Micro-electromechanical systems or MEMS is a form of micro fabrication technology used in making systems-on-a-chip (SoC). This technology can integrate both microelectronic circuits and mechanical structures on the same chip. The potential applications for this technology are huge because it can be applied to virtually any industry for creating more efficient products with considerably less cost.
Some of the applications in which MEMS can be implemented are neural prosthesis devices like hearing and visual aids; on chip body fluid analysis systems and microsurgery tools; and micromirrors for fiber optic switching for fast internet and smart antennas.
Linde Electronics has strategically chosen to form a partnership with Pelchem, a global leader in fluorochemicals. Why is a company that specializes in fluorochemicals essential for the manufacturing of MEMS? The answer is xenon difluoride (XeF(2)), an essential ingredients in the manufacturing of MEMS.
MEMS will be a critical part of future mobile and automotive applications and the rapidly growing machine to machine (M2M) industry, which is predicted to drive the semiconductor growth wave for many years to come.
Linde already counts most of the major device manufacturers in the world as its customers. The partnership with Pelchem gives it access to a company that has the largest share of the global (XeF(2)) market, allowing it to expand its footprint in material supply, something that is expected in order to become a very large MEMS provider.
"This partnership is just one component of our continued investment in advanced materials to facilitate the growth of this market. The addition of XeF(2) complements our existing portfolio of gases that help electronics manufacturers globally produce more innovative electronic devices more cost effectively. Collaborating with Pelchem enables us to support the manufacture of the latest MEMS devices as the fast growth of this sector continues," said Peter Owen, head of Linde's Global Electronics business and Asia Joint Venture Management.
The MEMS and M2M market are going to be linked together for the foreseeable future as the Internet of things will increase the demand for both technologies.
"Pelchem was the first company to supply XeF(2) to the electronics industry and we have made extensive investments to meet the needs of the MEMS market, including the establishment of the world's largest XeF(2) production plan. By joining forces with Linde and tapping into Linde's extensive, world-class distribution network and infrastructure, we are well positioned to be the supplier of choice for XeF(2) on a global scale t," said Dr Petro Terblanche, managing director of Pelchem.
Edited by
Jamie Epstein
