Frequently Asked Questions

What are micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)?

MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems, which are smaller than microscopic dust mites) have been used for several decades in everything from inkjet printers to accelerometers that deploy air bags in cars. A MEMS RFID tag contains micromechanical components that are expected to be rugged and easier to produce, and which could be attached directly to medical devices. Such a tag can withstand exposure to wide temperature ranges and gamma radiation (see MEMS the Word and U.S. Army Developing RFID System to Track Weapons Usage).