MIG at BSAC’s Fall 2012 IAB & Research Review

The MIG team traveled to Berkeley, California last week to host a workshop on MEMS Product Development Challenges, part of BSAC’s Fall 2012 IAB & Research Review.  We were very honored to host a workshop with BSAC for the second year in a row.  The presentations from the workshop are available to MIG members in the Resource Library on our web site.

Karen Lightman kicked off the day by presenting an overview of MIG and the current state of the industry including potential areas for collaboration.

Dave Monk, Sensor Product Manager at Freescale presented a case study on MEMS product development evolution and lessons learned.

Angelo Assimakopoulos, Director of New Business Development at Knowles Electronics discussed the history of Knowles and the challenges they faced developing a MEMS microphone.

Next up was Peter Himes, VP of Marketing at Silex Microsystems. He discussed a foundry’s perspective on process standardization vs full customization.

MEMS Executive Congress Europe

By Karen Lightman, Managing Director, MEMS Industry Group

“MEMS is only limited by the imagination” was the title of the opening keynote presented by ST’s Carmelo Papa at MEMS Executive Congress Europe and in many ways this phrase perfectly summarizes the conference itself. All of the speakers on our four panels  – industrial, biomedical/Quality of Life (QoL), automotive and consumer – as well as our keynotes – all conveyed that frontier feeling that MEMS can truly change the world. Sure we have some challenges to overcome (biggest being packaging), but the potential of having MEMS (frickin’) everywhere is a very tangible reality, if any of the predictions of MEMS Executive Congress Europe come true.

Thankfully the numerous press who attended the Congress Europe have already done an impressive job of highlighting the panelists’ and keynotes’ more technical points – please refer to our Congress press coverage for the growing list of stories.  So instead of retelling you who said what regarding what ISO qualification, I’ll use this blog to give you the more colorful side of the Congress (shocking disclosure, I know).  And speaking of color, MIG’s Monica Takacs did a great job of capturing the Congress in pictures and we’ve posted them on our Flickr site; you will want to check it out.

I am going to share with you my favorite quotes, saving my favorite for last. I’ll start with the one by our opening keynote, Carmelo Papa. When Carmelo was talking “off the ST script” his adorable Italian personality was a lot of fun. Like when he said that he couldn’t reveal ST’s biggest customer “even under torture,” but he’d give us some hints: “it is green, and delicious to eat.” What a great way to describe Apple.  I also liked how he described MEMS as the “mouse for portable devices” as it enables a new realm of gesture.

My next favorite quote was from VTI’s Hannu Laatikainen who I called a “Finnish Haiku Poet” when he said that we needed to “treat the car more like a human that can see, feel, hear, smell and taste.” Great stuff.  I absolutely enjoyed hearing every single word coming out of the mouth of Dr. Berger of Clinatec and it wasn’t just because I am a sucker for a French accent. I loved his description of connecting technology with medicine and his passion for patient health, safety and welfare.  He urged that there must be more money for clinical trials of technology for medical treatment to prove efficacy (not just money for consumer-inspired sport applications masking as healthcare products). I couldn’t agree more.

I laughed when Stefan Finkbeiner introduced himself and stated that his company, Akustica/Bosch, hailed from Pittsburgh, the “MEMS center of the US.” Stefan then modified the statement by saying that Pittsburgh is the “MEMS capital of Pennsylvania” and “definitely the MEMS capital of Western PA.” My hometown is a lot of things, but not yet the MEMS capital of the US.

But my absolute favorite quote from MEMS Executive Congress Europe was from Continental’s Bernhard Schmid. When someone from the audience asked the panelists if visual sensors will replace MEMS on automotive, Bernhard responded with a rhetorical question: “Have the eyes cannibalized the ears? No. Both senses/sensors are needed for smart automotive.” I guess he was inspired by Hannu’s earlier comment about the car’s senses being more human. I wouldn’t have expected such eloquence from a bunch of automotive engineering executives.  But like the Congress in general, these guys impressed and surprised me.

