Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Revamp of the US Financial Services Industry

By Apek Mulay, Sr. Analyst. The United States has world’s most creative, comprehensive and competitive financial services Industry. This industry offers the greatest array of financial instruments and products to allow consumers to manage risk, create wealth, and meet financial needs [1]. F...
Revamp of the US Financial Services Industry

Flash Memory Market and Forecasts

The global market for flash memory was valued at $28.4 billion in 2012 and $30.1 billion in 2013. This market is expected to grow to $43.9 billion by 2018, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% for the five-year period, 2013 to 2018.


The storage industry has been dominated by traditional spinning disk technology based on magnetic storage. With the advances in semiconductor technology and falling prices of flash memory, the industry is fast moving toward replacing the hard disk by solid-state memory based on flash.


No moving parts, low power, less weight and so forth are some of the features that make flash memory extremely attractive for a wide range of applications. Since flash memory is based on traditional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, all the advantages offered by semiconductor technology are transferred seamlessly to flash memory and it is easier to scale with new semiconductor technology.


This report investigates different technologies used in solid-state flash memory. It compares and contrasts flash memory with current hard-disk-based storage technology. The report examines the total available market for flash memory according to various application areas and discusses how flash memories are customized for each. A complete analysis of servers and the storage market is also included, taking into account where the flash memory is expected to lead to major change.


The report also focuses on a summary of key players in different segments along with market share information. A forecast of the total market in each category by dollar, downloads and geography over the next five years is provided. The report also includes an analysis of patents filed in this market by various companies.


Flash Memory Market Report Provides:Flash Memory Market Report


  • An overview of the global market for solid-state flash memory and related technologies.

  • Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2012 and 2013, and projections of CAGRs through 2018.

  • A compare and contrast analysis of flash memory to current hard-disc based storage.

  • Information on market drivers, trends, and the future outlook for flash memory technology.

Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: Flash Memory: Technologies and Global Markets.



Flash Memory Market and Forecasts

Monday, July 28, 2014

Global Market for Smartphones is Projected to Reach 1.8 Billion Units by 2018


Electronics.ca Publications announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Smartphones markets. Global market for Smartphones is projected to reach 1.8 billion units by 2018, driven by rapid penetration and continuous improvements in device productivity, speed, efficiency, simplicity, durability and reliability.


Smartphones are wireless Internet-capable devices that are poised for explosive growth driven by growing adoption among modern data-centric consumers. Key benefits of smartphones that have driven its mass adoption in recent years include higher operational efficiency, enhanced productivity, cutting edge multimedia functionalities, provision of mobile internet applications, built-in GPS capabilities, and high speed data processing capabilities, among others. Encouraged by the ability of smartphones to accelerate business transactions, support workforce mobility, and enhance employee/enterprise productivity, business organizations across the globe are increasingly allowing the use of personal smartphones for accessing corporate networks thus triggering the rise of the BYOD (bring your own device) phenomenon. This increased corporate acceptance of smartphones as business class phones, and willingness to reimburse the costs by treating them as a business expense is also helping increase adoption among enterprise customers. Other key factors driving growth in the market include falling average prices of smartphones, falling costs of mobile voice/data services, increased competition and attractive price bargains for consumers, proliferation of mobile network technologies like 3G, 4G (LTE, WiMAX), and superior provision of mobile services by MNOs (mobile network operators).


Growth in the market is also benefiting from the popularity of Mobile Apps. Innovative, user-friendly apps enhance the functionality of the smartphone in terms of entertainment, communication and connectivity features, thus allowing users to exploit the full potential of the device. The current generation of smartphone users demand a medley of software capabilities, such as games apps, business oriented applications, communication & social networking apps, and entertainment apps. Mobile apps have evolved to enable users to experience unrivalled Internet-enabled features, and expanded mobile computing capabilities. With smartphones becoming multi-functional, multimedia devices, the value offered by an app ecosystem ranks as the prime purchase criterion for the device.


Deployment of new generation wireless networking technologies that ensure high bandwidth connectivity, voice clarity, network reliability and mobility, is also helping drive adoption of smartphones. Advanced 4G networks such as LTE and Wimax are gaining tremendous popularity given their ability to deliver higher transmission capacity than 3G wireless networks, thereby significantly increasing the type and amount of content made available through smartphones.


Technological advancements poised to benefit the market include voice/gesture recognition and control, innovations in wireless charging and wearable accessories, hardware innovations such as photovoltaic screens, high-resolution cameras, longer battery life, Pico projectors, 3D screens, biometric personalization and security, and Nano coatings for device protection, among others. Although currently under R&D, use of the innovative material technology Graphene will in the coming years enable manufacturers to design and build completely malleable, flexible, ultra-thin, lightweight and damage-resistant phones.


As stated by the new market research report on Smartphones, Asia-Pacific represents the largest as well as the fastest growing regional market worldwide with a CAGR of 56% over the analysis period. Thriving economies, growing employment opportunities, rising income levels, continuous development of cellular markets, rising 3G penetrations, and increasing spending power represent key growth drivers in the region. As a host to two of the most populous countries, China and India, with large sections of middle-class consumers, Asia-Pacific is proving to be a major market for premium as well as low-cost smartphones.


Major device manufacturers covered in the report include Apple Inc., Blackberry, Fujitsu Limited, Google Inc., Hewlett-Packard, HTC Corporation, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Lenovo, LG Electronics, Motorola Mobility Inc., Nokia Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, Xiaomi, Yulong Computer Telecommunication Scientific Co. Ltd., and ZTE Corporation, among others. Operating platform developers covered in the report include Apple Inc., Blackberry, Google Inc., Microsoft Corporation, and Mozilla Corporation.


The research report titled “Smartphones: A Global Strategic Business Report”, provides a comprehensive review of market trends, issues, drivers, product launches, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The report provides market estimates and projections in units for all major geographic markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa), and Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America).




Global Market for Smartphones is Projected to Reach 1.8 Billion Units by 2018

Global Tablet PC Shipments to Reach 455 Million by 2017

Falling prices and advances in display technology will lead to higher shipments of tablet PCs, which will increasingly replace notebook PC shipments in 2014 and beyond. According to the DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report, global tablet PC shipments will rise to 315 million in 2014, comprising more than 65% of the market. By 2017 tablet PC shipments will climb to 455 million, encompassing nearly 75% of the mobile PC market.


