Tag Archives: Small Times Magazine

April 30, 2012 — Mobile augmented reality and location-based services will be powered by more than 4 billion micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) sensor devices — accelerometers; gyroscopes; magnetometers; pressure, humidity, and temperature sensors — by 2016, reports Juniper Research in “MEMS in Mobile.”

These inertial or motion sensors are already standard components in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile electronics, accounting for much of the MEMS device market volume. Annual revenues generated by MEMS devices built into mobile phones — sensor, audio, display, and RF uses — will exceed $6 billion by 2016.

Through 2016, MEMS will be integrated increasingly into these mobile devices, differentiating mobile device manufacturers with new capabilities and functionalities.

However, unit prices for MEMS devices are declining rapidly, reaching a lowest possible price point over the medium term in the next few years. MEMS sensor devices will witness a declining revenue share in the market (reaching 60% in 2016), as other categories including Audio & RF begin to contribute towards the total.

Vendors need guaranteed sales volumes to commit to price reductions, which will keep some newer application areas in flux.

Accelerometers and gyroscopes saw dramatic price reductions over the past few years, said Nitin Bhas, author of MEMS in Mobile. “Vendors need to create or add value to their products by incorporating more functions into a single MEMS device, thereby further reducing size, complexity, and cost.”

Also read: MEMS for mobile electronics

Access the report: MEMS the Word in Mobile. Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

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April 30, 2012 — Analog semiconductor maker SiTime Corporation has shipped 100 million units of its micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS), including oscillators, clock generators and resonators. More than 800 electronics companies have adopted SiTime’s silicon MEMS timing components, in more than 100 applications.

MEMS oscillators currently represent <1% of the total ($6.3 billion) timing market, but potential growth in this sector is attracting new entrants and investment, said research firm Semico. Semico reports that MEMS oscillator growth is driven by increased penetration into high-growth applications.

MEMS oscillators are an alternative to the established quartz crystal oscillator technology, offering performance and reliability improvements, smaller form factor, lower cost, and lower power usage than quartz devices, adds Semico. Silicon-based timing technology enables better performance than conventional quartz-based components, as well as more flexibility and higher reliability, said Rajesh Vashist, CEO of SiTime. “SiTime’s MEMS timing products are up to 500 times more reliable than quartz oscillators.”

The company’s MEMS components today offer 250x better stability and jitter than its first product in 2007, Vashist added. SiTime’s initial research and technology came from Bosch labs and Stanford University.

Also read: MEMS resonators vs. crystal oscillators for IC timing circuits

SiTime Corporation, an analog semiconductor company, offers MEMS-based silicon timing solutions that replace legacy quartz. SiTime uses standard semiconductor processes and high volume plastic packaging. Internet: http://www.sitime.com.

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April 26, 2012 — The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering’s (CNSE) Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center of Excellence (STC), Canandaigua, NY, was designated as a Trusted Foundry by the US Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Microelectronics Agency.

The Trusted Foundry program is a DOD initiative to accredit trusted, secure sources for IC development and manufacturing for various defense and intelligence applications. With the accreditation, CNSE’s STC can now serve the DOD, intelligence agencies, allied foreign governments, and government contractors. STC houses over 30,000 square feet of certified cleanroom facilities to enable fabrication, packaging and testing.

The designation was achievable through STC’s ability to meet the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and the expansion of its secret security clearance through the Defense Security Service (DSS). In addition, DMEA requires all Trusted sources to maintain ISO registration, with CNSE’s STC having achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification at the end of 2011.

CNSE’s STC is New York’s only Trusted Foundry for the processing, packaging and assembly of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) and optoelectronic devices.

In recognizing the designation, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo noted work to make the state “the epicenter of the global nanotechnology industry…through smart and targeted investments.” The classification as a Category 1A Trusted Foundry will help CNSE’s STC drive “new technology companies and high-tech jobs to the nanotechnology cluster in Western New York,” said CNSE SVP and CEO Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros.

Next-generation MEMS are used in field-deployable, multi-functioning nanosensors and actuators, integrated system-on-a-chip (SOC) and system-in-a-package (SIP) technologies, and protective coatings and materials for the safety and security of military personnel and equipment, among other nanotechnology-based military applications. Also read: CNSE wins 6M in sensor projects for military power gen

The Trusted Foundry program seeks to maintain technological superiority for the U.S. military and ensure national security. Due to the rapid pace of technological development and the commercial microelectronics technology business climate that has shifted a significant amount of computer chip manufacturing offshore, that security is at risk. The Office of Secretary of Defense issued the Defense Trusted Integrated Circuits Strategy that established "Trust" as a minimum need for the Department of Defense in 2003 to address this risk.

Learn more about CNSE’s STC at www.cnse.albany.edu.

