Title
Smart Sensor for Angular Position Detection
Replace micromechanics with microsystem to increase reliability and productivity
Technologies used

Mixed Signal ASIC, Microsystems

Industrial sector (PRODCOM code)
    331 Medical electronicsMedical electronics
Abstract
Microtronic is a leading manufacturer of components for the world wide hearing instrument industry. In order to extend product range and improve on component quality and price, Microtronic aims at supplementing existing fine mechanics technology platform with modern microsystems technology where the benefits of the batch oriented, potential cost effective and uniform production features of this technology are present.

The actual AE deals with a microelectronic smart sensor circuit SSAPD capable of sensing magnetic fields to determine the angular position of a movable part producing the magnetic field from a built-in permanent magnet. SSAPD is a full-custom mixed analogue-digital circuit made in a low threshold voltage, double poly CMOS process. The circuit is designed to be the sole active device in a future microsystem product PJ1000, which is a miniature potentiometer with digital coded output to be used in the new generation of digital hearing instruments as a volume control. The new component PJ1000 should gradually replace a significant part of traditional, high quality potentiometer, trimmer and switch products made by fine mechanics and sold in quantities well exceeding 1 million per year. PJ1000 is expected to exhibit outstanding ease of use, reliability and performance far exceeding the quality limits of existing components.

The biggest challenge in the project has been to predict the required magnetic field sensitivity and achieve this. On this background this AE has been phased into 3 parts, which includes feasibility of magnetic sensing, critical design analysis and providence of prototypes. Thus, for this experiment more wafer runs (MPW) were planned.

The AE has a budget of kEUR 140 and duration of 17 months. This AE investment plus the internal product development investments, amounts to approx. 900 kEUR. The pay back period is calculated as 3 years. The Return of Investment (ROI) is 820%
Company
Microtronic A/S,
Byleddet 12-14,
DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
Detailed information
You can also benefit from microelectronics

Mixed Signal ASIC, Microsystems technology provided Microtronic A/S with the means of improving its products and enhancing its market position. You can also achieve significant benefits by acquiring the right microelectronics technology and utilising it in your product or manufacturing process. You can get help from FUSE to realise this.

FUSE is a technology transfer programme, funded by the European Commission to stimulate the wider use of microelectronics technologies by European enterprises to increase their competitiveness and enhance their economic growth. The demonstrator described here is one of many examples in the public FUSE portfolio covering the whole spectrum of microelectronics technologies and spanning a wide range of applications and industry sectors.

FUSE provides you with:

  • Best practice in acquiring specific microelectronics technologies and conducting full development projects through the FUSE portfolio of real life demonstrator documents.
  • Local training and expert support to plan your innovation realistically and help you conduct your project successfully.

Further information and support relating to this and other demonstrators can be obtained from the addresses below.
Further information   Guiding Technology Transfer Node
For further information and support regarding this case study, please contact a Technology Transfer Node (TTN) in your region.
Homepage: http://www.fuse-network.com
DELTA
Venlighedsvej 4
DK-2970 Hoersholm
Denmark