Challenges of Smart System Integration

Abstract

As a result of the growing complexity and miniaturization of innovative products systems integration is becoming more and more important for scientific and technical development. The micro and nano system technologies as well as electronics are playing a key role in today's product development and industrial progress. They enable the integration of mechanical, electrical, optical, chemical, biological and other functions into a very small space with dimensions ranging from sub micrometers up to some millimeters. This paper presents three examples of MEMS sensors developed at Fraunhofer ENAS and Chemnitz University of Technology and the approaches for their integration into smart systems. The first one is an active radio frequency identification label for the monitoring of shock, inclination and temperature during transportation processes. A MEMS spectrometer and gyroscopes will be demonstrated. Special emphasis is given to MEMS /nanointegration. IntroductionA lot of smart systems evolved from micro systems. They combine technologies and components from micro systems technology with knowledge, technology and functionality from other disciplines like biology, chemistry, nano sciences or cognitive sciences. Focus is on the design and manufacturing of completely new marketable products and services for specialized applications and for mass market applications.A major challenge in smart systems technology is the integration of a multitude of diverse components, developed and produced in very different technologies and materials (1). Smart systems address environmental, societal and economic challenges like limited ressources, climate change, aging population, and globalization. They are for that reason increasingly used in a large number of sectors. Key sectors in this context are transportation, healthcare, energy and environment, safety and security, logistics, ICT, and manufacturing.