SolidWorks now offers a range of MEMS-specific design functions in its 3D mechanical design software. Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is a technology that combines computers with tiny mechanical devices such as sensors, valves, gears, mirrors, and actuators embedded in semiconductor chips. The multibillion-dollar industry's most widely used application is airbag sensors. These sensors use extremely small accelerometers to detect the abrupt deceleration that triggers airbags. Other current MEMS applications include pressure sensors, gyroscopes, and inkjet print heads.

MEMS are designed a lot like computer chips, by depositing layers of materials on a substrate. MEMS, however, feature 3D elements, such as miniature springs, hinges, joints, or levers.

Traditional chip design tools may severely limit the MEMS designer since they are 2D tools oriented to the planar, or flat, aspect of integrated circuits. And although computer chips are typically made of silicon, MEMS use a wide range of structural materials besides silicon, including other semiconductors, insulators, and electroplatable metals.

SolidWorks easily handles these materials and moving parts at the miniature level. SolidWorks also meets the challenge of working with photomasks at the submicron level, even for a device packaged in a much larger assembly.

Engineers can zoom into the MEMS detail and zoom out to the larger assembly, providing full 3D visualisation of the MEMS component and its packaging without changing applications.

MEMS was a $3,9 billion industry in 2001. The market is expected to reach $9,6 billion by 2006, with a combined annual growth rate of nearly 20%, according to the MEMS Industry Group.

For more information, contact Mecad Systems, 012 665 1400, freek@mecad.co.za or see www.mecad.co.za