July 31, 2008
Cell Phones Seen as Biggest Growth for MEMs Devices
By Eve Sullivan, TMCnet Editor
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the report, “MEMS for Cell Phones 2008,” which forecasts a 40 percent growth rate for MEMS components in the next four years.
The report will discuss several topics, including the 2007-2003 MEMS market forecasts for cell phone applications, analysis of the leading MEMS players in cell phone applications and analysis of the current and future key MEMS manufacturing technologies in cell phone applications.
The cell phone industry is currently seen as the biggest growth relay for MEMS devices in the coming years. Few MEMS-based sensors and actuators have found the right business model to penetrate the wireless handset market today and more than 10 other devices are investigating the opportunity.
Silicon microphones and FBAR/BAW filters have experienced an incredible growth, since their introduction in 2003 and are entering the maturity stage. While MEMS accelerometers are expected to follow the same evolution, few other MEMS products are at the emerging stage.
Knowles Acoustics booming growth since the first introduction of MEMS microphones in 2003 represents a success story of the replacement of functions with MEMS-based products. In each of the new potential applications, Yole Development has analyzed how the leading MEMS companies are positioned to benefit from the dynamic of the cell phone industry.
On one hand, MEMS manufacturers are very focused in finding the adapted price, power and size ratio to enter the cell phone application. But they face the challenge of evaluating the diffusion rate of their MEMS product in their business plans.
On the other hand, wireless handset manufacturers experience different product development cycles in MEMS than the IC industry. They are therefore concerned to find the right MEMS partners and have access to a precise product roadmap.
Yole Development forecasts a 40 percent AAGR growth rate for MEMS components in the cell phone market. Cumulated sales reached $440 million in 2007 for only three MEMS products in cell phone applications. The market opportunity will represent more than $2.5 billion by 2012.
The growth will be coming from replacement products and new functions. MEMS is expected to be a key innovation driver in the cell phone industry. New features are expected to account for 60 percent of the total MEMS market by 2012.
The report also focuses on the diffusion rate of MEMS in cell phone applications and how companies have reached the $100 million level. Other topics include: identifications of the MEMS functions in cell phone applications, product roadmap for MEMS in cell phone applications and the status of the MEMS product business case for cell phone applications. For more information: (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a2f05e/mems_for_cell_phon)
Eve Sullivan is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering news in the IP communications, call center and customer relationship management industries. To read more of Eve’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
