ABSTRACT
The goal of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the design and development of biomedical microsystems, paying particular attention to unifying themes and challenges held in common by many of these systems. In the simplest terms, systems engineering can be seen as a formal approach to organizing and executing complex engineering tasks so that their chances of success are maximized. Systems engineering as a discipline was developed in the context of complex defense and aerospace projects, and a generous sprinkling of good engineering sense was “baked into” the field by practitioners after years of hands-on experience in those fields. In order for a new generation of systems-oriented engineers to similarly rise to the challenges facing the development of biomedical microsystems, a high level of familiarity and competence with the engineering details of these systems will be necessary. This chapter is intended to inspire first steps in that direction.
