An interesting development happened recently,when the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published about possibility of very inexpensive chip which is multifunctional and reusable as well.Stanford scientists claim this to be akin to a system on chip(SoC or LoC lab on chip) functionality and is print manufacturable in mass mode.This has potential of low cost of production,wider applicability and ease of use.
Although the primary and wide application of such chips are intended to be in healthcare area- that too in developing countries where large numbers of diagnostics and population targets are there,this chip technology can find application in more inexpensive and portable T&M instruments as well.Here the idea is to use the power of inexpensive and compact manufacturing techniques and make thousands of portable instruments,or labs and taking to the target DUT for doing diagnostic
measurements.High tech test probes can incorporate these multifunctional chips and the cost of measurement and checking the Quality can be brought down.
We foresee the above as a feasible pointer where India can absorb the IP associated with rapid prototyping and mass manufacturing techniques for making sophisticated instruments and apply to those T&M hardware situations where number can be large,and yet hi technology of design is needed.More investigations are required for viability but it points towards a possibility of looking
Indigeneous T&M industry from a different viewpoint.
I will be interested in discussing professionally with interested individuals or Organisations.
