Our mission is to enable applications in microsystems, MEMS, and nanotechnology. We
provide business and engineering consulting to bring
concepts to reality. This combines our industry experience,
range of professional contacts, and ties to fabrication
facilities, with state-of-the art numerical modeling
(FEM)
and analytical tools.
Understanding Disruptive Technologies
Paradigm shifts that reinvent or redefine
common applications (e.g. transistors displacing
vacuum tubes), or herald non-evolutionary
applications (e.g. the invention of television),
define disruptive technologies. MEMS and
nanotechnology often fall into both categories.
Business cases in novel technologies are challenging, and
new ventures should consider:
- The application space.
- The needs of the consumer.
- Their willingness to embrace a new standard.
- The ability to market successfully.
Beyond concept, costs can dominate. These
include capital investments and a lengthy R&D, a
facilitation into high volume, and the
infrastructure for product delivery and support.
Two interesting examples can be found in the small
revolution seen in Texas Instrument's Digital Light Projection
(DLP)
chip's encroachment into the LCD projector market, and in the
government-led standardization of high-definition
television (HDTV).
Microsystems Technology (MST)
& MEMS
Fashioning micromachined silicon and germanium
into micro-electro-mechanical structures (MEMS) dates to
the 1950's. The 1960's brought the first products,
and today MEMS devices permeate a vast range of
applications. These include pressure sensors
(disposable blood pressure sensors and TPMS), accelerometers,
gyroscopes, gigahertz and terahertz RF/wireless filters, switches,
and bolometers, micro-fuel cells, microprocessor cooling, digital
displays, optical fiber switches, fingerprint sensors, and
microphones. Common to all is semiconductor batch fabrication,
high performance/cost, miniaturization, precision engineering,
and targeted end applications.
Because of its versatility, micromachining has eluded
process and package standardization - each application
often calling for unique tools and specifications. Value
is added through customization, but the intellectual
property (IP) is often resident in processing recipes - a
secret sauce heavily guarded by a foundry or by
an OEM having access to a captive fab.
With the trend to go fabless, and the number of companies
providing prototyping diminishing, there will be a challenge
to our clients that our talents, experiences, and contacts
at Volant are poised to meet.
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