These trade fairs in Baden-Württemberg deal with microsystems technology:

Trade Fair Calendar

Microsystems technology (MST) creates technical (sub-)systems, which functional structures possess dimensions in the micrometer range. It combines methods of microelectronics, micromechanics, microfluidics and microoptics, but also developments of computer science, biotechnology and nanotechnology, unifying concepts and structures of these areas.

In these systems, sensors, actuators and data processing interact. Important examples are optical sensors in wireless computer mice or bubble-jet print heads in modern printers which combine micrometer-sized jets with heating elements. Further application examples are acceleration sensors to trigger airbags, instruments of minimal-invasive surgery such as endoscope systems or chemical sensors for food monitoring. A marginal area of microsystems technology is microprocess engineering which deals with physical and/or chemical processes within micro-structured devices

Microsystems technology deals with design and production of micro-electronic circuits and micro-mechanical and micro-optical components in semi-conductor materials like crystalline silicon or gallium arsenide. Also the production with other materials like Sol-Gel materials and synthetics in micrometer dimensions is the subject of microsystems technology, e.g. producing micro-mechanical structures in LIGA (Abkürzung erläutern) technology or systems with three-dimensional Chip Size Packaging (3D-CSP) as well as RMPD (Rapid Micro Product Development, tool-free series production of micro components).

Microsystems Technology (MST) is a success story and Germany, especially Baden-Württemberg, is the motor of this innovation. Pacemakers, biochips, instruments of the minimal-invasive surgery, airbags or mobile phones are only some of the best known applications in which microsystems are embedded. Forecasts speak about an annual growth of up to 20 per cent. Commercialization and industrial usage of microsystems technologies are strongly on their way. Particular opportunities in Baden-Württemberg can be detected in the automotive and life science sectors. Networks support SMEs in co-operating with research organizations and in managing the leap to miniaturization. Application-oriented research institutes are inevitable partners when it comes to realizing new micro-technological products.

In Baden-Württemberg all the operating sectors as well as material and gear suppliers that are relevant for the microsystems technology industry are represented excellent. In this field the region is on top of Germany. The microsystems technology industry in Baden-Württemberg is highly competitive.

Baden-Württemberg holds a very good infrastructure for research and teaching with renowned research facilities - including basic as well as application-oriented ones. As far as graduates in microsystem technology and number of jobs (well-educated specialists like microsystem technology engineers) are concerned the region ranks among the top positions.

Basic data basis for the evaluation of the different market segments in Baden-Württemberg is the "Nexus Marktstudie für MEMS und Mikrosysteme III, 2005". In this case "market segment" is defined as a combination of a product type and a specific scope of application, e.g. acceleration sensors for the automotive industry. Baden-Württemberg has good relative competitive positions in the following fields:

• MST sensor technology for automobiles
• actuators for automation
• MST sensor technology for measurement, steering and regulation
• actuators for medical technology
• actuators for bio- and life sciences

This result correspond the actual situation of the MST manufacturers in Baden-Württemberg and their international competitive position. Thus Robert BOSCH, the world's leading company in MST sensor technology for the automotive sector, is situated in Baden-Württemberg. Leading companies offering MST for measurement technology are Endress+Hauser and Sick. GreinerBioOne, Storz, Aesculap and AppliedSensor represent MST manufacturers and research in medical science, bio- and life sciences.

Emerging market segments with good relative competitive positions in Baden-Württemberg:

• Microfluidics/biochemical analysis for bio-/life sciences
• Microfluidics/biochemical analysis for aerospace, defense and security
• MST sensor technology/optical MST for measurement, steering and regulation
• actuators for bio-/life sciences
• proportioning of medicamentation for medical technology
• MST sensor technology for aerospace, defense and security

Application development close to industry requirements is a focus of the economic and technological support program of the Baden-Württemberg region. Hence it supports the institutes of the Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft: the Institut für Mikroaufbautechnik (HSG-IMAT) in Stuttgart and the Institut für Mikro- und Informationstechnik (HSG-IMIT) in Villingen-Schwenningen. Together, both institutes employ about 100 people. Both institutes generate a steadily growing part of their projects directly of the industry. They are even able to produce small and medium series of microtechnical components following industrial requirements on their own.

The HSG-IMIT has just established new seminal research fields - also with the financial support of the Baden-Württemberg region: self-sufficient systems, micro-medical technology and flexible microstructured systems. For these purposes 18 new employees have been hired.

The Institut für Mikrosystemtechnik (IMTEK) of the university in Freiburg is one of the accelerators of technology. With 18 professorships and 300 employees the IMTEK has become the biggest faculty in its subject in Europe. Almost all relevant aspects of the microsystems technology - ranging from micro electronics over sensors to biomedical micro technology are covered by the scientists at the IMTEK. Special about IMTEK: the institute is not only on top in its scientific work but also supports the implementation in concrete projects. IMTEK cooperates with companies like Aesculap, Applied Biosystems, DaimlerChrysler, Endress & Hauser, GeneScan, Nova Biomedical, Micronas, Medisense, Roche, Sick or STEAG microParts.

Among the pioneers of the world in microsystems technology there is the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK). Today it focusses on the interface of microsystems technology and nanotechnology - a seminal field providing fundamental impulses for a wide variety of industry sectors. This field has a key role in the implementation of additional functionalities, new materials and effects. The FZK considers the microsystems technology and the nanotechnology as two complementary disciplines of miniaturisation in science and technology. Nanotechnology offers the access to totally new effects that have not been used since. Microsystems technology offers the construction of complete system solutions through distinctive systemic capabilities. The programs of nano- and microsystems technology of the FZK aim at the development of applicable solutions.

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität/IMTEK
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe
Fraunhofer-Institut - IPA
Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft
Esslingen University
Furtwangen University
Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart - IMS
Stuttgart University

• Forum angewandte Mikrosystemtechnik e.V. FAM
• Mikrosystemtechnik Baden-Württemberg e.V.
• Steinbeis GmbH & Co.KG

In favor of an even better position at the market and in order to bundle strengths networks increasingly work for a closer connection between research and industry.

The association of Mikrosystemtechnik Baden-Württemberg e.V. (MST BW) was founded upon an initiative of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs and 16 companies and institutions. Its goal aims at a closer link between scientific and industrial activities. MST BW organizes the networking within and beyond Baden-Württemberg, workshops and interdisciplinary work groups as well as enhancing educational offers. The association initiates strategic networking and support projects and supports start-up companies.

The MicroMountains network in Villingen-Schwenningen has just established a center for technology transfer - named application center - supported by the Federal Government. Main task of the facility will be the massive acceleration of the implementation of research results in small and medium-sized companies. Unlike other research institutions the Micro Mountains application center can act as a legally self-dependent company. It conducts innovation intentions like service jobs - which also is an innovation motor that will push the competitiveness of the Baden-Württemberg economy in the expanding fields of miniaturization and microsystems technology.

Here you can find events related to microsystem technology:

Event Calendar