IR Sensors & Systems

About Us

About our company

IR Sensors & Systems is a company specializing in Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based Sensors and Actuators. It was established in 2016 by veterans with 35 years of experience in the semiconductor and MEMS industry.

In late 2016, IR Sensors & Systems (IRS) embarked on the development of a groundbreaking MEMS microphone technology, referred to as the “Crown Jewel.”

IRS introduced an innovative Integrated Contour Mesa (ICM) design to dispel the misconception that capacitive technology is limited in delivering a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) above 65dB with low power (single output) and a smaller package size at a competitive cost. Since 2016, the founders of IRS have been granted over 17 US patents in MEMS microphone design, fabrication, and packaging. Despite facing a setback of approximately 3 years due to the impact of Covid and related issues, IRS remains committed to revolutionizing the MEMS microphone industry, catering to its customers’ demands for an SNR ranging from 67dB to 78dB.

IRS stands out as potentially the first company globally to enter the microphone market in high volume with a high SNR product. In contrast, other MEMS microphone companies typically started with an SNR of 58dB and gradually, over a decade and a half, moved towards an SNR of 66dB with single output.

Our Team

K.Sooriakumar

Chief Executive Officer

K. Sooriakumar (Soori) earned his bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from SUNY Brockport, USA, and a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering specializing in semiconductor/MEMS from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Soori commenced his career with Ford Motor Company’s sensor group in Detroit in 1989, later moving to Ford Micro Electronics in Colorado Springs as a senior research scientist. While at Ford, he worked on numerous sensors, contributing to their transfer to manufacturing. In 1993, Soori joined Motorola’s sensor group as a Manager/Principal Staff Scientist, where he played a key role in developing various sensors for commercial applications. He departed Motorola in 1997, relocating to Singapore to join EG&G as an Operations Manager for the accelerometer group. Subsequently, he transitioned to Daimler Chrysler as a Technical Director after they acquired the accelerometer division from EG&G. In 2001, Soori, along with colleagues, brought in investors, acquiring assets from Daimler Chrysler, and founded MemsTech (Sensfab & Senzpak). Serving as CEO until 2014, he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, culminating in its sale to AAC in 2014. In 2016, Soori, alongside former colleagues, initiated two new companies, “IR Sensor Pte. Ltd.” and “4S Sensor Pte. Ltd.” Soori is a prolific contributor to the field of MEMS, having published more than 30 publications and being the inventor/co-inventor of over 20 patents in the field to date.

Anu Austin

VP, Engineering & Product development

Anu Austin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, India, in 1994. She holds a master’s degree in Micro Electronics Engineering from the National University of Singapore in 1998. Anu joined EG&G’s accelerometer group in Singapore as a process engineer in 1997, focusing on areas such as process integration and yield enhancement. Later, she transitioned to the sensor development group as a senior development engineer, contributing significantly to accelerometer development. In 2001, Anu left EG&G to join Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, as a Lecturer in the Microelectronics Department within the School of Engineering. Anu left Temasek Polytechnic in 2004 and joined MemsTech (Sensfab) as a Product Development Manager. She played a crucial role in the development of various MEMS sensors, including Accelerometers, Silicon Microphones, Thermopile Arrays, and Silicon Speakers. Recognized for her contributions, she was promoted to Wafer Fab/Engineering Manager in 2009. In this capacity, she took charge of the Sensfab wafer fab, overseeing daily production and process activities until the fab was sold to AAC in 2014. In 2016, Anu, along with her former colleagues, founded two new companies, “IR Sensor Pte. Ltd.” and “4S Sensor Pte. Ltd.” Anu stands as a co-inventor of more than 10 patents in the field of MEMS to date.

Ian Rose Bihag

VP, Administration & Finance

Ian Rose Bihag (Rose) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines. Following her graduation, she began her career as a Branch Accountant at Philippine Countryside Bank (Philippines) from April 2002 to August 2006. Subsequently, Rose transitioned to a role as an English Language Instructor at Sukhothai Commercial College, now known as Sukhothai Business School, in Bangkok, Thailand, where she worked from October 2006 to December 2008. From January 2009 to August 2014, Rose served as the HR & Finance Department Manager at Sensfab Pte. Ltd in Singapore. Presently, she holds the position of Executive Director at IR Sensors & Systems Pte. Ltd, specializing in MEMS sensors business

Natasya Gulla

Manager, Accounting & Logistics

Natasya Gulla graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bunda Mulia University in Indonesia in 2018. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stamford International University, Bangkok, Thailand, obtained in 2022. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she joined HK Akuntan in Jakarta, Indonesia, and worked as a Junior Auditor, creating to-do lists from financial and non-financial statements, preparing working papers, and handling vouching. Following her time at HK Akuntan, she joined PT. Wenang Wahana Wisata in Manado, Indonesia, in early 2019 as an Internal Auditor, conducting routine operational inspections and assurances, ensuring compliance with purchasing procedures, and overseeing all payables and receivables. Subsequently, she left this position to pursue her MBA at Stamford. After graduating in August 2022, she joined IR Sensors & Systems as a manager, overseeing purchasing, payables, receivables, logistics, and costings.

Dr.Jirawat Jantawong

Senior Research Engineer

Dr. Jirawat Jantawong, an accomplished professional in microelectronics and electrical engineering, currently serves as Project Consultant at IRS & System Pte. Ltd. His diverse experience spans Technical Engineering roles at Datamars (Thailand) Company Limited, significant contributions to microelectronics R&D at Thai Microelectronic Center (TMEC), and key positions at Western Digital and Smarttrac Technology. Commencing his career as a Senior Technician at Read-Rite, Dr. Jantawong brings a wealth of expertise.Educationally, he holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (2019) and an M.Eng in Microelectronics Engineering (2008) from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang, along with a B.Eng from Saint John’s University (2002) and a Diploma in Electronics from Lampang Technical College (1994). Dr. Jantawong’s dynamic career and strong academic foundation position him as a valuable contributor in microelectronics and electrical engineering.

Randy De Brine

VP, Business development

With an illustrious career spanning 39 years in the industrial instrumentation sector, Randy De Brine is a seasoned professional renowned for his expertise in sales, marketing, engineering, and delivering cutting-edge measurement solutions. Currently serving as a key member of the IR Sensors team, Mr. De Brine brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to his role. Prior to joining IR Sensors, Mr. De Brine served as a Key Account Manager at Emerson Electric, specifically within the Rosemount Measurement division. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Product Line Manager for pressure and temperature transmitters in the Americas at Taylor Instrument Company and ABB Instrumentation. Mr. De Brine’s journey in the industrial instrumentation field extends to his time at Grumman Aerospace, where he served as an Instrumentation Engineer. In this role, he played a pivotal part in designing physical measurement systems for flight testing. Educationally, Mr. De Brine holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from SUNY Brockport, underlining his solid academic foundation. His diverse and comprehensive background positions him as a versatile leader capable of navigating the complexities of the industrial instrumentation landscape.

IR Sensors & Systems

Affiliation

Development wafer foundry

Sensor development partners

  • Thai Micro Electronic Center (TMEC)
  • Wang Takhian, Mueang Chachoengsao District, Chachoengsao 24000, Thailand

  • National Nano Fabrication Center (NNFC)
  • 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon

  • University of Perlis, Malaysia
  • Sg. Chuchuh, Arau, Jalan Wang Ulu, 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia