September 2008 Harsh Environment Sensors Workshop in Switzerland

September 25-26, 2008, University of Neuchatel Switzerland

View Workshop's website

Goals

  • To establish a direct communication between Space/Aerospace End-Users and MEMS/Microsystems Technology providers in order to accelerate the use of MEMS sensors in Harsh Environments.
  • To enable End-Users to explain their requirements for harsh environment sensors, and to allow technology providers to show how their MNT solutions can be used in Aerospace applications.
  • To bring these two communities together to understand each other's capabilities and needs in order to develop joint projects on MNT sensors for harsh environments.

There is often little communication between end-user (such as satellite builders) and technology providers (such as MEMS accelerometer manufacturers). This workshop aims at sharing information between those two communities in order to develop the Harsh Environment roadmaps to address aerospace needs for MNT sensors/systems. The proposed consortium project will be based on a clear identification of the end-user needs and technical capabilities provided by involved laboratory and manufacturer know-how. National and International Agencies will be also involved in the project.

Conclusions will emphasize a possible cooperation to be set up at a worldwide level and at the end of the two-day workshop; we hope to be in a position to provide answers for the following:

  • Define the needs for HE MNT systems.
  • Define adequate technology routes, complete missing process/materials steps.
  • Define long-term cooperation procedures with these new Development & Production Centers.
  • Build Consortia and funding proposal submission to be put together.

The Workshop will develop the HE roadmaps to address aerospace needs for MNT sensors/systems. The proposed consortium project will be based on a clear identification of the end-user needs and technical capabilities provided by involved laboratory and manufacturer know-how. National and International Agencies will be also involved in the project.

Part of the objectives of the 2006 workshop are currently under realization in the framework of an EU FP7 project. The 2008 workshop thus extends this work, enlarging the MNT R&D and manufacturing offer for Harsh Environments.