MEMS, Microfluidics and Microsystems Executive Review

MEMS in Europe: A perspective from TRONIC'S Microsystems

TRONIC'S Microsystems was founded in 1997 as a spin-off from LETI.  The company has enjoyed impressive growth and is one of the leading MEMS foundries in the world.  We recently spoke with TRONIC'S CEO Peter Pfluger about the interesting start ups they are seeing in Europe, the new Minatec MEMS and nanotechnology center as well as other interesting insights and trends in the MEMS industry.

Interview with IMT’s CEO John Foster

Based in Santa Barbara, Innovative Micro Technology (IMT) is one of the leading MEMS foundries.  We recently spoke with John Foster, the CEO of the company.  In the interview, he talks about his company’s recent projects as well as some general trends in the MEMS industry.

Micralyne builds on success in the Asian market

(Press Release) -- Micralyne Inc., a world-leading manufacturer of MEMS based industrial components, reports success penetrating the emerging MEMS market in Asia.  Building on its position as one of the largest independent MEMS foundries in North America, Micralyne has successfully extended its reach to Asia by serving market leading companies in Japan and China.

Optimizing MEMS Manufacturing

Tight control of manufacturing flows and yield is one of the essential factors for success with MEMS manufacturers.  We recently spoke with Dan Estrada, Vice President of Eyelit, whose company provides software systems to help manufacturers achieve greater fabrication efficiencies and profitability.  Eyelit already has a number of clients in the MEMS industry and continues to expand its work with companies in our space. 

We were also able to obtain comments from two of Eyelit's customers, Innovative Micro Technology (IMT) and VTI -- Michael Shillinger, IMT's VP Operations, and Sampo Hämäläinen, VTI's Process Development and Manufacturing Manager, provided feedback from their companies. 

MEMS at Freescale

We recently spoke with Dave Monk, Freescale's Silicon Technology and Microsystems manager.

Micralyne CEO on MEMS

Micralyne is a manufacturer of microfabricated and MEMS-based products which include sensors, lab-on-a-chip devices, and optical switch systems.  We spoke with Chris Lumb, the CEO of Micralyne.

Microfabrica's 3-D MEMS

Microfabrica (previously MEMGen) is a MEMS start up that secured $15 million in venture financing last year.  We recently spoke with Adam Cohen, the EVP of Technology and CTO of the company.

MEMS business and profitability

The CEO of Micralyne, Chris Lumb, writes about profitability in tough times.  From what we hear, Micralyne and Dalsa, another Canadian foundry, do indeed run efficient, "tight ship" operations. 

X-FAB Extends MEMS Platform - Pressure Sensor IP Cores and SOI-MEMS Now Available

From Design and Reuse
X-FAB Semiconductor Foundries AG, the leading mixed-signal foundry specialist is now offering IP cores for MEMS pressure sensor technologies. With this novel concept X-FAB supports foundry customers who are designing single chip solutions where the piezoresistive pressure sensor is integrated with mixed-signal electronics. Discrete sensor developments are also supported. The use of proven X-FAB CMOS MEMS IP cores reduces design risks and speeds up development schedules.  (read more)