Integrated micromachined silicon: vehicle sensors of the 1990's?
Ronald P. Knockeart, Robert E. Sulouff · 2005
Intense global competition and the need to satisfy increasing customer demands for higher quality and better performance are driving vehicle manufacturers to accelerate the creation of more and better vehicle control These systems are affecting virtually all vehicle functions, including steering, sus- pension, and driver information, among others. Virtually all these systems use silicon-based electronics to store control algorithms, process information, and direct actuators to perform various functions. Although elec- tronics have been applied in many vehicles since the 1970's, the rapid growth period spanning the time-frame from 1985 to the end of the century has been commonly referred to as the automotive "electronics revolution". As this electronics revolution unfolds, however, sensor technology is not keeping pace. Sensor designs continue to be based on dated technologies, with inbred limitations, that could limit the capabilities of newer, more sophisticated automotive electronic control systems. Many electronics engineers and managers have identified "silicon" as the sensor technology which will close this technology gap and usher is even greater application of these control systems. This paper will examine both the current state of traditional sensor technology and "state-of-the-art" silicon technology. Reasons why silicon sensors hold great promise fo the future will also be addressed. Finally, predicitons on the growth potential of silicon sensors will be discussed as well as potential impediments to progress that could delay that growth.