Silmach, the SME that wants to revolutionize micromechanics with its silicon micromotor

2024-01-11 14:40:00

It took nearly twenty years of research and development for this new technology to see the light of day and finally be marketable. Coming both from the American market for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), born in Silicon Valley several decades ago, with the craze for the miniaturization of electronic functions, and from the watchmaking market of high precision in Besançon, the Silmach micromotor is a small revolution in the world of electronics. This measures one millimeter thick with a surface area of ​​approximately one cm2. It’s not every day that a new capability emerges in the electronics sector “, underlines Pierre-François Louvigné, co-general director of SilMach which was launched in 2003. ” The CES juries in Las Vegas have clearly understood the opening that our disruptive technology might offer to the products of tomorrow », he continues.

A combination of Silicon Valley MEMS and Bisontin watchmaking know-how

« To create our micromotor, we used the same material as MEMS, silicon, obtained from sand which is transformed and refined until obtaining a very pure technology », confides Pierre-François Louvigné. It is the same silicon – in the form of ” wafer » – which is used for the manufacture of semiconductors, for example. “ Our particularity lies in our ability to combine the two technologies, MEMS and watchmaking micromechanics, which both provide technical advantages. », he continues. For example, the micromotor is half the size of the smallest motor on the market. The latter is also 25% more economical in electricity consumption, allowing battery autonomy to be preserved. Last important point: the micromotor is insensitive to magnetic fields.

Relocate production to France

For the moment, the majority of micromotors are manufactured in Asia. “ When used in connected watches, they must be screwed onto the electronic boards by hand. What is unthinkable in developed countries », underlines Pierre-François Louvigné.

The advantage of the micromotor designed by Silmach is that it comes from the world of microelectronics, that is to say it was designed as a microelectronic component. “ We are capable of manufacturing and assembling our motors on electronic boards, whether in Besançon, or throughout France and even in Europe. », assures Pierre-François Louvigné.

In order to prove that the technology is finally ready – following twenty years of R&D – the SME has marketed a connected hybrid watch (with hands), designed and assembled in Besançon, in partnership with the American group TIMEX, in November 2023. Its name: TheTimeChanger, the world’s first watch powered by “Silicon Machinery”.

[Un wafer, disque assez fin de matériau semi-conducteur, comme le silicium. Ces microstructures sont une composante majeure dans la fabrication des circuits imprimés, des transistors, ou des MEMS.]

A technological breakthrough with multiple applications

The first market in which Silmach is positioned is that of connected objects. Its preferred sector is watchmaking, and more precisely connected hybrid watches (with hands), since it aims to replace the Lavet motor, used in all electronic watches with hands since the 1960s.

Besançon is also known for its medical device ecosystem. In this sector, for example, the Silmach micromotor would make it possible to miniaturize implants and offer more autonomy, such as a new generation of motors for valves, of a handful of square millimeters. “ These redesigned products might thus help improve the living conditions of patients. », specifies Pierre-François Louvigné. New perspectives for therapy, particularly for pacemakers, contraception, glaucoma treatment, or in neurology.

Other product development avenues are also underway in the aeronautics, defense, construction and transport sectors. “ Our micromotor, considered as an electronic component, gives the possibility to designers of tomorrow’s electronic products to integrate a micromechanical function into electronics. », declares Pierre-François Louvigné. “ It’s up to them to invent future applications! », he continues.

For Bisontine deeptech – in addition to this high award obtained – the CES in Las Vegas is an opportunity to develop its international network. The company’s managers have already planned meetings with GAFA, but also with major Japanese and Korean players in watches and connected objects.