In contrast to the findings in Part 1, Yole Intelligence, part of Yole Group, analysis of the MEMS market was quite different [1]. It found that 2021 was an exceptional year for MEMS companies. Its annual and best-selling MEMS report [2], which was first released in 2004, projects that an almost $22B MEMS market will […]
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How were key parameters measured in ancient times?
Today, automobiles, factories, smartphones, healthcare and other aspects of modern life require a myriad of sensors. In ancient times, builders, seafarers, farmers and astronomers required measurements to create the pyramids, navigate the Mediterranean Sea and observe celestial alignments and occurrences for planting and other purposes. Also, trade required measurements to ensure fair exchange within each […]
MEMS 2021 report card: C+
Sensors marketing consultant Roger Grace has issued his 2021 MEMS Commercialization Report Card. Do you agree with his conclusions?
Smoke detectors and alarms, Part 4
The low-cost, reliable, ubiquitous smoke detector is an example of complex physics and optics made real by semiconductors. Technology is always improving and adding features to existing products, and that’s true of smoke detectors and alarms. At the same time, the “protection” world is very cautious about adding features and frills which may detract, impede, […]
What are today’s challenges for MEMS? Pt 1
Since the initial market introduction of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) products from pressure sensors to accelerometers to more recent gas sensors and several others, users and potential users have been attracted to the technology for many reasons. This includes its incredibly small size, low weight, low power consumption and low cost – especially as high-volume manufacturing […]
Smoke detectors and alarms, Part 3
The low-cost, reliable, ubiquitous smoke detector is an example of complex physics and optics made real by semiconductors. Given the huge market for smoke alarms of both types—easily tens of millions of units per year for new and replacement/upgrade units—it’s no surprise that many IC vendors offer components and reference designs for this application. It […]
Smoke detectors and alarms, Part 2
The low-cost, reliable, ubiquitous smoke detector is an example of complex physics and optics made real by semiconductors. This part looks at the two widely used approaches to smoke detection. Q: How do smoke detectors actually detect smoke? A: There are two basic and very different approaches, one based on photoelectric principles and the other […]
Smoke detectors and alarms, Part 1
The low-cost, reliable, ubiquitous smoke detector is an example of complex physics and optics made real by semiconductors. We’ve come to accept the basic residential smoke detector, which retails for just $15 to $30, as a standard home-safety accessory. Most building codes now require these in or near designated areas such as the kitchen, bedroom […]
How does air quality history impact data analysis?
Measuring air quality, like any other measurement process starts with the sensors. The sensors provide the concentration of different elements in the air such as CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as other parametric data such as humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure and light level that affect the ambient environment indoors – or outdoors. […]
What’s in the ball?
On August 20, in the third round of the BMW Championship golf tournament, an attendee put a remote-controlled golf ball on the 15th green where professional golfers Rory McIlroy and Scott Stallings were putting and tried to navigate it into the hole. After two failed attempts from McIlroy to knock the ball away with his […]
