subject: MEMS: Core For The Internet of Things [print this page] As people usually know about the surroundings by sensory organs, or the facial features, which can feel different feelings, however, they are different. Just as these organs, sensors are invented to detect various signals which can not felt by common organs of people.
Most of the physical and chemical quantities are constant, so they are called the analog quantity while those which can be recognized and processed by computers are called digital quantity. Under most conditions, electricity is the main vehicle of most information processing and sensors are, therefore, necessary for those transformation.
Commonly speaking, sensors are those which will convert digital signals into analog ones, and then again goes back after amplifying. As a result, computers will recognize and process. The reason why sensors are playing an increasing role is that it is like a bridge which narrows information and the nature. Since people feel the world by physical sensors mainly, so there is a much larger number of physical sensors than chemical ones. Among these sensors, those made of semiconductors are widely used and of great effects beyond imagination. Although they are not very precise in detecting some details, for example, the temperature, they are also have great popularity as well.
Just as sensors are facing miniaturization, and some sensitive materials are not replaced by silicon as well, there is ample scope for MEMS to show its ability. For it will enable the intelligence and convenience of sensors in the future. It is a powerful tool for researchers to realize an intelligent world on a more miniature part. Related chip is: TFS380G.