The worldwide tablet PC average selling price (ASP) is expected to fall from $311 in 2014 to $296 in 2017, which will help increase adoption, particularly in emerging regions where first-time PC buyer penetration rates are the highest. As new technologies and features hit the market, consumers will have more options to choose from, including AMOLED and other display technologies, a greater variety of screen sizes, and higher resolutions.


Following weaker than expected shipment demand from the back-to-school and holiday seasons in 2013, notebook PC brands have reduced their shipment estimates for 2014, with an expected decline of nearly 7% Y/Y. Also, with penetration of less than 10% for 2013, touch panel integration in notebook PCs has not increased demand as much as expected. The result is weaker than expected demand for standard notebook PCs and ultra-slim PCs. Standard notebook PC shipments will decline from 155 million in 2013 to 105 million in 2017. Ultra-slim PC shipments will rise from 26 million in 2013 to 57 million in 2017.


The weak shipment forecast is forcing brands to re-evaluate their pricing strategies, and a rise in selling prices is expected. Features such as new designs and higher resolution displays will be used to justify higher selling prices. Standard notebook PC prices are expected to rise from $667 in 2013 to $693 in 2014, while ultra-slim PC prices are expected to rise from $885 to $936 in 2014.


In the tablet PC market, oxide, LTPS, AMOLED, and other emerging screen technologies, as well as 8.4”, 10.5”, and other new sizes, are expected to give brands increased flexibility to offer more differentiated products to consumers. At the same time, strong market trends continue to drive shipment growth. The shift towards smaller sizes continues to enable lower price points in emerging regions (i.e., Eastern Europe, China, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa), which will account for more than 60% of worldwide shipments in 2014. Tablet PCs with screens smaller than 9” will comprise approximately two-thirds of overall shipments in 2014. The most tablet PC market share will go to 7” screens, exceeding 30% by 2017.


Emerging regions will account for an increasing share of worldwide mobile PC shipments, growing from 57%, or 274 million in 2014, to 62%, or 385 million, by 2017. Growth will be led by tablet PCs, which will account for 70% of mobile PC shipments to emerging regions in 2014. Nearly half of tablet PC shipments into emerging regions in 2014 will be devices retailing for less than $200.


The DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report delivers insight and data into worldwide and regional mobile PC shipments for both global and regional brands.



Global Tablet PC Shipments to Reach 455 Million by 2017

Friday, July 25, 2014

ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4 Enabling the Internet of Things

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS, the electronics industry market research and knowledge network, announces the availability of a new report entitled “802.15.4 & ZigBee: Enabling the Internet of Things“.  According to this report, ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4 will play a dominant role in the fixed Wireless Sensor Network WSN market that is set to reach 1 billion annual unit shipments within the next five years.


Smart Energy continues to be the primary driver for the majority of fixed WSN markets.  Between 2012 and 2018, ZigBee and 802.15.4 based systems will make up 43% of the wireless chipsets used for smart metering, home and building energy management, distributed energy resources as well as lighting controls.


While mobile sensing markets will increase the fastest over the next five years, fixed WSN markets have a larger number of applications, higher profit margins and significant opportunities for services revenues. In fact, revenues from ZigBee/15.4 devices and associated equipment will reach $50 billion within the next few years.


ZigBee market outlook for the smart home is brighter now that the Connected Lighting Alliance has chosen ZigBee Light Link as the standard for residential lighting. In particular, ZigBee Light Link has become the preferred communications technology for residential LED lighting. Over the past year, consumer adoption of wireless LED light bulbs increased by 270% and ZigBee-enabled bulbs made up the largest portion of the sales.


In 2018, there will be 1 billion annual WSN chipsets shipped worldwide for fixed WSN markets. Although ZigBee is facing increasing competition from Bluetooth and WiFi, it will make up the majority of the shipments at this time.


In this report– our 10th edition– we analyze the evolving market forces, technology advances and competitive dynamics for 22 unique WSN markets and provide 5-year forecasts for 802.15.4/ZigBee and competing alternatives including WiFi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, EnOcean, ANT and others.


Target Markets:


Market forces analysis of each of the major low power wireless sensing and control markets including the following:


Smart Metering & Distributed Energy Resources

Smart Home

Entertainment RF Controls

Medical, Health & Wellness

Sports & Fitness

Building Automation & Commercial Services

Industrial Automation, Logistics, Agriculture & Construction

Smart Cities

Personal Sensors

Retail, Automotive and Others


Application areas, or solutions, across each of the target markets above:


Energy/Metering

Lighting

Audio/Video Controls

Health & Fitness

Safety, security and environmental monitoring

Condition monitoring/asset management

Others




Technologies & Standards


• Extensive technology evaluation on 802.15.4 & ZigBee technologies including ZigBee PRO, ZigBee RF4CE, ZigBee IP, 6LoWPAN, ZigBee Green Power…


• And competing alternatives such as ANT, Bluetooth, WiFi, Z-Wave, EnOcean and others.


• Standards developments, emerging trends, and what it means for your critical stategic planning.




Market Sizing (2012-2018)


• Total addressable market sizing for wireless sensing and control and associated low power wireless applications.


•Global market size forecasts on ZigBee/15.4 RFIC/modules including the following breakdowns:


• Units

• Revenues

• Target Markets

• Application

• Protocol (15.4, RF4CE, ZigBee/PRO, Smart Energy)

• WSN Technology (15.4, WiFi, Bluetooth, EnOcean, Z-Wave and Others)

• Design Type (chipset vs RF module)

• Topology

• Frequency

• Geography


• In-depth analysis on the average sale price (ASP) per 15.4/ZigBee module (or the OEM cost equivalent for in-house chipset based designs)




The ZigBee/15.4 Value System


Product segmentation: In-depth analysis and research data on over 100 companies that are having the biggest impact for the ZigBee/15.4 market today in the following segments:


Chipsets

RF Modules/Network stacks

Devices/Systems

Software/Cloud services

IT/Automation Platforms


Market Shares: ZigBee and 802.15.4 chipset market shares by units shipped in 2012


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report:802.15.4 & ZigBee: Enabling the Internet of Things“.


