7

J U L Y 2 0 1 0 i s s u e n ° 3 M E M S Tr e n d sM a g a z i n e o n M E M S T e c h n o l o g i e s & M a r k e t s

Inertial MEMS testing trendsAlthough production volumes of inertial devices have risen to millions of units per day for certain applications, the majority of products astonishingly still obey the rule of having one process per product. This is true for testing in particular. In addition to that, the more accurate the devices, the higher the requirements for testing. Another visible trend: MEMS inertial sensor developers and manufacturers are working vigorously toward “design for test”. All disciplines, including testing, are represented in the design team from the very beginning. This paradigms shift allows companies to address the testing requirements from the start. Fewer iterations of development as well as a smoother transition into production are the value added results of this evolution. Companies also start to see testing as a product differentiator.Testing is one of the cost drivers of the final device. In times of sensor fusion and smart systems integration, even more functionality and flexibility are needed to be ready to test and characterize these powerful new devices.

Common need identifiedWhile studying the market thoroughly, ACUTRONIC held a number of interviews with leading MEMS companies in their respective fields. Be it a development research laboratory or a large volume manufacturer - all of them clearly pointed out the need for extensive testing and characterization. Many of them are struggling to design and set up “home-brewed” test equipment, while others are not able to identify off-the-shelf systems to meet their needs. The majority of those companies with devices in the engineering test development or production ramp up phases simply do not want to dedicate funds for capital equipment and/or resources. ACUTRONIC conclusively sees confirmation of its efforts started in 2009 (see Micronews Issue No 83, 2009). The announced opening of the Testing Facility in Pittsburgh, PA, USA is extended to a second facility at our headquarters in Bubikon, Switzerland.

Inertial testing facility operationalACUTRONIC proudly announces its inertial Testing Service Facilities being operational - on both sides of the Atlantic. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, and Bubikon, Switzerland, both facilities contain 2-axis rate tables, 1-axis rate table/centrifuges and angular vibration tables. Adequate temperature chambers as well as more traditional vibration and temperature cycling test equipment are also available in order to simulate environmental conditions optimally. The motion simulators are integrated with complementary data acquisition instruments in order to capture and process the data you need.

In terms of software we maintain a library of IEEE-based standard tests as well as those developed by ACUTRONIC. Customization of testing procedures is also within our offerings. Of equal importance are both consulting and engineering support for mounting fixtures and connections to the units under test. A test technician is assigned to be on-call 24/7 to assist customers during their engagement. ACUTRONIC recognizes customer concerns regarding the security of their proprietary test data. They maintain control over their data and are provided with a dedicated hard drive that they can either lock up on-site or take with them. An internal test data network, separate from the main facility network, ensures data isolation. A separate customer entrance isolates the facility and makes it accessible to customers.

Inertial MEMS testing challengesAs is typical with all types of sensors and instrumentation, each device not only needs a test system capable of providing adequate stimuli, but the test equipment designer must also understand the physics of the stimulus, how it affects the device, and how to understand the resulting measurements. Consequently, it is a significant challenge to perform dynamic testing. For many MEMS companies, this expertise either does not exist in-house, or the company cannot afford to dedicate scarce resources to the design, set up and maintenance of test facilities and equipment.

Value to customersOur approach offers several benefits to companies developing inertial sensors and systems. Companies can avoid the large capital investment to build up

and staff their own test facility, especially during the development phase. At the same time, they can benefit from ACUTRONIC’s extended experience with inertial measurement technology. MEMS device designs typically go through a time-consuming iterative design / fabricate / test / revise process. More accurate and comprehensive data from test iterations can reduce the total number of cycles, resulting in faster time-to-market and lower development costs. The new services also allow companies to focus their resources on design and development of the device itself, rather than test equipment. Finally, independent 3rd-party device testing provides credibility for MEMS inertial sensor manufacturers and customers.

OutlookACUTRONIC’s vision is to become the recognized world-wide leader for testing of inertial devices. We will make this expertise available and affordable for inertial sensor and systems companies - from the R&D stage throughout the production.

Contact: ACUTRONIC USA Inc. 700 Waterfront Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Phone +1 412 926 1200 - Fax +1 412 697 8111Email: marketing@acutronic.com

ACUTRONIC Switzerland LtdRosengartenstrasse 25, 8608 Bubikon / Switzerland

Phone: +41 55 253 55 55 - Fax: +41 55 253 55 56Email: marketing@acutronic.ch

www.acutronic.com

ACUTRONIC inertial Testing Services iTS —Testing becomes your differentiatorInertial MEMS sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers) have experienced outstanding growth despite the recent economic downturn, representing the highest growth area in the MEMS industry. MEMS inertial sensors have not just entered into new fields of application, they have become more mature in general, and much more accurate. Different categories have emerged out of numerous performance-related characteristics. These categories, of course, require adequate testing concepts and testing procedures.

c o M p a n Y v i S i o n

ACUTRONIC’s just moved into its new headquarters in Bubikon, Switzerland, at the beginning of this year.