MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) combine mechanical and electrical functions on a single chip using microfabrication technology. The fabrication process for MEMS is similar to that used for making electronic circuits and involves steps such as chemical deposition, physical deposition, lithography, and etching. MEMS can be used to develop microsensors using materials like metals, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors, and composites. Common applications of MEMS include accelerometers, which have advantages over conventional accelerometers such as lower cost, smaller size, and lower power requirements.