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MEMS in Mobile Handsets to Top USD 1 Billion by 2010: In-Stat

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)consumption in mobile handsets will exceed USD 1 billion from USD 157 million in 2005, IT research firm In-Stat reports.

According to the study conducted by In-Stat, in addition to the microphones and bulk acoustic resonators that have dominated the MEMS market to date, there are emerging opportunities for inertial sensors (principally accelerometers) and several types of RF components including band/mode switches, matching elements (such as digital varactors) and oscillators.

"Although high-volume MEMS, such as microphones and bulk acoustic resonators, are cost competitive, there are no near-term opportunities for other types of MEMS to break into the mobile handset market based on price advantage," says Frank Dickson.

"Longer term, displays, fuel cells, and other types of MEMS devices could also develop a price advantage. However, suppliers of these devices may find a quicker path to profit in other markets that have less demanding cost and size requirements," he added.

According to the research, "MEMS—Making Their Mark in Mobile Handsets", mobile handsets, which are the largest single product market for semiconductors outside the Personal Computer (PC) market, are also a major opportunity for MEMS component suppliers.

The research, which covers the intersection of mobile handsets and MEMS found that MEMS mode/band switches and digital tuning will first appear in mobile handsets in 2007, followed by MEMS-based oscillators in the following year.

In the microphone area, In-Stat predicts continued growth based upon an increasing demand for ultra thin handsets, as well as continuing price declines.

This research is part of In-Stat's Emerging Semiconductor Chips & Applications Service, which focuses on the new or changing critical semiconductor applications and technologies that could change the dynamics of the semiconductor industry and drive future demand. Specifically, this service provides reports covering the hot applications, emerging semiconductor chips, and selected high growth areas.


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