.

11/14/2003  Guest Column: If one thinks of acceleration sensors, the air bag in today’s automobile and the inertial navigation system used in modern avionics come to mind. But who would think of the various applications of accelerometers in industry, consumer markets, harsh environments or defense?

11/13/2003  MEMS-based microphones will grow from 1 percent of the 1.2 billion microphones sold this year to 20 percent of the 1.6 billion sold in 2006, according to a new report.

11/10/2003 

10/29/2003  Startups are generally short on infrastructure and under pressure to generate an immediate return, while large firms have the equipment and the time to refine processes. Given these pressures, experts say, startups need to find partners who not only can integrate packaging with sensor design, but who also can test MEMS devices and address aspects of assembly such as calibration.

10/28/2003  Experts say packaging is hands down the biggest challenge for commercializing more MEMS devices. The technical difficulties involved in packaging can be considerable. But even more problematic is an industry wide mindset that views packaging as secondary – if it is considered at all. The experts say that attitude is beginning to change, though, as the industry matures.

10/24/2003  (October 24, 2003) Schärding, Austria—A collaboration agreement on wafer-level packaging and MEMS bonding is bringing together EV Group, an Austria-based manufacturer of MEMS and wafer processing equipment, and IMEC, a Belgium-based independent research institute on microelectronics and micro/nanotechnology.

10/23/2003  August’s court decision scuttling a U.S. rule on tire monitors left sensor makers wondering what sort of MEMS pressure sensor market they’ll be facing. While their fate remains murky, companies that specialize in MEMS-based accelerometers and gyros may see demand grow through another auto-safety feature: enhanced air bags.

10/10/2003  The past year has been challenging for those in the MEMS industry. Year-over-year revenues increased from $3.8 billion in 2001 to $3.9 billion in 2002 – even though unit shipments increased 47.6 percent. However, that disparity in growth rates shouldn’t be cause for concern. Economies of scale have come into play as more companies move from ramp-up to volume production.

10/07/2003  Oct. 7, 2003 – IBM has launched an updated line of its ThinkPad laptop computers with models that include MEMS accelerometers in a system to protect data from drops and damage, according to a news release.

09/30/2003  Fujitsu Ltd. and wholly owned subsidiary Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. have developed an 80-channel optical switch based on MEMS mirrors, according to a news release.

09/25/2003  Chromux Technologies Inc., an Oxnard, Calif.-based optical MEMS supplier, will manufacture MEMS devices for NP Photonics Inc. and serve as an Asian distributor for the Tucson, Ariz.-based firm, according to a news release.

09/25/2003  Sept. 25, 2003 - Discera Inc. has selected DALSA Semiconductor as its high-volume manufacturer for a suite of RF MEMS devices for mobile phones and other portable electronics products, according to a news release.

09/17/2003  Sept. 17, 2003 – Magfusion Inc., a Chandler, Ariz., developer of RF MEMS switches, announced the completion of a facility expansion the company said will allow it to bring more production in-house. The project included the installation of new production equipment and building modifications at its Arizona headquarters.

09/13/2003 
Firefighters in New York City are using thermal imaging cameras, equipped with sensors made with MEMS technology, to help them in their search and rescue operations in the rubble of the World Trade Center. The cameras use military infrared technology to give firefighters the ability to see in dark, smoke-filled environments.

09/12/2003 

09/01/2003  The tiny line of gold fingers of a new microfluidic device are the piano keys that when tickled allow this new lab-on-chip to sing songs of particle analysis to the tunes of contamination control, drug discovery, homeland defense and lab chromatography.

08/21/2003  Aug. 21, 2003 - Kionix Inc. has launched two MEMS accelerometers for automotive applications, according to a news release.