Sensor Drift

Growth secret — MEMS the word

According to a technical market research report, Microsensors: MEMS, biosensors and nanosensors from BCC Research (www.bccresearch.com), MEMS are expected to have over 80% of the market this year, expected to be worth $3.2 billion. In five years, MEMS will account for about 77% of an over $8.4 billion market.

Biochips command the second largest segment, which will reach $581.5 million in 2008 and $1.8 billion by the end of 2013, for a CAGR of 25.6%. Nanosensors are not expected to see their first significant commercial sales until some time after 2008, and command under 2% of the microsensor market by 2013.

The automotive sector was the largest user of microsensors in 2007, followed by life sciences and the process industries. But by 2013, life sciences should be the largest end-user segment, while the automotive sector will drop into second place, followed closely by consumer products.

Unusual sensors in test

Among the technical sessions to be held at Autotestcon (www.autotestcon.com) in Salt Lake City, UT, next month is one in which the use of sensing systems not commonly seen on the test floor are employed. The goal is to try and increase the speed and accuracy of fault location.

The session, called “Advanced Stimulus & Sensor Technology with New Test/Diagnostic Techniques” and chaired by R. Glenn Wright of GMA Industries (www.gmai.com), explains the use of laser Doppler vibrometry, micron-resolution x-ray imaging, off-gassing analysis, and multiresolution sensor fusion for fault isolation.