 



ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4 Enabling the Internet of Things

Global PCB Market & Recyclable PCB Market Report

The global PCB market has been analyzed based on the different product types, end use industries, components used, materials used, and geographic regions.  These markets are broken down into segments and sub-segments, providing exhaustive value analysis for the years 2011, 2012, and forecast to 2018.


The PCB recycling market has also been discussed and analyzed in detail with explanation provided regarding the recycling processes used, smelting methodology and step by step production of PCB. The PCB recycling market is also combined with analysis and context from the PCB remanufacturing and PCB reconditioning markets. Each of these broad segments are further segmented and analyzed in this report.


Analyzing the competitive landscape of the global printed circuit boards market for 2012, this report finds that Nippon Mektron Ltd (Japan) had the top position with a market share of around 3.9% followed by Unimicron Technology Corp (Taiwan) with a share of 3.7%. Considering the high level of market share fragmentation the top 6 companies had a combined market share of only 18% in the industry. Other players in this market include TTM Technologies (USA), SEMCO (Korea), Nanya PCB (Taiwan), Young Poong Group (Korea) etc., which together make up around 10% of the market.


Details of the PCB market report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report:  Global Printed Circuit Board Market & Recyclable PCB Market Analysis and Forecast (2011 – 2018): By Segment (Recycling, Remanufacturing & Reconditioning); Components (Capacitors, Diodes, IC’s, Resistors & Others); Materials, Applications & Geography.


 



Global PCB Market & Recyclable PCB Market Report

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Microcontrollers, DSP & IP-Core Chip Market

According to a new market research report “Microcontrollers, DSP, & IP-Core Chip Market by Type, Application (Automotive & Transportation, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, Communications, Security, Medical & Healthcare) and Geography (North America, South America, Europe, APAC, & ROW) – Analysis & Forecast to 2014 – 2020″, the Microcontrollers, DSP, & IP-Core Chip Market is expected to reach $41.69 Billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 6.96% from 2014 to 2020.


Technological advancement in the automobile sector has given rise to the Microcontrollers, DSP, & IP-Core Chip Market. Consumers are demanding various solutions in automotive applications such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), engine control unit, automotive infotainment, in-vehicle networking, and more, which has further lead the demand for microcontrollers. Smartphone market also witnesses the growth of the microcontroller market. Microcontroller is one of the important components in smartphone and is poised to witness major growth as the embedded processing is becoming more complex, which is further driving the market.


Increasing the number of wireless devices and requirement of wireless infrastructure are increasing the demand of Digital Signal Processors (DSP). Wireless communication requires high signal performance at reduced power consumption, which has eventually enhanced the multi-core DSP market. IP video surveillance also drives the demand of DSPs that provide features such as remote monitoring, lower cost installation, and centralized backup and storage.


The report’s detailed segmentations by product type, core type, IP nature, customization, applications, and geography cover all the existing and emerging technologies in the Microcontrollers, DSPs, & IP core chips market. Microcontroller market segmented by type, 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit. DSP market segmented by product segments and core types, Product segment of DSP consists of general purpose DSP, application specific DSP, and programmable (FPGA & PLD) DSP; the core type segment consists of single-core DSP processor and multi-core DSP processor. IP-core chips market segmented by IP nature and customization, IP nature consists of soft core and hard cores. Customization segment consists of standard IP core and customizable IP core.


The application segmentation of the market covers all the major applications such as automotive and transportation, consumer electronics, industrial building and home, security, communications, and medical and healthcare market in detail.


One of the objectives of the research study was to analyze the market trends for each of the microcontrollers, DSPs, and IP core chips products segments; and the growth rates of the various product segments.


Apart from market segmentation, the report also includes in depth analysis such as Porter’s five force analysis, value chain with detailed process flow diagram, and market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities for the microcontroller, DSPs, & IP core chips market.


Microcontrollers, DSP & IP-Core Chip Market Report


DSP IP-Core Chip Market ReportDetails of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: Microcontrollers, DSP, & IP-Core Chip Market by Type, Application (Automotive & Transportation, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, Communications, Security, Medical & Healthcare) and Geography (North America, South America, Europe, APAC, & ROW) – Analysis & Forecast to 2014 – 2020


Browse Related Reports:


Semiconductor (Silicon) IP Market by Form Factor (Integrated Circuit IP, SOC IP), Design Architecture (Hard IP, Soft IP), Processor Type (Microprocessor, DSP), Application, Geography and Verification IP – Forecast & Analysis to 2013 – 2020


Digital Signal Processors Market, Global Forecast & Analysis (2011-2016) – Focus On Customizable, Embedded, Programmable (FPGA & PLD), Application Specific (ASIC) Based DSP Chips, DSP System-On-Chips And Intellectual Property (IP) Markets


 



Microcontrollers, DSP & IP-Core Chip Market

Microcontrollers, DSP, & IP Core Chip Market Report

Microcontrollers, Digital signal processor, and IP core chips are the backbone of all the systems and products that modern day consumers use to communicate, travel, entertain, work, produce energy, and increase comfort. Over the last few decades, Moore’s Law which connects the increasing power and decreasing price of semiconductors, led to a tremendous growth of the electronics industry. This, in turn, has led to the continuous production of devices and solutions which are cheaper, more powerful, and smaller in size. Also, the government interests in building semiconductor industries in the developing countries, such as China and India, is a push for the Microcontrollers, DSPs, and IP core chips market and all the related semiconductor markets. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Microcontrollers, DSP, & IP Core Chip Market by Type, Applications and Geography - Analysis & Forecast to 2014-2020.

