MEMS

iSLI operates in the field of Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems [MEMS] where the worlds of microfabrication developed for the electronics industry and mechanical systems more familiar at large scales merge. Taking mechanical systems to the micron scale is yielding advantages in cost, size and functionality across a raft of technology sectors, including sensing, medicine, automotive and communications.

The iSLI Advantage

The MEMS design team within iSLI has direct commercial experience of microsystems and related technology exploitation in the industrial sector as well as extensive experience in world class MEMS research. Bringing this focus together with our partner’s world-leading academic research, we deliver valuable technology outcomes in MEMS design. In addition to this core capability, MEMS and microsystems development sits alongside iSLI’s noted areas of expertise in system level electronic design, embedded and reconfigurable systems, wireless technology and training provision. This combination puts iSLI in a unique position to assist with the development of highly integrated solutions containing a number of technologies in addition to MEMS elements.

Proven Record

iSLI already has a proven track record in the development of MEMS components and larger integrated MEMS systems. Working with our research partners in the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, iSLI co-developed a prototype medical diagnostics “smart-pill” using a combination of MEMS elements and CMOS electronics. The device was capable of being swallowed by a patient and would monitor various environmental parameters as it passed through the alimentary canal. By transmitting this data to a logger worn by the patient a full record of their gut health could be created.

More recently, iSLI has proven its ability to develop MEMS components our own unique devices. We have demonstrated a micro-scale pressure sensor, suitable for integration into larger scale electronic systems, based on fully in-house design capability. This device has been fabricated through custom processing at out partner institute, the Scottish Microelectronics Centre, with commercially competitive performance from the first round design. These components have been designed specifically to enable integration with electronic components manufactured on a standard CMOS process.

Customer First

As a commercial customer, you want the results you asked for when they are due. We understand that. We are a focused and reliable partner to help you get where you want to be with as much speed and certainty as possible.

Design Services

Through our in-house design team and access to academic experts, iSLI provides assistance with the development, transfer and commercialisation of MNT technology. The combination of skills available at iSLI provides significant value-add to highly integrated and heterogeneous technology challenges.

We have:

State of the art design tools

• Capability in mechanical, electrostatic, damping, fluidic and other domains
• Experience of the commercial design cycle
• Tight links to fabrication suppliers - from prototype to production volumes

Technology Scoping

Drawing on our experience in commercial design and engineering we offer extensive technology scoping services. Specific areas include:

• Current state of the art
• Market competition analyses
• Application-specific tools recommendation
• Manufacturing technology evaluation

Longer-Term Strategic Partnering

Through our constitution as a partnership between four universities and a development agency, we are also involved in longer-term, more speculative, academic research activity. Our primary focus within this remains application and exploitation for the commercial sector.

iSLI, as one of several institutional partners, has won significant long-term strategic funding. Work will focus on technology development of integrated micro-systems including:

• Si MEMS
• photonics
• micro-fluidics
• integrated control

Target application areas include:

• biomedical devices
• chemical synthesis
• metrology
• smart structures

Extended Links & Brokering

iSLI has extensive linkages into other organisations at all points in the supply chain. We have extensive experience of sourcing development funding and relationships with:

UK MNT Network: iDesign:

Under the £100M UK government micro and nano-technology network initiative, and supported by Scottish Enterprise, iSLI has teamed up with key academic groups at Strathclyde and Heriot Watt universities to deliver the iDesign service. This provides open access to expertise in the design and development of silicon MEMS, including integration of CMOS electronic technologies.

The iDesign service is one half of a larger MNT network prototyping facility delivered in partnership with the open access foundry provision, SemeMEMS, delivered by the Semefab foundry. The two elements fit together to provide an end to end development and support service for those wishing to develop silicon MEMS devices with or without monolithically integrated CMOS circuitry.

The partnership can take you from design concept through to verified prototype device in volumes large enough for significant market trialling. Beyond this, both iDesign and SemeMEMS can continue to support your growth plans through continuation engagement beyond the UK MNT network.

World Leading Research Teams

Through strong links to research groups within our partner universities we can access an extensive portfolio of MNT expertise; from device design and development to new modelling techniques and understanding. Through either collaborative working or knowledge transfer, we can make these relationships work to help you reach your goals.

Comprehensive EU Links

iSLI is a founder member of the EU framework VI “Patent DfMM” network of excellence in Design for Micro-Manufacture and currently leads activity in training. The programme involves a wide range of leading academic and commercial partners in activities to develop all aspects of manufacturability; from materials characterisation through failure modes to design and packaging