MEMS Executive Congress Europe was a fantastic success. I was expecting 100 attendees; we had 155. I thought we had a handful of sponsors; we had over 30. I look forward to building the content for this year’s upcoming MEMS Executive Congress US in Scottsdale (November 7-8) and yes, next year’s event somewhere in Europe and possibly in Asia. By design, MEMS Executive Congress is a unique professional forum where executives from companies designing and manufacturing MEMS technology sit side-by-side with their end-user customers in panel discussions and networking events to exchange ideas and information about the use of MEMS in commercial applications. And clearly, with our success in Europe, MIG is meeting a need in the market. Good thing it’s also lots of fun.

See you at CES!

MIG looks forward to advancing MEMS across global markets at next week’s 2012 International CES®.  It’s not too late to make your plans to attend!

MEMS TechZone LVCC, South Hall 2, Booth #25218 January 10 – 13, 2012 Stop by the booth to register to win MOD Live from Recon Instruments (winner of the 2011 MEMS Technology Showcase at MEMS Executive Congress®) and see the VGo Robotic Telepresence (enabled by MEMS developed by Freescale Semiconductor.)   MEMS Conference Session Connecting the Real World with the Digital World: Harnessing the Power of MEMS LVCC, North Hall, Room N254 January 11, 2012 | 10:30-11:30amSpread the word to your colleagues and customers to attend this much anticipated session. In this session, you’ll earn how MEMS is truly driving the adoption of new consumer applications and products.   Complimentary MIG Networking Breakfast Sponsored by  Conference Room 7, Second Floor, Las Vegas Hilton January 11, 2012 | 7:00-9:00 am Join press and members of MIG for a complimentary continental breakfast and networking time. (RSVP required)

MEMS at 2012 CES® PressroomIf you can’t make it to the show, be sure to check out the latest press releases related to MEMS at 2012 CES® in our online press room.  MIG members, if you are attending the show and have a press release, make sure to send it to Kacey Wherley at kwherley@memsindustrygroup.org for inclusion.

See you in Las Vegas!

MEMS News Update

• Explore “MEMS Sensor Fusion/Sensor Networks”
  (tags: mems news member mig2011 mec2011)
• The Changing Landscape of MEMS Foundry Models: Understanding In-house, Fab-lite and Fabless
  (tags: mems news member mig2011 mec2011)

The Changing Landscape of MEMS Foundry Models: Understanding In-house, Fab-lite and Fabless

MEMS Executive Congress 2011

November 2-3, 2011
Monterey Plaza Resort & Spa
An annual executive forum promoting the commercialization of MEMS

“One size fits all” just does not apply in MEMS manufacturing. Heterogeneous models—in-house, fab-lite and fabless—offer flexible approaches to the varied requirements of MEMS fabrication, empowering companies to make the choices that will keep them competitive.

At the seventh annual MEMS Executive Congress , our panel of global MEMS fabrication business leaders will boldly explore the diverse approaches to manufacturing MEMS. Where are we today, how did we get here, and where are we going? What is driving this new era of fab-lite and fabless manufacturing and why do some companies make the choice to keep their fab in-house? And, how do variables such as current processes, price and time-to-market pressures, and the need for flexibility affect a foundry’s strategy?

Representing very different perspectives on the manufacturing spectrum, our panelists will offer candid opinions on how to come out a winner in this increasingly competitive and revenue-generating market.

Please join us Thursday, November 3, 2011, 10:00-10:45 a.m., for the panel, MEMS Foundry Models—In-House, Fab-Lite, Fabless.

Featured Speakers

Moderator: Nancy Fares, President & CEO, Micralyne

Panelists:

• Claude Jean, Executive VP & GM, Teledyne DALSA
• Gary Johnson, CEO, Silex Microsystems
• Rakesh Kumar, Director MEMS, 200mm Business Unit, GLOBALFOUNDRIES
• Seyed Paransun, Vice President and General Manager, Sensor & Actuator Solutions Division, Freescale Semiconductor

Register today for MEMS Executive Congress

As a business rather than a technical conference, MEMS Executive Congress provides a unique forum for MEMS solution providers and OEM integrators to exchange ideas and information during panel discussions and networking events. This truly unique two-day event is the year’s must-attend conference for the entire MEMS supply chain.