Home Networks: Applications, Technologies and Markets

This report addresses the growing interest from consumers and the industry to the development of home networks. Such networks can serve: Local in-home distribution of entertainment information (HD video and similar); Smart Grid-related information distribution. The report analyzes both scenarios. It concentrates on technologies and markets for such home networks. Multiple types of wired and wireless in-home networks are discussed and their marketing characteristics are analyzed. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Home Networks: Applications, Technologies and Markets.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Global and China Fiber Optic Sensor Industry Report

Optical fiber sensor (OFS) is a new type of sensor with light wave as a carrier and optical fiber as a medium, possessing high sensitivity, interference immunity, anti-corrosion, high-pressure resistance and other merits, thus being widely used in national defense, petrochemical, electric power, infrastructure, medical, etc.. At present, all countries in the world are energetically carrying out the R&D and application of optical fiber sensing technology, among them, the United States due to the earliest start leads the world in technology and scale. In 2013, global optical fiber sensor sales reached USD1.89 billion, up 19.6% year on year, of which, the United States registered USD1.22 billion, making up 64.6% of world’s total, which is expected to reach USD4.33 billion in 2018. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Global and China Fiber Optic Sensor Industry Report.

Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor Market

The distributed fiber optic sensor market stood at $585 million in 2013. The market is projected to be $1.458 billion in 2018 with 70% associated with the oil and gas segments, according to a recent market survey report conducted by the Photonic Sensor Consortium.


The Photonics Sensor Consortium in conjunction with Light Wave Venture was started in 2003 as an independent organization to assist in the market development and commercialization of photonic sensor technology. The primary focus has been on distributed fiber optic sensors. Over the last 11years, the Consortium has tracked the market and provided overall projections and market analysis for active participants. This report is the first to be available to the general photonics industry.


Photonic Sensor Consortium Market Report


Why is there such a strong interest in this technology? Fiber optic sensors represent a technology base that can be applied to a multitude of sensing applications. There are several characteristic advantages of fiber optics that make their use especially attractive for sensors:


  • Nonelectrical

  • Explosion-proof

  • Small size and weight

  • Allow access into normally inaccessible areas and harsh environments

  • Immune to radio frequency interference (RFI) and electro-magnetic interference (EMI)

  • Solid-state reliability

  • High accuracy

  • Can facilitate distributed sensing

Most physical properties can be sensed optically with fibers. Light intensity, displacement (position), temperature, pressure, rotation, sound, strain, magnetic field, electric field, radiation, flow, liquid level, chemical analysis, and vibration are just some of the phenomena that can be sensed.


Fiber optic sensors have been used successfully for many years in military gyroscopes and hydrophones. However, their use in smart oil wells has been the key to enabling North America to be on a path to energy independence.


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report2014 Photonic Sensor Consortium Market Survey Report.


 



Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor Market

3D NAND Cost and Investment Implications

The NAND flash industry is on the cusp of a technology inflection point.  2D NAND is reaching its scaling limits with 3D NAND its anointed successor.


In the 2D NAND era, the underlying process technology (with a few exceptions) is essentially the same amongst all the NAND flash manufacturers.


However, in the 3D NAND era, all the NAND flash manufacturers are developing different 3D NAND concepts with variations in the process implementation. The different processes will impact the investment and manufacturing cost for each of the 3D NAND technologies.


This report provides a detailed analysis of the fab and manufacturing implications of 3D floating gate and charge trap NAND concepts from Samsung, Toshiba, SK Hynix and Intel-Micron versus 16nm 2D NAND.  The analysis is based on a bottoms-up process flow analysis for each 3D NAND technology and 16nm 2D NAND.


Some of the questions addressed in this report include:


- What are the main drivers of the process complexity for 2D NAND and 3D NAND?

- What is the tool commonality between 3D NAND and 2D NAND?

- What is the cost impact of moving the CMOS under the array in 3D NAND?

- How much does it cost to build a Greenfield 3D NAND fab and how does it compare to a 2D NAND fab?  What is the equipment footprint required and the breakdown of the investment by process modules?

- What is the front end manufacturing cost of a 3D NAND wafer compared to a 2D NAND wafer?

- What is the investment required to convert an existing 2D NAND fab to 3D NAND?  What is the impact on the fab cycle time and manufacturing capacity?

- What is the incremental investment required to transition a 32 layer 3D NAND fab to 64 layers?  What is the impact on fab cycle time and manufacturing capacity?


3D NAND Cost 3D NAND Cost and Investment Implications


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report:  Cost and Investment Implications of 3D NAND.


 



3D NAND Cost and Investment Implications

IPC PCB Industry Results 2014

IPC Releases PCB Industry Results for March 2014
North American PCB Book-to-Bill Ratio Turns Positive


IPC — Association Connecting Electronics Industries® announced the March findings from its monthly North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. Sales were up in March and the book-to-bill ratio strengthened, returning to positive territory.


Positive Sales Growth Returns


Total North American PCB shipments increased 4.8 percent in March 2014 from March 2013, strengthening year-to-date shipment growth to -0.8 percent. Compared to the previous month, PCB shipments jumped 18.9 percent.


PCB bookings continued negative at -5.5 percent year over year. Year-to-date order growth, while still negative, improved to -6.9 percent. Order growth climbed 20.9 percent over the previous month.


The North American PCB book-to-bill ratio strengthened in March for the fourth straight month, reaching 1.01, just above parity.


“The book-to-bill ratio’s climb and positive year-on-year sales growth in March are encouraging signs of a recovery ahead,” said Sharon Starr, IPC’s director of market research. She cautioned, however, that “the book-to-bill ratio has just reached positive territory after six consecutive months below 1.00. Economic indicators are positive for 2014, but the PCB industry’s recovery is developing slowly.”


PCB Sales


North American PCB Book-to-Bill Ratio


 


Detailed Data Available


The April edition of IPC’s North American PCB Market Report, containing detailed March data from IPC’s PCB Statistical Program, will be published later this week. The monthly report presents detailed findings on rigid PCB and flexible circuit sales and orders, including separate rigid and flex book-to-bill ratios, military and medical market growth, demand for prototypes, and other timely data. This report is available free to current participants in IPC’s PCB Statistical Program and by subscription to others. More information about this report can be found at www.ipc.org/market-research-reports.


Interpreting the Data


The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to six months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.


Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month may not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.


IPC’s monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio at the end of each month. Statistics for the current month are not available until the last week of the following month.


###


Electronics.ca Publications is an IPC member and authorized distributor of IPC industry standards, workforce training products, and market research.


