All You Need to Know About MEMS Definitions and Classifications

MEMS scanning projector

Microelectronics can make a difference in manufacturing technology. Digital transformations have become an essential part of today’s global progress and innovations. One of the advantageous tech solutions nowadays is MEMS. Microelectromechanical systems increase the performance and reliability of many devices. MEMS sensors can bring enhanced experience when it comes to the education, driving, mass production of any goods.

There are many types of commercial applications when it comes to microelectromechanical systems. For example, there are MEMS laser scanner models, barometers, printers, and pressure sensors. It is difficult to mention all the MEMS-based devices at once. Now, many tech companies consider MEMS and MEMS-based sensors ever-promising micro techniques on the modern market.

MEMS vs Microchips: What Is the Best Option?

It is worth noting that microelectromechanical systems perform better than traditional integrated circuit microchips. MEMS sensors are compact and are image drift-free. Additionally, today experts prove the fact that microelectromechanical systems together with LiDAR bring excellent picture capturing and transition with minimum timeout rates.

That is why MEMS mirror devices with laser-detection and ranging solutions become so popular among business representatives and tech developers (including optic and IMU sectors). But all the micro-systems vary according to their characteristics. This way, there are several definitions and classifications of MEMS.

MST Classifications & MEMS Definitions

Let’s start with the more general term – microsystem technology. MEMS refers to MST. But it does not mean that microelectromechanical systems = microsystem technologies. MEMS is a subdivision of MST. Additionally, microelectromechanical systems are related to electronics and mechanics at once. As a result, MEMS are related to MOEMS as well.

Microsystem technologies also include optics as one of the main divisions. It is worth noting that 2D MEMS scanning mirror devices are impossible without LiDAR. That is why laser scanners together with MEMS-based sensors are a happy blend of optics with electrics, mechanics, and photonics.

When it comes to the MEMS classifications, the main one is based on the energy domains. Let’s take a closer look at the main categories according to these characteristics:

  1. Mechanical. This subdivision includes MEMS sensors and other devices with the mechanical energy domain. These are force, positioning, velocity, etc.

  2. Thermal. This energy domain is notable for its temperature changes, heat flows, wetness, and other weather-driven factors.

  3. Chemical. The MEMS devices of these categories depend on the reaction rates and other chemical-driven environments like concentration of any chemical component and so on.

  4. Radiant. This energy domain is mostly based on radio waves and their intensity. The MEMS sensors depend on the electromagnetic changes.

  5. Magnetic. Besides magnetic movement, there is a range of other factors related to this energy domain (like flux density, etc.).

  6. Electrical. This energy domain is notable for MEMs for polarization, voltage, current, and other electrical-driven characteristics.

It is worth noting that all the above-mentioned energy domains are applicable for the MEMS sensors only. Nevertheless, it is worth reviewing another format of the microelectromechanical systems.

First, let’s mention that all MEMS are transducers. This is a special-purpose device with the possibility to transform some signals or energies into some specific form. That is why units based on microelectromechanical systems of this format are often called transformation activators. Transducers divide into sensors (the most common type) and actuators.

Speaking about the second form of MEMS (compared with well-known sensors), they are responsible for the electrical signal conversion into some action. Actuators are often used for devices that should perform any specified function (converted action).

Both MEMS sensors and actuators are beneficial for today’s manufacturing market and other sectors. The transformations and conversions take place faster with any strains. Keep track of the development of microsystem technologies not to miss new MEMS-based solutions!