Institute of Information Theories and Applications FOI ITHEA
Abstract:
Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) have already revolutionized several industries through
miniaturization and cost effective manufacturing capabilities that were never possible before. However,
commercially available MEMS products have only scratched the surface of the application areas where
MEMS has potential. The complex and highly technical nature of MEMS research and development (R&D)
combined with the lack of standards in areas such as design, fabrication and test methodologies, makes
creating and supporting a MEMS R&D program a financial and technological challenge. A proper information
technology (IT) infrastructure is the backbone of such research and is critical to its success. While the lack of
standards and the general complexity in MEMS R&D makes it impossible to provide a “one size fits all”
design, a systematic approach, combined with a good understanding of the MEMS R&D environment and the
relevant computer-aided design tools, provides a way for the IT architect to develop an appropriate
infrastructure.