 



IPC PCB Industry Results 2014

Monday, July 21, 2014

Permanent Magnets Market is Expected to Grow to $22.9 Billion by 2018

According to a new technical market research report Permanent Magnets: Technologies and Global Markets, the global market for permanent magnets was valued at $13.9 billion in 2012 and is expected to increase to $ 15.1 billion in 2013.  Permanent Magnets market is expected to grow to $22.9 billion by 2018, and register a five-year compound annual growth rate of 8.7% from 2013 to 2018.Robust growth has been seen in the demand for permanent magnets during the last decade, and it is expected to grow at a considerable rate due to increasing industrial applications such as electric power steering and engines, wind turbines and consumer electronics. Of the four permanent magnet types (NdFeB, SmCo, AlNiCo, and Ferrite/ceramic ) available on the global market today, NdFeB type magnets account for approximately 98% of the total global permanent magnet demand, and this will continue to be the fastest-growing segment, with an average growth of 10% annually through 2017. In terms of the volume of magnets produced, ferrite magnets constitute roughly 90% of global production, with NdFeB magnets constituting 7% to 8%. Demand for NdFeB magnets will be primarily seen from the Asia-Pacific region and the United States.


China has recently emerged as the world’s largest producer of all types of permanent magnets, with particularly high control over rare earth permanent magnets. The global permanent magnet industry has received a considerable amount of attention in recent years, in large part due to the export restrictions placed by China on its key raw materials: rare earths. Increasingly stringent Chinese trade regulations and rising global demand from the automotive, green energy, and electronic industries is expected to shape significant growth in this market for the foreseeable future.


This new technical market research report provides an in-depth view on the dynamics of the global market for permanent magnets, industrial products made from a magnetized material that is capable of emitting magnetic energy continuously without any external impetus. It focuses on production, sales, applications, processes, cost structure, patents, rare earth price forecast, and supplier profiles. Forecasts are provided for each of these parameters wherever applicable through to 2018. The study provides the most recent and relevant information required to understand the nuances of the global permanent magnet industry, which would help current consumers, investors, and both Chinese and non-Chinese producers, among others to better understand their positions in terms of procurement, markets and anticipated future trends for effective strategy management.


The study is intended for a broad range of industry players, including direct consumers, distributors, suppliers, and investors who are interested in entering into any field from automotive to electronics in which permanent magnets play critical roles. These include: original equipment manufacturers and system integrators who use magnets as crucial parts of their products or systems; companies involved in the production or usage of high-power electric motors; medical device manufacturing companies; especially those involved in the production of magnetic resonance imaging devices; and distributors of permanent magnets located in key markets such as the U.S., Japan and Europe.


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.
View the report: Permanent Magnets: Technologies and Global Markets.


 



Permanent Magnets Market is Expected to Grow to $22.9 Billion by 2018

Future Key Technologies in the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Market

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS announces the availability of a new market research report entitled “Power Electronics for Electric Vehicles 2013-2023: Forecasts, Technologies, Players”.  This report forecasts the future key technologies and players in the electric and hybrid vehicle market. According to this report, the market for electric vehicle inverters will grow from an estimated $10billion to around $18billion between 2013 and 2023. As the demand for inverters is already established in the automation and industrial control industries, this additional significant complementary market will create new sectors and opportunities for both existing suppliers and new players on the market – particularly for those who specialise in electric vehicle knowledge and can provide highly integrated electric powertrain systems.


Currently, inverters in light electric vehicles such as e-bikes currently dominate the market in terms of volume with high demand in Asia. However, according to the report, by 2023 inverters in passenger vehicles will dominate by market value as high volume production is established.


Greater overall system efficiency will be achieved, resulting in a reduction of package size and system cost, the adoption of new materials and control algorithms, and a move towards higher levels of system integration.


Key technologies such as power device materials, power capacitors and cooling technologies all assist in driving electric vehicle inverter design advances. The report states that these will assist in producing step changes in performance, size and reliability over the next decade.  Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitrate will be the most notable of these materials, but packaging and reliability issues will restrict their use until the end of the decade.


Future Key TechnologiesFurther information about future technology trends, designs, and market trends is available in the full report. The report is targeted at industrialists, investors, market researchers and others interested in the huge expanding electric vehicle market for power electronics technology. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: Power Electronics for Electric Vehicles 2013-2023: Forecasts, Technologies, Players.


 



Future Key Technologies in the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Market

Friday, July 18, 2014

Poor Power Quality & Ensuing Need to Protect Electronic Equipment Drives Demand for Surge Protection Devices


Electronics.ca Publications announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) market. Global market for Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) is forecast to exceed US$2.5 billion by 2018, driven by poor power quality especially in developing countries and the ensuing need to protect sensitive electronic equipment.


Surge protection devices (SPDs), comprising transient voltage surge suppressors and surge arrestors, are growing in importance, given the billions of dollars of losses caused by voltage fluctuations and power line abnormalities.



Widespread use of sophisticated electrical, electronic, communication and data equipment is the primary driving force spurring the adoption of power management solutions such as surge protection devices (SPDs) in both developed and developing economies. Proliferation of home appliances, personal computers, heating and air conditioning equipment, and other high-end industrial electronic equipment, presents a strong business case for SPDs. Increasing miniaturization and clock speeds of microprocessors as dictated by Moore’s Law comes at a price, namely higher sensitivity of the chips to power transients, electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference and electrical field transients. The increasing sensitivity of modern electronic equipment/devices to even split-second electricity fluctuations throws the focus squarely on SPDs, especially so against a scenario when industries across the world are migrating towards digitization and automation of production and business processes.


The commercial end-use sector, comprising telecommunications firms, investment banks, data centers and telecom among others, is expected to witness strong growth in the coming years. With nationwide alternate energy programs gaining traction in Germany, China and other major economies, demand for surge protectors is expected to gain strength, given that wind power turbines and solar PV arrays installations are highly prone to lightning strikes. The increasing substitution of conventional coil and core street lamps with light emitting diodes for outdoor lighting is also opening up new growth avenues for SPD manufacturers.


