INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF MICROSYSTEM TECHNOLOGY

Microsystem technology in its present state is generally considered as a matter of big industries, as an exorbitantly high R & D-expenditure is expected to convert actual laboratory devices into commercial products. On the other hand, integrated sensors offer good prospects to small and medium-sized enterprises. In this article, a survey on the market for integrated sensors is given and some of their essential features are discussed. Bottlenecks, obstructing the application of microtechniques, will be described as well. The role of integrated sensors in improving the competitive position is demonstrated by selected R & D-projects which are taken from small and medium-sized enterprises.