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Article Excerpt
In December, Colibrys SA (Neuchatel, Switzerland, ++41-32-720-5811)(www.colibrys.com), a privately held designer and manufacturer of high-performance MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) capacitive accelerometers and other MEMS devices (e.g., optical micro-lenses, magnetic print heads, circuits and components for telecommunications, micro-optical illumination systems) completed the acquisition of Applied MEMS, Inc. (Stafford, TX, 281-879-2012)(ww.appliedmems.com), a designer and manufacturer of Si-Flex(tm) bulk micromachined capacitive MEMS accelerometers used in such applications as seismic monitoring and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Input/Output (I/O, Stafford, TX, 281-933-3339)(www.i-o.com) (NYSE: IO) in an all-stock transaction.
The new company will retain the name Colibrys and remain headquartered in Switzerland. Applied MEMS, which has estimated sales of around $6 million in 2004, will continue to operate from its facility in Texas and all Applied MEMS personnel will be retained. Applied MEMS will operate as Colibrys, Inc.
MEMS technology creates highly miniaturized devices and systems, including sensors with integrated electronics and devices that can integrate a number of functions (including fluidics, optics, mechanics and electronics) on a single silicon chip, using techniques similar to traditional integrated circuit process technology. The merging of sensing, actuating, and signal conditioning functionality into a single miniature system, via MEMS technology, can enable highly cost-effective sensing systems with enhanced levels of intelligence and performance.
Bulk micromachining is a subtractive process that involves the selective removal of the wafer substrate material to form a MEMS structure, which can include cantilevers, holes, grooves, and membranes. Surface micromachining is an additive process that involves depositing combinations of thin structural and sacrificial layers. The sacrificial layers are subsequently removed to form raised structures, which can include gears, comb fingers, cantilevers, and membranes.
"We are convinced that MEMS-based sensors like (I/O's) VectorSeis(r) will increasingly become the sensors of choice for seismic imaging in the oil and gas business," noted Bob Peebler, president and CEO of I/O. "To drive the rapid adoption of MEMS-based seismic sensors, I/O believes that continuous improvements in the design and manufacture of the core MEMS technology will be required. Combining our Applied MEMS business with a high-end MEMS company such as Colibrys is the surest way to achieve our long-term objectives. Just as I/O and Applied MEMS have pioneered advanced MEMS technology for seismic imaging, Colibrys has developed breakthrough technology applications for other industries. We and Colibrys both believe the new entity can unlock significant synergies for our customers and our stakeholders.
"Through this transaction," Peebler added, "we will be better positioned to reduce costs and improve gross margins on VectorSeis-based seismic imaging systems,...
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