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April 25, 2012 – PRNewswire — Silex Microsystems, a pure-play micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) foundry, will develop ferromagnetic materials for next-generation MEMS devices, under a new VINNOVA research grant worth nearly 3 million Swedish Kronor (about US$445,632). The aim is improved smartphones with multi-axis sensor integration.

Magnetic MEMS enable multi-axis sensor integration, said Dr Thorbjorn Ebefors, chief technologist at Silex Microsystems. Multi-axis sensors combine magnetic sensing with gyroscope functions, creating sensors with multiple degrees of freedom, added Ebefors.

Combining Silex’s Met-Via through-silicon via (TSV) technology with magnetic materials could create high-value, high-Q integrated inductors, leading to high-quality integrated passive devices (IPD) and Functional Capping technologies. Silex is also engaging in research with its Met-Via TSVs combined with mold packaging for semiconductor devices.

The magnetic MEMS technology development program will begin in May 2012 and will run for 18 months, with an end goal of prototyping runs.

The award, under VINNOVA’s R&D programs titled "Forska & Vax," was one of 63 programs granted, out of more than 340 proposals received. In total, VINNOVA grants totaled approximately 68 million Swedish Kronor for R&D programs.

VINNOVA, the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems, supports programs for R&D projects in small companies and at universities to long-term development of strong research and innovation environments that attract R&D investment and expertise from around the world. The aim of VINNOVA’s funding is to enable small and medium-sized enterprises to increase their competitiveness by investing in research and development, thus contributing to growth in Sweden. For more information, see www.vinnova.se/en.

Silex Microsystems is a pure-play MEMS foundry. Internet: www.silexmicrosystems.com.

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April 24, 2012 – PRNewswire — Merriman Capital, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Merriman Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX:MERR), will serve as the Principal American Liaison (PAL) for Audio Pixels Holdings Limited (OTCQX:ADPXY, ASX) as it is now trading American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the over the counter (OTC) market’s highest tier, OTCQX.

OTCQX distinguishes the best companies traded over-the-counter (OTC) from more than 9,000 securities traded on the OTCBB and OTC Link that are not required to meet any financial standards or undergo a qualitative review. "Merriman Capital has been retained to provide a suite of investor and market making services including the Principal American Liaison compliance function," said Fred Bart, Chairman of Audio Pixels.

Audio Pixels offers a platform of digital speaker technologies based on micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) rather than conventional loudspeaker elements for consumer electronics. This enables speaker products with orders of magnitude improvements in performance, in an affordable, 1mm-thick package. Also read: MEMS "transition period" toward market maturity evident in mobile boom

Investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com.

Merriman Capital, Inc. is an investment banking firm providing equity and options execution services, market making, and differentiated research for high growth companies. The firm also provides capital raising, advisory, and M&A services. Merriman Capital, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merriman Holdings, Inc. (otcqx:MERR). For more information, go to http://www.merrimanco.com/.

Merriman Capital, Inc. is a registered broker-dealer and member of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

Audio Pixels Holdings Limited is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with the code AKP and has its ADRs listed on OTCQX market in the USA with code ADPXY. Audio Pixels Holdings Limited owns 100% of Audio Pixels Limited, an unlisted Israeli corporation that was founded in July 2006 with a technological platform for reproducing sound. Audio Pixels uses entirely new techniques to generate sound waves directly from a digital audio stream using low-cost MEMS rather than conventional loudspeaker elements. Learn more at http://www.audiopixels.com.au/index.cfm/audio-pixels/.

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April 20, 2012 – Business Wire — MEMSCAP (Paris:MEMS), micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) optical components provider, qualified its high-voltage electrostatic MEMS variable optical attenuator (VOA) with Telcordia standards GR-1209 and GR-1221 for passive optical components.

The MEMS-based VOA met all environmental, mechanical and operational stress tests in the standards. Telcordia GR-1209-CORE and GR-1221-CORE, Generic Requirements for Passive Optical Components, Issue 4; and Generic Reliability Assurance Requirements for Passive Optical Components, Issue 3, contain generic criteria for passive optical components to help promote the satisfactory operation and reliability of such components in single-mode fiber transmission and access networks, and to permit economical planning and engineering of communications networks. Learn more here.

Telcordia qualification showcases MEMSCAP’s “highly reliable processes, designs, packaging, and packaged products.” said Steve Wilcenski, GM of the MEMSCAP Customer Products Business Unit. MEMSCAP’s strategy is to provide more integrated components for customers and markets it serves.

MEMS-based VOAs are integrated in complex optical modules operating up to 100 GBits, for optical network applications from optical module protection to power management. MEMSCAP’s packaged electrostatic VOA exhibits superior optical power attenuation stability in closed loop operation and is designed to fit most optical printed circuit boards (PCBs).

