The international journal *Electronic Design Technology (EDN)* is about to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Over the past six decades, the electronics industry has undergone tremendous transformation. As we look ahead, what new innovations will the analog electronics field bring in the next 60 years? Here's a prediction from author Steve Taranovich.
**Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)**
MEMS is predicted to lead the way in analog electronics innovation for the next 60 years. According to Steve Whalley, Chief Strategy Officer of the MEMS and Sensor Industry Alliance (MSIG), MEMS technology differs from traditional IC technology and will drive a wide range of design structures within the MEMS industry. This diversity means that multiple MEMS product designs will coexist, unlike the single architecture model seen in products like Intel processors.
By 2076, proprietary MEMS solutions are expected to fade away, and the MEMS market could reach trillions of dollars. Wearable devices will become completely non-intrusive, integrating seamlessly into our daily lives without disrupting them. These devices will be embedded in thin clothing or even on the skin, becoming an extension of the human body. Such systems will include not just sensors, but also integrated regulators, processors, batteries, wireless communication modules, and antennas.
With the widespread use of roll-to-roll printing as a manufacturing process, traditional wafer fabrication facilities may no longer be necessary. T-Sensors, which were once focused on addressing global challenges like hunger, pollution, and clean energy, will evolve into P-Sensors—petascale sensor systems by 2076. Data security will also improve significantly, with internal "junk data" being eliminated entirely.
**New IC Processes and Configurations**
In addition to MEMS, new IC processes and configurations will play a major role in shaping the future of analog electronics. Scientists and engineers are continuously exploring novel materials and techniques, such as giant magnetostrictive (GMR) sandwich structures, glass wafers, spintronics, carbon nanotubes, and quantum computing. These advancements will likely become key research areas over the next six decades.
**Chemical Element Expansion**
Recently, the periodic table of chemical elements has added four new elements, and more are expected in the coming years. As we explore beyond our solar system, the discovery of new elements or substances on asteroids could revolutionize material science and electronic components.
**Top Ten Predictions for Analog Electronics in the Next 60 Years:**
1. MEMS
2. New IC Processes and Configurations
3. Vacuum Channel ICs
4. IC Developments in Zero Gravity Environments
5. New Analog Architectures
6. Organic Femtotechnology
7. Medical Implants
8. Optical Laser Advances
9. 3D Imaging and Holography
10. Thought-Controlled Electronic Devices
As we move forward, the convergence of these technologies will redefine how we interact with the world around us, making electronics more intuitive, efficient, and deeply integrated into our lives.
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