If you have not registered yet, you can do so via the link below:

Meet your new business partner at MEMS Executive Congress!

November 2-3, 2011 | Monterey, California | Monterey Plaza Resort and Spa

In addition to all the great content, MEMS Executive Congress also provides attendees plenty of networking time throughout the event that enables interaction among peers in a fun and casual environment.

Wednesday Evening, November 2 – Dinner in the Open Sea Wing at the Monterey Aquarium.

Monterey Bay AquariumSit by the largest window in North America and enjoy a fish-eye view of the sharks, tunas and sea turtles while chatting about that day’s panel of MEMS market analysts and their forecasts.  Take a stroll and drift away with the jellies as you sample delicacies and finger foods.

Thursday Evening, November 3 – Dinner at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa

Dinner will be served at the host hotel, located on Cannery Row, the historic site of now-defunct sardine canning factories made famous by John Steinbeck. You’ll view the beautiful Monterey Bay while dining and exchanging conversation about the future of the MEMS industry.After dinner, we’ll continue with libations at the lobby bar. Drinks are sponsored by Coventor.

Friday Morning, November 4– Golf Outing Sponsored by Lam Research

The networking opportunities don’t have to end on Thursday. Join us for a golf outing at Pacific Groves Golf Links. Situated on the tip of the scenic Monterey Peninsula just 2.5 miles away from the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, this historic 18-hole golf course overlooks Point Pinos and the Pacific Ocean and features both parkland and links-style nines.

In its seventh year, MEMS Executive Congress is the executive conference that connects the MEMS supply chain with MEMS end-users. Through keynotes, panel discussions, and numerous networking opportunities, MEMS Executive Congress creates an intimate forum for decision-makers to grow the global MEMS market.

Industry leaders scheduled to speak at the iNEMI MEMS Workshop

MEMS Workshop: Needs & Opportunities

September 15-16 (following the EMPC 2011 Conference)

Hilton Metropole Brighton, UK

Organized by iNEMI

Supported by MEMS Industry Group (MIG)

ST Microelectronics’ Benedetto Vigna, Group Vice President and General Manager of ST Microelectronics’ (STM, ST) MEMS, Sensors, and High-Performance Analog Division, will deliver keynote at iNEMI MEMS workshop

Thought leaders from the electronics industry and research community will come together this September to tackle the challenges of developing and adopting MEMS technologies. Make plans now to join the discussion.

This meeting is intended to set the priorities and direction for future industry-led collaborative programs. Your participation will enable you to help set this agenda for the electronics industry.

Join speakers from: Bosch, Coventor, Fraunhofer IZM, imec, iNEMI, Léti, Tronics Group,

Yole Développement and more as we:

• Identify the major technology areas where the electronics industry has the greatest potential impact on improving the reliability, testability, performance, and cost of MEMS–based solutions.

• For the high-priority challenges, identify and begin to define collaborative projects that iNEMI and other organizations can develop that will either partially or fully address the technology and supply chain gaps requiring electronics industry leadership.

• Form action groups to define and execute the required industrial collaborative programs.

• Define research and development needs to support these programs.

Registration

(Fees listed are in US dollars.)

• iNEMI members: free

• MIG members: $250 (contact Kacey Wherley for coupon code) at kwherley@memsindustrygroup.org

• Non-members: $350

Register now http://www.inemi.org/node/2113

For more information http://www.inemi.org/events/mems-workshop

MEMS Executive Congress Sponsorships are Hot!

