InvenSense has announced that all MEMS developers can now use InvenSense’s patented MEMS fabrication process called the Nasiri Fabrication process on the basis of a limited license.
The availability of the NF-Shuttle platform allows up-and-coming MEMS developers to concentrate on product development instead of wasting efforts in the expensive, time-consuming fabrication development. The silicon CMOS-MEMS platform enables the sharing of mask costs between multiple users as it allows the purchasing of ‘seats’ on that single mask.
Thus, using this platform, participants can lower their production costs and get an opportunity to corroborate their innovative prototypes and designs in silicon. In January 2012, InvenSense conducted the initial shuttle test run, wherein University of California Berkeley, Stanford University and U.C Davis were some of the selected participants. As a result of achieving better outcomes, turn-around time, and cost benefits, the above-mentioned institutes have earned an opportunity to participate in the next two shuttles of the company.
InvenSense’s second shuttle is slated for May 30, 2012, while the third shuttle is scheduled for December 5, 2012. The company now takes orders for the third shuttle as it plans the launch to a larger audience.
InvenSense’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Nasiri stated that the company is committed to produce MEMS products on its fabrication process not only for inertial sensors but also for RF tuners, pressure sensors, switches, microphones, and resonators. The NF-Shuttle offering helps companies and institutes bring their advanced MEMS products to the marketplace by lowering their production costs and market-reach time.
Source: http://invensense.com