As a key technology, sensors have become highly significant in almost all areas of modern society. Particularly in the context of Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), smart homes and so on, sensors are expected not only to measure physical quantities, but also, to a large extent, to process, analyse and transmit them autonomously. The processed data is transmitted via digital interfaces, increasingly via wireless means.

The sensors are designed to operate autonomously wherever possible. Consequently, a power supply via energy harvesting may also be required. Furthermore, they are networked with other sensors and are thus able to fuse data from other sensors with their own, thereby providing enhanced data.

The tenth North German Microelectronics Day focused on smart sensor technology in practical presentations delivered by speakers from renowned companies and institutions.

Following a welcome address to the participants by the Head of ISIT, Dr Axel Müller-Groeling, the topic was explored in depth through eight fascinating presentations. Energy harvesting using novel magnetically driven MEMS components, such as those being researched at ISIT, was presented, as were smart plasters capable of monitoring the healing process using built-in sensors. Other topics included radar and lidar systems, as well as magnetic sensors for automotive applications. The networking of industrial systems also requires intelligent sensor technology; a topic being researched at Lübeck University of Applied Sciences. An overview of innovations in MEMS-based sensors at Bosch in Reutlingen rounded off the event.

The eleventh North German Microelectronics Day is expected to take place in September 2020 at HAW Hamburg.

The North German Electronics Day – microtec nord, with its annually changing thematic focus, is organised under the leadership of FH-Westküste, HAW Hamburg, the IZET Innovation Centre – Society for Technology Promotion, NXP, the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and Fraunhofer ISIT.