ST has just inaugurated an 8” production line dedicated to MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) devices in Agrate, Italy, which makes ST the first major MEMS manufacturer in the world to produce devices using 200mm wafers. The wafer fabrication is also done in Phoenix, USA, and shortly also in Crolles, France.

ST’s MEMS Business Unit General Manager Benedetto Vigna said: “with a forecasted growth of around 100% in the five years 2005-2010, the MEMS market is one of the most exciting segments of the semiconductor industry and the new production facilities will allow the company to further build on its leadership position in this area”.

The assembly and testing is done in the ST plant in Kirkop, Malta, with a very innovative technology since the testing is done when the device is being rotated either on two axes or on three axes, depending on its dedicated application. The package development is the result of effective teamwork by Corporate Packaging and Automation, MEMS R&D and also the involvement of Maltese assembly engineers.

MEMS technology allows the electrical and mechanical properties of silicon to be simultaneously exploited and is being rapidly adopted in a wide range of computer, consumer, automotive and industrial applications where the ability to measure or detect physical movement or inclination can be valuable in saving energy, making appliances easier to use, and providing a new level of realism and interaction in gaming systems. ST is rapidly gaining significant market share confirming that it has solidly become one of the world leaders in this technology. The Kirkop plant has a key role to play in the final production processes supporting also the capitalisation of the intellectual talents of Europe.