Thanks to overwhelming demand for MEMS Executive Congress sponsorships, MIG is pleased to announce a new Bronze category of sponsorship for the November 2011 event in Monterey, CA.  Included with the Bronze sponsorship is one complimentary pass to MEMS Executive Congress, inclusion of your company in pre and post event press releases and marketing materials, signage, event web site and program. For complete details and benefits, please visit the MEMS Executive Congress web site.  There is a special discount for MIG members and returning sponsors from Congress 2010.

We have several press releases, advisories and marketing activities planned for the next few weeks, so you are strongly encouraged to contact MIG if you are interested in the Bronze sponsorship or any of the other remaining sponsorship spots. You’ll get more “bang for your buck” if you sign up now, rather than sign up just before the Congress. And yes, to answer your question, we have sold the Restroom Sponsor!

In its seventh year, MEMS Executive Congress is the executive conference that connects the MEMS supply chain with MEMS end-users. Through keynotes, panel discussions, and numerous networking opportunities, MEMS Executive Congress creates an intimate forum for decision-makers to grow the global MEMS market. For complete information, please visit www.memscongress.com.

Explore “MEMS Sensor Fusion/Sensor Networks”

November 2-3, 2011
Monterey Plaza Resort & Spa
An annual executive forum promoting the commercialization of MEMS

As engineers combine MEMS devices with integrated circuits to create feature-rich heterogeneous environments, embedded systems have become more complex. Now smartphones may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, silicon microphones, RF MEMS, and even micro-displays, to produce a “full package” of intelligence for end-user applications. These new systems require “sensor fusion,” which intelligently combines data, software and processing from different sensors (including MEMS). And while consumer products and automotive systems top the list for high-volume MEMS consumption, biomedical/healthcare, industrial and energy increasingly use MEMS technology as well.

The panel will discuss the critical issues affecting MEMS systems integration such as: What is the future of “MEMS sensor fusion”—integrating MEMS with ICs and software in the same application (and even the same package) while meeting or exceeding cost, power and performance requirements? How are MEMS sensors producing more intelligent, and pervasive, wireless networks? How might technologies such as Hewlett-Packard’s “Central Nervous System of the Earth” (CeNSE) change our information infrastructure—and what is its potential impact on society?

Featured Speakers

Moderator: Michael Jamiolkowski, President & CEO, Coventor

Panelists:

• Dr. Todd Carrico, President, Cougaar Software
• Scott Constien, VP, Product Management and Advanced Development, Enfora
• Peter Hartwell, Distinguished Technologist, Hewlett-Packard Laboratories
• Glenn Hauer, Senior Vice President for Product Management, INOVA Geophysical

Please join us Thursday, November 3, 2011, 1:45-2:30 p.m., for the panel, MEMS Sensor Fusion/Sensor Networks, at the seventh annual MEMS Executive Congress.

Register today for MEMS Executive Congress

As a business rather than a technical conference, MEMS Executive Congress provides a unique forum for MEMS solution providers and OEM integrators to exchange ideas and information during panel discussions and networking events. This truly unique two-day event is the year’s must-attend conference for the entire MEMS supply chain.

If you have not registered yet, you can do so via the link below:

For more information, please visit www.memscongress.com.

Karen’s blog from MFG 2011

By Karen Lightman, Managing Director, MEMS Industry Group

JUST DO IT. If I had to sum up the sense of urgency/energy at the Workshop on Future Technologies for Micro/Nano Manufacturing, that is the phrase I would use. The workshop, organized by the Transducer Research Foundation (TRF) and held in paradise/Silverado Resort in Napa, CA, was packed to the gills with 200 attendees. The audience was mainly academic and government, with a smattering of industry (many of whom are MIG members). But as with any three-legged stool, if two legs are longer than the third, the stool is not stable. And that is why we need to change, we need to act, we need to JUST DO IT.

If you are interested in seeing my notes from MFG 2011, let me know and I’ll send you them (and you’ll get to see my strange spellings/abbreviations). But since it’s summertime and the pool is beckoning, I’ll try to summarize some of the key takeaways from the three-day workshop as best I can.