As stated by the new market research report on Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), the United States represents the largest market worldwide. Developing countries are forecast to spearhead future growth in the market led by mounting issues related to stable power supply. Escalating demand for energy as a result of robust pace of economic development and industrialization, inefficient energy infrastructure and power shortages, are key reasons responsible for poor power quality in these countries. Asia-Pacific, led by China and India, is forecast to witness the strongest growth over the analysis period. Key factors driving growth in the region include stringent enforcement of SPD installations, and growing consumer appetite for LCD and LED TVs, personal computers and other expensive electronic devices.


Line Cord SPDs constitutes the largest product market, while Hard-Wired SPDs represents the fastest growing market segment. Hard-wired Cord SPDs including receptacles and panel mount SPDs, are more ubiquitous than plug-in SPDs and line-cord SPDs, and find application as an integral part of the electrical architecture of every residential, commercial and industrial building. In contrast, Plug-in SPDs and line-cord SPDs are more of an optional purchase, influenced by consumer awareness and use of electrical, electronic or communications equipment and data lines.


Global market for SPDs is extremely competitive characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, and pricing pressures. The relatively commoditized SPD technology leaves very little scope for differentiation. Pure-play SPD manufacturers face stiff competition from large diversified electrical equipment makers.


Major players covered in the report include Advanced Protection Technologies Inc., Belkin international Inc., DEHN + SONS GmbH + Co. KG, Eaton Corporation PLC, GE Industrial Solutions, Hubbell Incorporated, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc., Legrand, Liebert Corporation, Nexus Industries Ltd., Novaris Pty Ltd., OBO BETTER MANN GmbH & Co. KG, Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Panamax LLC, Schneider Electric SA, REV Ritter GmbH, Smiths Interconnect, Shenzen Dowin Lightning Technologies Co. Ltd., Thomas & Betts Power Solutions LLC, and Tripp Lite.


The research report titled “Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): A Global Strategic Business Report“, provides a comprehensive review of market trends, growth drivers, challenges, issues, and strategic industry activities of major companies worldwide . The report provides revenue estimates and projections for all major geographic markets, including the US, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, and Rest of Latin America) and Rest of World. The global and regional markets for SPDs are analyzed in US dollars by the following product types: Plug-In, Hard-Wired, Line Cord, and Power Control Center. The global SPDs market is further analyzed by end-use sectors comprising Communication, Consumer, and Others (includes Industrial, and Healthcare Applications, among others).




Poor Power Quality & Ensuing Need to Protect Electronic Equipment Drives Demand for Surge Protection Devices

Revival in Semiconductor Industry Drives Growth in the Surface Mount Technology Equipment Market

Global market for Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Equipment is projected to reach US$5.3 billion by 2018, driven by recovery in electronics and semiconductor industries, new product innovations, and growing need to upgrade older production lines. SMT equipment market continues to derive demand from major downstream industry segments including telecommunications, computing and consumer appliances, which are the most prolific users of PCBs. However, the market in recent years has been gaining significant opportunities in other industries such as automotive electronics, medical device electronics, defense and aerospace electronic equipment, and industrial equipment among others. With end-use markets for SMT equipment shifting focus from defect detection to defect prevention, SMT equipment manufacturers are turning towards diversification of product offerings. Growing demand for high-quality SMT equipment from contract and OEM manufacturers is poised to benefit the market. In addition, rising demand for light emitting diodes (LED) technology is fuelling demand for SMT equipment. Driven by growing popularity of LEDs, SMT equipment manufacturers are ramping up their production capacity to address demand from commercial and consumer electronics sectors. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Equipment – Global Strategic Business Report“.



Revival in Semiconductor Industry Drives Growth in the Surface Mount Technology Equipment Market

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Tablet PC Market Forecast

Except for Apple and Samsung, no brand has been able to surpass the top two brands in sales. Brands from China and India will keep expanding output of low-end Tablet PC in order to capture market share. Based on this background this report will analyze and suggest future trends in the Tablet PC market. The study will be particularly helpful in building a growth strategy to meet a rapidly maturing Tablet PC market, which is developing in ways similar to that of the Smartphone segment. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Tablet PC Core Issue Analysis & Product/Market Forecast.

Tablet PC Market Forecast

Except for Apple and Samsung, no brand has been able to surpass the top two brands in sales. Brands from China and India will keep expanding output of low-end Tablet PC in order to capture market share. Based on this background this report will analyze and suggest future trends in the Tablet PC market. The study will be particularly helpful in building a growth strategy to meet a rapidly maturing Tablet PC market, which is developing in ways similar to that of the Smartphone segment. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Tablet PC Core Issue Analysis & Product/Market Forecast.

Tablet PC Core Issue Analysis & Product/Market Forecast

Except for Apple and Samsung, no brand has been able to surpass the top two brands in sales. Brands from China and India will keep expanding output of low-end Tablet PC in order to capture market share. Based on this background this report will analyze and suggest future trends in the Tablet PC market. The study will be particularly helpful in building a growth strategy to meet a rapidly maturing Tablet PC market, which is developing in ways similar to that of the Smartphone segment. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Tablet PC Core Issue Analysis & Product/Market Forecast.

Download IPC Standards - Everything You Need From Start To Finish

To achieve a high quality end product and maintain a competitive position in the marketplace, you need to infuse quality throughout the manufacturing process.


Did you know there is an IPC standard associated with nearly every step of printed circuit board production and assembly?  From design and purchasing to assembly and acceptance, Electronics.ca Publications offers IPC Standards to help you assure superior quality, reliability and consistency in the electronic assemblies that go into your product. Download IPC Standards Spec Tree – PDF file.


As with the manufacturing process — which uses a step-by-step approach – IPC standards also build upon one another. To achieve your desired results, it’s important to implement the appropriate IPC standards associated with each step of production.


Download IPC Standards Download IPC Standards Spec Tree – PDF File


Why Use IPC Standards in Your Manufacturing Process?


  • Gain Control Over End Product Quality and Reliability — Quality and reliability are the cornerstones of competing in the marketplace and critical to your company’s reputation and profitability. By implementing IPC standards throughout the manufacturing process, you help ensure better performance, longer life and compliance with lead-free regulations.

  • Improve Communication with Suppliers and Employees — IPC standards are the standards that your competitors, suppliers and EMS providers use. Working from an established IPC standard helps all of you to “speak the same language” — the language of the global electronic industry. In addition, using IPC standards eliminates confusion for employees, because they know they need to perform to an established industry standard.

