Microsystems All Around Us

Microsystems: Microsystems are a rapidly emerging field, embracing developments in areas such as microelectronics, photonics, mechanics, chemistry, biology and medicine. The definition of microsystems adopted by the European Commission Fourth Framework IT program (1996) states that “microsystems are integrated, intelligent miniaturized devices and systems fabricated using processes compatible with semiconductor ICs, and combining sensing with computation and actuation.” These would normally combine two or more of the following system types: electrical, mechanical, optical, chemical, biological, magnetic, or other, within a single or multi-chip integrated system.

Microsystems are inside:

• Pacemakers – helping the heart beat
• Airbags – deploying airbags when a crash occurs
• Video game consoles – detecting game controller motion
• Diagnostic devices – identifying and analyzing genetic materials
• Fuel cells – converting chemicals into water and, in the process, producing clean electricity
• Cell phones – processing signals and connecting us to the world
• Hearing aids – detecting, processing and transmitting sounds
• Water quality systems – detecting pathogens in drinking water
• Airplanes – helping a pilot take off, fly and land a plan safely