Microcosm, Cronos Team for MEMS Design Kit

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) specialists Cronos Integrated Microsystems Inc. and Microcosm Technologies Inc. (Cary, NC) have joined forces to develop a design kit that provides a low-risk, inexpensive, efficient turnkey method for developing and prototyping MEMS devices. Dubbed JumpStart, the set combines an engineering design kit for the Cronos Multi-User MEMS Processes (MUMPs), Microcosm's Catapult MEMS design tool with integrated layout generators, and a reserved slot on a Cronos MUMPs fabrication run.

Developers can create, verify, and optimize a design using the Catapult layout software, then transfer the design to Cronos for fabrication according to their design specifications. Approximately twelve weeks later, customers receive 15 prototype chips as unreleased die. Multi-user photomask generation, wafer fabrication, dicing into 1 cm. x 1 cm. individual chips, and shipping are included.

The kit is suitable for developers who are new to MEMS, R&D researchers, start-up companies, universities and graduate students interested in testing their concepts in silicon, and designers and engineers interested in rapid prototyping of new concepts. Customers can identify value in the tools, process, foundry, and technology to support potential subsequent broader investment.

JumpStart is available on Unix and Windows NT(TM) platforms and is sold exclusively through the worldwide Microcosm sales channel. The U.S. introductory price is $6,000. Special packaging and release options are available at additional cost.

Edited by Kristin Lewotsky