  • Help Contain Costs — Ensuring that your design and the bare boards you purchase comply with IPC standards allows you to produce electronic assemblies that meet stringent quality tests down the line, minimizing costly delays, rework and scrap.

The Most Popular IPC Documents are available from Electronics.ca Publications in PDF Format


Download IPC Standards


IPC A-610E – Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies
IPC-A-610 is the most widely used electronics assembly standard in the world. A must for all quality assurance and assembly departments.


IPC J-STD-001E – Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies
J-STD-001 Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies has emerged as the preeminent authority for electronics assembly manufacturing. The standard describes materials, methods and verification criteria for producing high quality soldered interconnections. The standard emphasizes process control and sets industry-consensus requirements for a broad range of electronic products. This revision now includes support for lead free manufacturing.


IPC A-620B – Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies
Revision B is now available for the only industry-consensus standard for Requirements and Acceptance of Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies.


IPC-DRM-PTH-E
Now updated to Revision D of the latest IPC-A-610E and J-STD-001E – our Training & Reference Guide illustrates critical acceptance criteria for the evaluation of through-hole solder connections.


IPC-DRM-SMT-E
Useful as a training aid in the classroom or on the shop floor, DRM-SMT-E contains computer generated color illustrations of Chip component, Gull Wing and J-Lead solder joints.


IPC-J-STD-033C
J-STD-033 Provides Surface Mount Device manufacturers and users with standardized methods for handling, packing, shipping and use of moisture/reflow sensitive SMDs.


IPC-J-STD-020D-1
IPC-J-STD-020D-1 standard identifies the classification levels of nonhermetic solid state surface mount devices that are sensitive to moisture-induced stress.


J-STD-075

J-STD-075 provides test methods to classify worst-case thermal process limitations for electronic components. Classification is referenced to common industry wave and reflow solder profiles including lead-free processing.


IPC Collections:


IPC-C-103 – Electronics Assembly Standards Collection


IPC-C-1000 Essential Document Collection for Board Design, Assembly and Manufacture


IPC-C-108 Cleaning Guides and Handbooks Collection


Through Electronics.ca you can order IPC standards for printed circuit board design and manufacturing and electronics assembly, including handbooks, guidelines and IPC training videos.



Download IPC Standards - Everything You Need From Start To Finish

Tablet PC Market Forecast

Except for Apple and Samsung, no brand has been able to surpass the top two brands in sales. Brands from China and India will keep expanding output of low-end Tablet PC in order to capture market share. Based on this background this report will analyze and suggest future trends in the Tablet PC market. The study will be particularly helpful in building a growth strategy to meet a rapidly maturing Tablet PC market, which is developing in ways similar to that of the Smartphone segment. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Tablet PC Core Issue Analysis & Product/Market Forecast.

Tablet PC Market Forecast

Except for Apple and Samsung, no brand has been able to surpass the top two brands in sales. Brands from China and India will keep expanding output of low-end Tablet PC in order to capture market share. Based on this background this report will analyze and suggest future trends in the Tablet PC market. The study will be particularly helpful in building a growth strategy to meet a rapidly maturing Tablet PC market, which is developing in ways similar to that of the Smartphone segment. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Tablet PC Core Issue Analysis & Product/Market Forecast.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

OLED Displays and Lighting Market

Improvements in production yields of AMOLED mobile phone panels are closing the manufacturing cost gap between AMOLED and TFT LCD smartphone displays. According to OLED Technology Reportmanufacturing costs for AMOLED panels are currently 10-20% higher than for TFT LCD displays; however, manufacturing costs for AMOLED mobile phone displays are expected fall below costs for LCD mobile phone displays within two years due to rapid improvement in AMOLED panel production yields.


Early on, AMOLED panels were expected to cost less than LCD panels, because they do not require backlighting. Instead, production challenges kept AMOLED yields low, so costs remained higher than for equivalent LCDs. AMOLED became a high-end product, due to its high color gamut, good contrast, and slimness. Recent production yield improvements are expected to help AMOLED penetrate more broadly into smartphone panels.


Until recently there have been few breakthroughs in the production of AMOLED displays, and the OLED industry seemed to be facing hard times. If AMOLED costs fall below LCDs, as expected, it would lead to more opportunities for the OLED display industry, greater competition with LCD, and more choices for consumers.


For example, currently there is a 16% cost gap between 5″ AMOLED and LCD 1920 × 1080 mobile phone panels, but AMOLED panel costs are expected to fall below LCD panel costs when AMOLED production yields reach 90%, which is within sight. With cost reductions for OLED materials, the yield rate can be lower and still have a similar effect.


OLED Displays and Lighting Market


Figure 1: Changes in AMOLED Cost by Yield


OLED technology report


Source: NPD DisplaySearch OLED Technology Report


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: OLED Technology Report


 



OLED Displays and Lighting Market

2014 Sensors and MEMS Market Tracker

The steady market growth can be primarily attributed to both the automotive and medical industries as well as consumer electronics, each driving a very high demand for sensors/MEMS. This tracker provides revenue, unit, and ASP forecasts for sensors and MEMS which include Microfluidic MEMS, Pressure Sensors, Accelerometers, Optical MEMS, Temperature Sensors, Magnetic Field Sensors, and Other MEMS devices. Forecasts are provided by region, application market, and by product family. Market Share is also presented. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: 2014 Sensors and MEMS Market Tracker.

32KHz and Real Time Clocks

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS announces the availability of a new market research report entitled “32 KHz and Real Time Clocks” focused in semiconductor timing: 32 KHz and Real Time Clocks (RTC’s). This second in a series of CS &A LLC research studies provides a deep dive into both 32 KHz references and Real Time Clocks (RTC’s).  Last year we offered the first in the series; Semiconductor Timing Opportunities in Communications Infrastructure and Back Haul, with this second release geared specifically toward Time of Day generation and tracking.


Long a semiconductor category in Power Management under the heading of Supervisory, CS &A has, since 2005, considered both the 32 KHz Reference, Oscillators, and Real Time Clock IC’s as a Semi Timing product category and put it in with other IC Timing solutions under our Semiconductor Clock and Timing Reporting and considered a factor in the ~$7 B USD Semi Timing Market.


