Tronics Microsystems, the French MEMS manufacturer has expanded the characterisation, assembly, packaging and testing capabilities at its Crolles headquarters.

This is the firm's second expansion in the past year. Last spring, it added competencies for MEMS design, and electronic interfacing of MEMS components and upgraded its production facility to 150mm wafer technology.

"Moreover, our steady growth comes at a critical time in the MEMS industry. It is becoming clear which MEMS producers will thrive and shape this industry in the years ahead,” said Dr. Peter Pfluger, Tronics’ CEO.

MEMS or micro electromechanical systems are miniature mechanical devcies such as sensors and actuators which are fabricated using CMOS or BICMOS semiconductor processes.

Microsoft is another company looking at the potential of micro-devices using MEMS for high resolution flat-panel displays.

The firm's MEMS devices address applications such as in the medical, life sciences, instrumentation and aerospace. It devcies include inertial sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, and miniature pressure sensors. It is also developing a leading expertise in the emerging markets for micro-fluidics devices and lab-on-chips.