INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF MICROSYSTEM TEC HNOLOGY

Microsystem technology in its present state is generally considered as a matter of big industries, as an exorbitantly high R & D-expenditure is expected to convert actual laboratory devices into commercial prod ucts. On the other hand, integrated sensors offer good prospects to sm all and medium-sized enterprises. In this article, a survey on the mar ket for integrated sensors is given and some of their essential featur es are discussed. Bottlenecks, obstructing the application of microtec hniques, will be described as well. The role of integrated sensors in improving the competitive position is demonstrated by selected R & D-p rojects which are taken from small and medium-sized enterprises.