MEMSCAP provides MEMS-based components, as well as component designs/IP, manufacturing, and related services. The company’s shares are traded on the Eurolist of NYSE Euronext Paris S.A (ISIN: FR0010298620-MEMS). More information can be obtained at www.memscap.com.

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April 20, 2012 — The market for micro opto electro mechanical systems (MOEMS), a subsegment of MEMS chips, is poised for exponential growth, reports Semico. MOEMS manipulate light, for projecting images or for direct view displays. MEMS devices are established in projection applications, and MEMS for direct view displays are emerging.

The total optical-MEMS market was under $1 billion in 2011, but by 2016 it will reach $10.4 billion, according to Semico.

The projector type of MOEMS use a micromirror technology that oscillate to direct a light beam. Texas Instruments is the current market leader with its DLP micromirror projection technology for DTV. This segment will grow as pico projectors from TI and other vendors gain a foothold in smart phones and other consumer electronics.

The direct view display devices are an array of elements that control reflected light. Qualcomm has introduced its Mirasol MEMS display in eReaders. The future for Mirasol and other MEMS display technology is in other applications.

In “MEMS Displays: Projecting a Direct View of the Market,” Semico examines end-use markets for MEMS in projection and display, including each markets’ size and growth rates and the MEMS penetration rates. It includes unit and sales TAMs of MEMS for projection and display.

Semico is a semiconductor marketing & consulting research company. Learn more at www.semico.com.

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April 19, 2012 — Pure-play micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) foundry Silex Microsystems named Fredrik Jönsson, CEO of Beijer Electronics, to its Board of Directors.  Beijer Electronics provides industrial automation and data communications solutions.

Jönsson brings “extensive manufacturing experience” to the Silex Board, said Lennart Jacobsson, Chairman of the Board for Silex Microsystems. He has also brought companies into new markets, which could yield “valuable perspective” in Silex’s future.

Jönsson began his career with SKF Group, bearings and bearing-related systems supplier, establishing SKF’s business in Indochina and Vietnam. In 1997, he joined FlexLink as CEO and led the company through seven acquisitions and increased worldwide presence from 12 to 21 countries. In 2006, he became CEO of Crawford Group AB, and in 2008 assumed his current role as CEO of Beijer Electronics.

Jönsson received his master of science in engineering from Chalmers University and also sits on the board of Perten Instruments AB.

Silex Microsystems delivers MEMS-based solutions for intergration with end-user products in the field of biomedicine, biotechnology, and telecommunications.

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April 17, 2012 — The new laser lithography tool from Nanoscribe GmbH produces complex 3D submicron structures up to 1mm with 150nm widths, boasting full automation and precise repeatability. It is based on a 3-axis piezo nano-positioning stage from PI (Physik Instrumente).

The PImars P-563 flexure-guided, piezo-driven nanopositioning XYZ stage provides positioning ranges to 300 x 300 x 300µm and nanometer-range repeatability. A parallel-metrology position feedback system based on highly linear capacitive sensors allows the sample to be moved precisely and repeatedly in relation to the laser focus. A digital piezo motion controller provides path control.

The tool can be used to construct biometric characteristics or to create microstructures for small pumps and needles.

More information on XYZ piezo nano-positioning systems is available at http://www.nanopositioning.net/XYZ_nanopositioning_stage.php#P563

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April 16, 2012 – Marketwire — IC and MEMS maker Micrel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRL) received a 98% performance rating for its services and materials to a leading global micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) designer and manufacturer in in a report covering Q4 2011.

Micrel mass produces MEMS sensors for the customer, which supplies sensors and sensor-based systems powered by MEMS devices. The customer, which was not named in Micrel’s release, is ranked among the top 20 global MEMS device makers.

Rating metrics are based on returns (30%), on-time delivery (30%), quality (20%) and quality events (20%).

Micrel has received 2 scorecards (the first was 97%) from the customer since expanding its San Jose, CA, MEMS 6” wafer and foundry operations in November 2011. Micrel is aiming for 100% on its customer scorecards, but is “pleased with our performance out of the gate on MEMS,” said Guy Gandenberger, VP, worldwide operations and foundry business unit for Micrel, who noted the improvement from their last scorecard.

Micrel invested several million dollars in capital for the MEMS fab ramp up, initiating 3D front-to-back wafer alignment capability and acquiring a state-of-the-art deep reactive ion etch (DRIE) tool to fab very deep trenches, through silicon vias (TSV), and large cavities required in MEMS designs.

The fab gives Micrel “greater control and flexibility over every element of the manufacturing process,” enables highly customizable services for CMOS and MEMS device customers, and reduces the number of vendors in a customer process, added Ray Zinn, president and CEO of Micrel. Micrel’s Wafer Fab Division facility is certified to ISO14001:1996, the International Environmental Management System Standard.

Micrel Inc. is a global IC manufacturer for analog, Ethernet and high bandwidth markets. Internet: http://www.micrel.com.

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