David Almoslino, Senior Director of Corporate Marketing, spoke to AZoSensors about InvenSense's expertise in MEMS sensors and their attendance at TDK's Developers Conference.
Please tell us a bit about InvenSense.
InvenSense, a TDK group company, is a leading provider of MEMS sensing solutions in motion, pressure, sound and more for applications in mobile, IoT, automotive, wearables, drones and other industries. Its robust portfolio drew the attention of TDK Corporation, who announced the acquisition of the company in late 2016.
TDK completed its acquisition of InvenSense in May 2017, incorporating the company into its MEMS Sensors Business Group within the newly formed Sensor Systems Business Company of TDK Corporation.
Please tell us a bit about the Sensor Systems Business Company of TDK.
TDK’s Sensor Systems Business Company (SSBC) was established in April 2017 to consolidate TDK’s sensor activities under one organization.
Looking to the future, TDK is aiming to become synonymous with sensor solutions, leveraging its existing technologies to develop innovative sensors for new applications. Some companies under the SSBC umbrella include InvenSense, EPCOS, Micronas and Tronics.
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Image credit: metamorworks / Shutterstock
What are MEMS sensors?
Micro-Electrical-Mechanical-Systems, or MEMS, are miniaturized mechanical components with moving parts. Sensors that utilize MEMS technology are commonly employed for applications in motion, haptics, industrial sensing and more. They allow for complex mechanical processes to take place on a microscopic scale. TDK and InvenSense’s MEMS portfolio provides world-class, application-specific functionality for consumer electronics, automotive and industrial purposes.
What part do MEMS play in motion and sound solutions?
MEMS motion sensors are able to provide high-precision motion detection including gyroscopes and accelerometers that can sense directional movement. These solutions are commonly used in smartphones and motion controllers.
MEMS sound solutions translate the vibrations of the mechanical components from outside noises into analog/digital audio via the sensor. Optimized solutions from TDK and InvenSense such as microphones, allow for high-quality audio sensing and low sound-to-noise ratio (SNR), with high integration levels.
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Image credit: InvenSense / TDK
How are MEMS sensors likely to develop in the future?
MEMS sensors will continually become more power-efficient, produce higher quality output, and be even more easily integrated into their respective applications.
For example, TDK group company Chirp Microsystems has developed the world’s first MEMS-based ultrasonic time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. Ultrasonic sensors are primarily used to measure distance, sending a pulse of sound in a particular direction and measuring distance based on the time it takes for the pulse to bounce back. Chirp’s portfolio of ultrasonic sensors are serving as top-tier solutions in applications such as gaming, automotive, industrial and robotic applications.
TDK and its group companies are constantly researching and developing new ground-breaking technologies and applications for which MEMS sensors can be applied. Going forward, product roadmaps include ultrasonic sensors with longer sensing range, smaller size, and more on-chip signal processing capabilities. Applications for these devices will be seen in AR/VR, smart home devices, mobile computers, drones and robotics.
About David Almoslino
David Almoslino is the Senior Director of Corporate Marketing at InvenSense, a TDK Group Company. He operates within the MEMS Sensors Business Group at TDK’s Sensor Systems Business Company.
David is an experienced marketing professional with specialties in MEMS, sensors, semiconductors and more. He has overseen countless product launches, participated in numerous TDK group company acquisitions and spearheads organization of the annual TDK Developers Conference. His past marketing efforts have produced market-leading companies from Funding (Pre-IPO) through IPO process to Publicly Traded Companies with valuations of over $2 billion.
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