What is a Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS)?
A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) is a small mechanical module powered by electricity. NEMS incorporates a computer with mechanical modules such as sensors, actuators and mirrors. It is a cost-effective system that uses a modified device manufacturing technique.
MEMS are versatile and come in a variety of manufacturing designs, leveraging different components, miniaturization, and new standard integrated electromechanical systems. MEMS can be used in wet etching such as potassium hydroxide (KOA), dry etching such as deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), molding and plating, electrical discharge machines (EDM), and other technologies that produce small devices.
A microelectromechanical system may also be referred to as a microelectronic system, micromachine, microsystem technology or smart material.
Techopedia describes MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems).
MEMS can be smaller than the width of a human hair and can contain several components, including:
- Micro sensor
- Micro actuator
- Microprocessor
- Central unit for data processing
- Components for interacting with external elements
MEMS have a large surface area to volume ratio and are constructed using silicon fabrication techniques.
MEMS devices contain microcircuits placed on tiny silicon chips that are used with mechanical components. This technology supports a variety of devices that control, sense, or activate mechanical processes while functioning as an array or individually.
Currently, MEMS incorporate a single discrete microsensor or microaccurator into their architecture, but more complex levels of assimilation may occur in the future. The next development is to integrate many individual functions into one system.
