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Telecommunications User Supplier Club
Downloadable Files for members of this USC
Background of application area
Current status
The rapid, worldwide, expansion of optical fibre-based telecommunication systems has given rise to a phenomenal growth in the number and size of manufacturers of optical components and devices. Initially, such manufacturers relied on costly precision-based engineering to produce optical fibre connectors, splices and alignment structures. Such manufacturing techniques have, however, evolved to encompass micro-machining as the basis of manufacturing for low cost, mass-produced components.
Currently, micro-machining methods, combined with IC-based processing techniques, enable the fabrication of complex opto-electronic integrated circuits and micro-electromechanical alignment devices in production quantities.
The more recent introduction of high capacity Wavelength Devices Multiplexed (WDM) systems and the proliferation of optical fibre systems/networks in the business and home environments is increasing the demand for low cost micro-machined optical components. Microsystems, for such applications, will provide a range of functionality's, including:
In addition to the above examples, such systems will continue to require precision optical fibre connectors and splices which may, in certain applications, encompass some of these functional characteristics.
In the context of RF, Radio and microwave links, the application of microsystems has, of late, seen an increasing interest by system manufacturers and developers alike. The advantages offered by microsystems in terms of reduced size, power consumption and compatibility for integration are, currently, being investigated for the development of miniaturised RF components such as:
Finally, Smart Card technologies have become increasingly reliant on the use of micromachining for their manufacture. Incorporation of more sensors, processors and in some cases, micromechanical transducers (e.g. for security-encoded locks) is an ongoing requirement placed by users and service providers.
Future trends
Advancements in microsystems are, primarily, driven by the requirements for intelligent diagnostic and sensing systems. The sophistication and complexity of such components is directly related to the increasing number of data sources, the processing power of the electronics and the simplicity of the transducted output. In essence, the microsystem of the future, will absorb multi-sourced data, process the data and produce a "decision".
Developers and Researchers predict that such, generically-functional, devices will service all conceivable applications. In the telecommunications field, future microsystems will, it is stipulated, be networked and linked to the outside world. Within a home, microsystems will monitor the environment, safety and security and transmit this information to the user on command. Health monitoring diagnostic microsystems are, also, considered for incorporation within future communication devices. In essence, microsystems will form the basis of the "micro"-LAN.
Specific activities of the Club
The NEXUS Executive Board has agreed to launch a new User-Supplier-Club focused on developments and applications in the Telecommunications domain. It has been recognised by the NEXUS Market Analysis Task Force that the Telecommunications market for MST is very significant and that developments in this field will play a major role in the future of microsystem technologies.
The Club aims to address a wide range of Telecommunication systems: Radio, mobile, optical and networks. As a result, all relevant microsystem technologies and devices will also be addressed, including, RF devices, opto-electronic devices, micro-switches and integrated optics components amongst others. The Club will debate the requirements of the users in order to identify the appropriate technologies and suppliers that can satisfy these needs.
Club membership
This User-Supplier-Club is seeking to include the participation of system providers, equipment suppliers and technologists.
Minutes of Meetings
Minutes of previous meetings can be found here
Contact
To join this Club, please contact the Co-ordinator:
Dr Ayman El-Fatatry
GEC Marconi Research Centre
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1RX
UK
Tel: ++ 44 181 624 6090
Fax: ++ 44 181 624 6099
E-mail: ayman.elfatatry@gecm.com