Association has successfully organized Days of High Technologies of Germany in Russia Program at Concern CSRI Elektroprobor, JSC, in St. Petersburg, Russia, on October 4-5th, 2011. The Program was coorganized by the representatives of Silicon Saxony e.V., Germany, and experts of Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany. A delegation of representatives of well-known German microelectronics companies made their presentations for the program attendees whose total number was over 100, among which there were Russian students, researchers, developers, manufacturers and users of innovative MEMS products and technologies.
Days of High Technologies Program consisted of a workshop, MEMS. Latest Trends and Developments, and a conference, Prospects of Russia Integration into the Global Market of Micro- and Nanoelectronics. The Program was formally opened by Dirk Hilbert, the vice-mayor of Dresden, Vladimir M. Zinenko, the first deputy general director, Concern CSRI Elektroprobor, JSC, and the executive director of RAMEMS Denis M. Urmanov. On welcoming the attendees , they stressed an important role of the Program in pooling the international experience and joining efforts to develop and advance high technologies and innovative products.
On the 1st Day of High Technologies of Germany in Russia Program the workshop took place during which the professors of Fraunhofer ENAS Institute, Germany, made an overview of the latest trends and developments of M(N)EMS, spoke on the manufacturing technologies of silicon MEMS, deep etching and packaging. It is worth mentioning that the language barrier was not an obstacle for the Program attendees from Russia, as all the lectures were interpreted into the native language by a highly qualified Russian-speaking expert. The second part of the workshop highlighted the specifics of simulation and manufacturing of microsystems (accelerometers, gyros, etc.) and measurement methods. The theoretical material on how to make an electronic component from the moment of its simulation was demonstrated on the practical procedures of German colleagues from the research institute of Fraunhofer ENAS, Germany.
The Program participants showed a keen interest in all the subjects of the workshop that proves the timeliness of the issues raised. Moreover, numerous questions from the attendees and discussions revealed the needs of Russian experts in close cooperation with foreign developers and manufacturers.
On the 2d Day of High Technologies Program, during Prospects of Russia Integration into the Global Market of Micro- and Nanoelectronics Conference, the speakers highlighted the visions and challenges of MEMS markets, global and regional ones. In their reports speakers from Germany and Russia presented manufacturing technologies and tests of the devices based on MEMS.
Thus, OOO Sovtest ATE, Russia, which has a long-term cooperation with experts from Fraunhofer IZM, Germany, presented a report ‘Modern Miniature Inertial Systems. Practice of International Cooperation in the Field of Development and Manufacturing of MEMS Accelerometers.’ Together, the companies made a MEMS device whose high performance was demonstrated to the attendees on a demo sample integrated into a small ship model. This system was based on a high-precision 2 axis MEMS inclinometer that measures the altitude up to 90⁰. When rocking the ship, the participants could see how well it operates: the computer screen which the inclinometer was connected to instantly indicated the value of the rolling angle. Owing to the unique electronic component, the device can be used at large objects (sea transport, bridges, cranes, locomotives, etc.) and at small ones (level gauges, elevators, cars, etc.).
It is important to notice that integration of the system alike at the vehicles and other objects will heighten safety significantly. Thus, it will help us to solve an acute problem– save human life.
‘Russian MEMS Association has been effectively pooling the experience of Russian and foreign experts in the field of microelectronics, – Denis Urmanov sais. –A common project of Sovtest, Russia, and Fraunhofer IZM, Germany, on MEMS accelerometer development is one of the success stories. Today, we intend to make more projects alike and such events as Days of High Technologies of Germany in Russia will help us to accomplish this purpose. Only during such Events – he continues, – in the course of direct communication and exchange of knowledge, the cooperation emerges.
Additionally, I would like to express personal gratitude to Vladimir G. Peshekhonov, the general director, Concern CSRI Elektroprobor, JSC, who provided us a wonderful opportunity to make the Program at Electropribor company, and especially thank the splendid work team of the company. It was owing to their initiative, support and coordinate work that the Days of High Technologies Program was perfectly organized and had success.’
At the closing of the Program the attendees took the floor to present their expressions of interest. They also discussed various questions with the highly qualified speakers from Germany. Most of the attendees wished to participate in the second part of the Program which is planned for spring 2012. Today, Russian MEMS Association is discussing the possibility of the visit to production facilities and laboratories of the leading companies and research centres of Silicon Saxony, the Free State of Saxony, Germany, for Russian specialists to study the manufacturing process of highly demanded MEMS devices.
What participants think about Days of High Technologies of Germany in Russia Program?
Leonid E. Shakhmeister, D.Sc. in engineering, design manager, FGUP NII Poisk, St. Petersburg:
‘This Event leaves a lasting impression. During communication with the foreign colleagues, as most of the Program participants, I was struck by our technological lagging. The attempt of the organizers to wipe out the lag by carrying out this Event as well as others is one of the important steps that will enable us to reverse the unfavourable trend. Even now we can speak about the practical usefulness of the Program, i.e. about specific ways that emerged as a result of the discussions.
One of the possible solutions to develop national microelectronics production should be usage of the die components made abroad, but the device assembled and packaged in Russia, so that the final the product shall be made in Russia. Only after we have gathered this experience, we will be able to raise a question on the development of national process technology and its assimilation here, in Russia. Also, except the traditional application of MEMS sensors and other devices based on MEMS, we should look for and define new applications. I think it is the most efficient way that will close the gap at the earliest opportunity.
I hope that, supported by RAMEMS, we shall be able to make the right contacts and arrange an efficient collaboration with our foreign colleagues. ’
Oleg G. Fomin, associate professor, head of the microelectronics laboratory, NovSU, Veliky Novgorod:
‘Our university trains experts in microelectronics branch. Therefore, this event has stirred my keen interest. I study information about new electronics technologies and developments. And MEMS is one of them. At the university we have a technical base, and are engaged in developments. Thanks to the Days of High Technologies Program, I have gained a chance to get new knowledge on MEMS manufacturing technologies. Due to the current situation, unfortunately, they have been lost.
Today we have promising young experts, but production of modern electronics also requires high-quality equipment. To sum it all up, it is very important for me that here we can find partners who will open us the access to the up-to-date process equipment.’
