A microsystem consists of at least one sensor and/or actuator, a signal
processor and/or control mechanism linked therewith, a timer, and an
electrical energy storage unit providing a current source for at least
the signal processor and/or control mechanism. The signal processor
and/or control mechanism has a mode switching mechanism, by means of
which it can be set to an operating mode and a resting mode that consumes
less current compared with the operating mode. The mode switching
mechanism has at least one control signal input which is electrically
connected to the timer for application of a mode switching signal. The
timer is a mechanical timer, which has at least one micromechanical
cantilever, which is coupled with at least one electrical element
connected to the at least one control signal input of the signal
processor and/or control mechanism in such a way that said electrical
element is time-dependently set.