MEMS components by their very nature have different and unique failure mechanisms than their macroscopic counterparts. This paper discusses failure mechanisms observed in various MEMS components and technologies. MEMS devices fabricated using bulk and surface micromachining process technologies are emphasized.

Long life has been billed as a key advantage of LEDs, but understanding and communicating how LED products fail and how long they last can be challenging. While LED-based products hold the potential to achieve lifetimes that meet or exceed their traditional counterparts, manufacturer claims can be misconstrued by users who do not fully understand LED product failure mechanisms or the difference...