
For over 35 years, Silicon Designs, Inc. (SDI) has been at the forefront of developing rugged, reliable, and high-performance surface-mount accelerometers and modules. Read more >>
These sensors are indispensable in a broad spectrum of applications, from inertial navigation and industrial automation to defense and advanced research. With a commitment to precision engineering and continuous innovation, SDI has solidified its position as a trusted partner for high-performance motion sensing solutions.
A Foundation Built on Advanced Defense Initiatives
Silicon Designs’ story began in the mid-1980s with a pivotal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award for a radiation-hardened accelerometer developed under the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), commonly referred to as the Star Wars program.
This initial success laid the groundwork for the company’s future contributions to cutting-edge technology. Over the years, SDI has secured 25 SBIR Phase I and Phase II awards, enabling the company to push the boundaries of accelerometer design and expand its reach into diverse industries.
These early achievements were further recognized in 1997 when SDI received the prestigious Tibbetts Award from the Small Business Administration. The award celebrated the company’s exceptional use of SBIR programs to foster technological advancement, drive business growth, and contribute to scientific progress.
Transitioning Space Technology to Earth Applications
In 1999, Silicon Designs was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame for its groundbreaking adaptation of miniature MEMS accelerometers. Originally developed for space missions, these sensors were reengineered for terrestrial applications.
These sensors quickly becoming the preferred choice in a range of industries, including oil and gas exploration to enable precise monitoring in drilling operations, automotive systems to power safety features such as crash detection and vehicle stability control, and the industrial automation industry to support advanced monitoring and control systems.
By leveraging expertise in high-performance MEMS technology, SDI bridged the gap between space and Earth-based applications, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in motion sensing.
Performance Breakthroughs for Unmanned Systems
In recent years, Silicon Designs has focused on meeting the stringent demands of modern unmanned systems, particularly in defense and industrial sectors. Two key advancements include:
- Tactical-Grade Stability: The company’s accelerometers deliver exceptional long-term stability, making them ideal for inertial navigation in UAVs and other unmanned platforms.
- High-Temperature Survivability: Designed to withstand temperatures up to 175°C, these sensors are critical for applications such as measurement-while-drilling (MWD), where extreme conditions are the norm.
Accelerating Innovation with SBIR Awards
SDI’s technological milestones have been fueled by an impressive array of SBIR-funded projects, which highlight the company’s versatility and commitment to innovation. Notable projects include:
- Adaptive Contact Fuze (Phases I & II): Enhancing precision in fuzing mechanisms.
- Micromachined Hard Target Accelerometer (Phases I & II): Advanced sensors for impact detection in defense applications.
- High-Temperature MEMS Accelerometer for Geothermal Drilling (Phases I & II): Expanding sensor capabilities for extreme environments.
- Smart Tri-Axial Accelerometer Data Acquisition System (Phases I & II): Streamlining data collection for inertial systems.
In total, SDI has secured 15 Phase I and 10 Phase II SBIR awards, reflecting its dedication to advancing sensor technology for critical applications.
Empowering Unmanned Systems Across Domains
Today, Silicon Designs’ accelerometers are integral to unmanned systems in various sectors. Defense is a key one — the company’s innovative technology enhances inertial navigation and targeting systems for UAVs and UGVs.
However, research and development continues to require SDI tech for supporting precise measurements for academic and government projects, as do industrial applications for monitoring and optimizing automated systems in manufacturing and logistics.
By providing high-performance sensors tailored to the needs of unmanned platforms, SDI continues to enable new capabilities and expand the potential of autonomous systems.
As Silicon Designs looks to the future, its focus remains on driving innovation in MEMS accelerometer technology. By advancing sensor performance, durability, and adaptability, SDI aims to meet the evolving demands of unmanned systems and other high-tech industries.
From space exploration to terrestrial applications, Silicon Designs continues to lead the way in precision motion sensing, empowering the next generation of unmanned and automated technologies.
Find out more on the SDI company page, or visit their website for more information.