9:00 am    Technical Seminar 1:
Impact of MEMS on Passives for RF/Microwave Applicatons

Presented by Dr. Héctor J. De Los Santos, NanoMEMS Research, LLC

The MEMS technology started as an academic concept and has grown to a rapidly
emerging technology combining electrical, electronic, mechanical, optical, material, chemical, and fluids engineering disciplines. As the smallest commercially produced "machines", MEMS devices are similar to traditional sensors and actuators although much, much smaller. e.g. Complete systems are typically a few millimeters across, with individual features / devices of the order of 1-100 micrometers across.

MEMS devices are manufactured either using processes based on Integrated Circuit fabrication techniques and materials, or using new emerging fabrication technologies such as micro injection molding. These former processes involve building the device up layer by layer, involving several material deposition and etch steps. A typical MEMS fabrication technology may have a 5 step process. Due to the limitations of this "traditional IC" manufacturing process MEMS devices are substantially planar, having very low aspect ratios (typically 5 -10 micro meters thick). It is important to note that there are several evolving fabrication techniques that allow higher aspect ratios such as deep x-ray lithography, electrodeposition, and micro injection molding.

This technology is being used to replace traditional passive devices in certain applications and for that reason the CARTS attendees need to have a better understanding of the technology and development opportunities.

Dr. De Los Santos is engaged in Nanoelectromechanical Quantum Circuits and Systems and RF MEMS (NanoMEMS) research, consulting, and education, where he focuses on discovering fundamentally new devices, circuits and design techniques to implement NanoMEMS Systems-on-Chip.

10:00 am    Market Seminar 2:
The Big Picture: USA, China and the World

The U.S. economy has been staggered by the sub-prime mortgage debacle, creating angst within stock markets, trepidation in job markets, and raising the specter of the “R” word among many analysts and economists.  Throw in presidential politics and a congress that can’t seem to get out of its own way and confusion reigns on Wall Street.

Economic experts will examine the fundamentals affecting business in general and the electronics industry in particular.  They’ll take an in-depth look at the forces that impact the global electronics industry, including the American economy, emerging markets, and the China juggernaut.

All attendees will receive the 2008 China Electronics Outlook report (click here for 2007 Table of Contents) (a $500 value) by China Outlook Consulting, an 80+ page reference on the “world’s manufacturer.”

2:00 pm     Market Seminar 3
The Small Picture: The Passive Electronic Components Industry

Today’s electronics continue to pack more punch into smaller and smaller footprints.  Billions of electronic components must be manufactured to meet these demands.  And, as always, manufacturers need to deliver greater performance at lower prices.  What’s inside these tiny techno-wonders and can they really be produced at costs consumers are demanding?  Who are the players in this movement and what has to be done to achieve success?

iSuppli will take you inside today’s leading consumer gadgets to show you just how it’s done.  And, Dennis Zogbi, CEO and Founder of Paumanok Publications, Inc. returns to CARTS to share his one-of-a-kind analysis and predictions on where the passive electronic components industry is heading and what it will take to get there.

The analysis includes a detailed look at capacitor demand by dielectric for 2008 and 2009, to include ceramic, tantalum, aluminum, DC film and AC film capacitors.  The outlook will focus on volume, value and pricing of each dielectric.  Forecasts will be made based upon key trends in global end-use markets including wireless handsets, flat panel HDTV and home theatre; computers, automotive subassemblies; power supplies, lighting, medical, defense, hybrid electric vehicles and oilwell electronics.

Please Note: All attendees will receive a folio of slides from this presentation based on Paumanok Publications' Five-Year Forecast: Passive Electronic Components: 2008-2013 Global Market Outlook. Click here for an index of the presentation slides.

However, attendees DO NOT receive copies of this report. It is a separate publication. ECA regrets any confusion.

Information on Paumanok Publications' Five-Year Forecast: Passive Electronic Components: 2008-2013 Global Market Outlook is available at:
http://www.paumanokgroup.com/market_reports/ppf/c/1/reports.asp.