Silicon Microstructures has been a key player in the pressure sensor industry for
nearly 20 years. Founded in 1991 in Fremont, California, as a commercial source
of high-performance silicon pressure sensors and accelerometers, its first product
was a silicon sensor for very low-pressure applications that is still about 20 times
more sensitive than competing parts.
After proving its low pressure technology and developing a strong customer base,
Silicon Microstructures was acquired by ELMOS Semiconductor AG in 2001. The merger
brought additional capabilities to SMI and launched it on a path to next-generation
pressure sensor products, including higher-performance, system-level sensors, as
well as co-integrated and bus-addressable microstructures for pressure sensing.
In 2002 SMI relocated to Milpitas, acquiring IC Sensors' wafer fab operations and
wafer R&D group. SMI began six-inch wafer production in 2003 to meet the demand
for its low pressure sensors. The following year SMI secured its first major automotive
design wins based on its microsystems business model enabling “smart” pressure sensors.
In 2005 Silicon Microstructures received ISO9001:2000 certification and increased
capacity, supported by additional design wins in the demanding automotive and medical
markets.
Silicon Microstructures began 24/7 operations in 2006, ramping to 40,000 pressure
sensors per day. In October it received ISO/TS 16949 certification for its new six-inch
MEMS production line, enabling the company to continue supporting the stringent
requirements of the automotive pressure sensor industry through standardized production
processes.
In 2007 President and CEO Rainer Cholewa joined the executive management team to
oversee growth. The company has since expanded its growth in the medical and consumer
markets.