Ever since microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer chips became standard equipment on consumer devices such as the iPhone and Wii, their prices have been plummeting. But volume manufacturing is just one reason accelerometers could eventually become $1 devices. Another is that the most expensive manufacturing-cost components of MEMS—the moving parts—are being eliminated, according to MEMSIC Inc., which has developed a no-moving-parts design (Andover, Mass.). Eliminating the moving mechanical parts means that instead of using an expensive, custom MEMS manufacturing process, MEMSIC can run its accelerometers on any standard CMOS line.
Text: http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208700340
