MEMS and Microsystems

Book excerpt: Microsystems and MEMS technology is one of the biggest breakthroughs in the area of mechanical and electronic technology in recent years. This is the technology of extremely small and powerful devices, and systems built around them, which have mechanical and electrical components. MEMS technology is expanding rapidly, with major application areas being telecommunications, biomedical technology, manufacturing and robotic systems, transportation and aerospace. Academics are desperate for texts to familiarise future engineers with this broad-ranging technology. This text provides an engineering design approach to MEMS and microsystems which is appropriate for professionals and senior level students. This design approach is conveyed through good examples, cases and applied problems. The book is appropriate for mechanical and aerospace engineers, since it carefully explains the electrical/electronic aspects of the subject. Electrical engineering students will be given strong coverage of the mechanical side of MEMS, something they may not receive elsewhere.