Tiny Inventions Impact Our Lives in Big Ways

Among the latest scientific inventions of great importance to us in our daily lives are devices known as MEMS. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are the technology of the very small. In Japan MEMS are also called micromachines. Smaller still, are the nano-scale nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and nanotechnology.

MEMS are made up of components between 1 to 100 micrometers in size (i.e. 0.001 to 0.1 mm) and MEMS devices generally range in size from 20 micrometers (20 millionths of a meter) to a millimeter. MEMS became practical once they could be fabricated using modified semiconductor fabrication technologies, normally used to make electronics.

One type of invention impacting our lives is the accelerometer. An accelerometer measures the acceleration and gravity it experiences. Modern accelerometers are often small micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), and are indeed the simplest MEMS devices possible, consisting of little more than a cantilever beam with a proof mass. Under the influence of gravity or acceleration the proof mass deflects from its neutral position. This deflection is measured in an analog or digital manner. This method is simple and reliable; it also does not require additional process steps making it inexpensive.

Micromechanical accelerometers are available in a wide variety of measuring ranges, reaching up to thousands of g's. These amazing little devices are what allow us to take for granted the most commonplace things in our lives, while benefiting from them immensely.

For instance, these latest of scientific devices tell our air bags when to deploy. Do you feel that we benefit from our airbag technology? They are becoming endemic in gaming devices and even iPhones and other smart phones are using them for interfacing purposes. They are being incorporated into laptop computers to sense screen orientation, and to park hard drive heads in case a drop is detected. They are also used for images stabilization in digital cameras and a host of other applications. They are everywhere you look these days.

Another area where MEMS are popping up is in pressure sensors. MEMS technology combines microelectronics with tiny mechanical systems such as valves, gears, and other mechanical components all on one semiconductor chip using nanotechnology to measure pressure. Pressure sensors can be used for directly sensing pressure for such uses as measuring weather data, aircraft performance parameters, automobiles processes, medical devices, and other machine applications .

These latest scientific inventions can be used for sensing altitude for use in aircraft, rockets, satellites, weather balloons etc. And finally, they can be use for flow sensing. MEMS technology is responsible for everything from automatic blood pressure monitoring devices to monitoring tire pressure of your car.

I’ve barely touched upon the latest scientific inventions in the MEMS field, just think of the military and battlefield uses for such a technology, research is underway for such things as smart clothing and smart armor.

We are using these technologies in the exploration of the ocean depths by implanting them into whales and fish, and monitoring them with radio technology. All fields of science will continue to benefit from the amazing new inventions being spawned by these amazing and cool new technologies.

Rate Article

Related Videos
Play Video Medical Imaging Technology	Play Video Life Saving Technology The Defibrillator Part 2 of 2	Play Video Life Saving Technology The Defibrillator Part 1 of 2	Play Video How Technology Helps Great River Fishing Adventures	Play Video New Fork life Technology

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Computer And Technology" article category.

People interested in the above article "Tiny Inventions Impact Our Lives in Big Ways" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

A Guide to Dealing with Tech Support

Most people who work in an office environment, buy computer products, or have a computer at home have had the "fun" experience of dealing with technical support. It's not always the easiest, or most pleasant, experience but hopefully this article will help you make the best of the situation the next time you call. Below you will find a list of things to keep in mind the next time your computer breaks down.

Databases Are the Secret to Information Power

The advent of the database is perhaps the most valuable thing that has come out of the computer age. The power of information brought to us in every increasing speeds and volumes has increased our ability to make money like never before. Information for the businessman is everything and so the database provides him more power to work with his everything.

Computer Recycling to Save the Environment

Computer recycling refers to the practice of salvaging useable components from obsolete electronic devices or safely disposing off electronic devices. It is a practice that each one of us must inculcate because inappropriate handling of discarded computers and other electronic devices can cause environmental hazards.

Cable Types for the Cisco CCNA and CCNP Home Labs

When you're putting your CCNA and/or CCNP home lab together, you're not just buying routers and switches you're creating a blueprint for success. There is no better way to learn about how real Cisco routers and switches work than to work with the real thing!

An Introduction to Digital Certificates

A digital certificate is an attachment tagged to an electronic message for security purposes. It allows the sender of a message to be verified by the recipient, that the sender is actually the person he or she claims to be. In addition, it allows the recipient to reply to the message in a 'secure' way, so that only the sender of the original message and nobody else receives it.

Search Engine Optimization Introduction

SEO - Search Engine Optimisation. Over the last ten years SE's (Search Engines) have become an ever increasing important factor in business promotion. The four major SE's generate in excess of 700 million search queries a day, an outstanding fact that really emphasises the importance of utilising the potential reach of the Search Engine.

Search Engine Optimization Elusive Practice

Search engine technology has completely revolutionized the way we retrieve relevant information. Mastering the algorithms that drive these marvels of technology is the challenge, and assures the webmaster complete marketing success. In 1990, Alan Emtage at McGill University developed the first search engine, named Archie. Its purpose was to create a database of web filenames that could be queried, and retrieved by any user.