This report provides a deep and comprehensive look into both the 32 KHz reference and the Real Time market with all of its sub categories; Simple Commodity, Complex Commodity, Precision, and Fully Integrated solution categories that have emerged to provide a wide swath of solutions from the cheap (pennies and dimes), to as much as $18 USD for fully integrated solutions complete with the resonator, oscillator, dividers, full featured registered sets, on board NVM and scratchpad memory, and the battery and charging circuits…


Mark Sherwood, Principal Associate and CEO at CS &A LLC says: ” This is a deep dive into the 32 KHz reference and Real Time Clock Solutions that combined in CY2013 generated in excess of $500 Million USD WW.


The report details: WW TAMs, Supplier listings, product category reporting by volume, device level $ASP, and $revenue roll ups, plus technology reporting and analysis for Quartz, MEMS and Compensated CMOS based solutions. It is the only standalone report and analysis for this segment of Semiconductor Timing available and provides insights from the inside of this key industry segment, and actionable material and information to help guide the reader thru a complicated technology base, a mix of high and low level suppliers, a crowded channel, and key OEM’s consuming high volume for specific applications.”


32 KHz standalone references include: standalone resonators-, quartz crystal, MEMS resonators, or implemented as an Oscillator module with closed loop calibration and a compensation loop providing a multitude of solutions in the market today at a variety of levels of performance. Today, the 32 KHz Solution Mix includes XO, TCXO, DCTCXO, and standalone resonators/crystals/CMOS, with standalone Quartz solutions dominant in volume and share, DCTCXO, and simple XO type oscillators have a good SOM, and continue to grow in volume/SOM while experiencing hard $ASP erosion. One new opportunity for these kind of solutions has emerged from the growing Wearable’s Market, and as you can imagine in this application that low power consumption, low voltage tolerant (battery based applications) small form factor, and low price are mission critical items in order to play.


32KHz and Real Time Clocks


32KHz and Real Time ClocksDetails of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site. View the report: 32 KHz and Real Time Clocks.



32KHz and Real Time Clocks

Connector Industry Report

2014 Connector Industry Forecast provides an in-depth, and detailed forecast of the worldwide connector industry. In addition to the detailed forecasts for each region of the world (North America, Europe, Japan, China, Asia Pacific, and ROW), an industry overview is included which provides current market trends, industry book-to-bill ratios, and outlook narrative. 


Since 1980 the connector industry has experienced four growth business cycles, meaning consecutive years of increases in year-over-year sales. The average growth business cycle in the connector industry is five years. The longest (years without a decline in sales) is eight years (1993-2000).


The downturn of 2011/2012 has somewhat broken the industry mold. The period of growth lasted only 23 months before sales began declining in 4Q11. The downturn, which was over in October 2012, lasted only 12 months. The decline was only -2.7% which is the smallest measured since 1992.


Since 1980, we have achieved twenty-eight years of sales increases and six years of sales declines. The average growth cycle lasts five years, with two years being the shortest growth cycle, and eight years the longest. The industry’s thirty-three year compound annual growth (CAGR) is +5.7%. Only once in thirty-three years has the industry had two consecutive years of sales declines (2001-2002).


In the three industry declines prior to 2001, the years of growth in between the downturns was four, six, and eight years. From the end of the 2001/2 downturn to the beginning of the 2008/9 downturn was 75 months (6.3 years). From the end of the 2008/9 downturn to the beginning of the 2011/12 downturn was 23 months (1.9 years). The decreasing cycle rate may be the result of the increasing inter-dependencies of the world’s economies and our 24/7 processing of news of all types.


Historically we are at the beginning of a fifth growth business cycle that will last another five years on average. Although nothing is certain, it is likely that the next downturn is three or more years down the road, given no unforeseen regional or worldwide calamities. The economies of the world and their governments have gone (and are going) through a major fiscal correction, which should lead to relatively stable times where the growth rates will, in all likelihood, be more modest than they have been after past industry downturns.


Year-over-year sales growth in the next five years is expected to hit a high in 2019, with growth forecast at +7.5%.


2014 Connector Industry Report


connector industry reportWe are forecasting 2014 sales to grow +8.3% to $52,929.7 million. This projected high single digit growth is in line with GDP growth projections by the IMF for the various regions of the world. World sales are up +9.5% through May. Bishop’s forecast +8.3% sales growth for full year 2014 indicates sales demand will soften modestly between now and year end. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View Connector Industry Report.



Connector Industry Report

32 KHz and Real Time Clocks

This report provides a deep and comprehensive look into both the 32 KHz reference and the Real Time market with all of its sub categories; Simple Commodity, Complex Commodity, Precision, and Fully Integrated solution categories that have emerged to provide a wide swath of solutions from the cheap (pennies and dimes), to as much as $18 USD for fully integrated solutions complete with the resonator, oscillator, dividers, full featured registered sets, on board NVM and scratchpad memory, and the battery and charging circuits. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: 32 KHz and Real Time Clocks.

Electronics Industry in Brazil

According to Brazil"s Electrical and Electronics Industry Association (ABINEE) employment in Brazil"s electronics and electrical industry was an estimated 177,900 in 2013, down from 183,000 a year earlier. ABINEE has around 650 members the sector accounting for 3.2% of GDP in 2013 (2012: 3.3%). Currency movements have had a major impact on the dollar growth rate. Expressed in dollars, production increased by 14.7% in 2011 and then declined by 11.2% in 2010 and by 0.3% in 2012 and 2013, respectively. In local currency production has increased by 8.0%, 3.7% and 9.8% in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Production of computer hardware accounted for 58% of total output in 2013, production increasing by 7.7% in local currency but declined by 2.2% in US dollars. In constant exchange rates output is forecast to increase by 5% in 2014. The Brazilian computer industry ranks as one of the top ten major computer markets in the world. The computer and peripherals industry includes over 100 small and medium-sized companies as well as a number of the world"s leading manufacturers including Acer, Dell and Hewlett-Packard. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Electronics Industry in Brazil.

The Evolution of the Protocol Stack from 3G to 4G and 5G

Over the past decade the wireless industry increased capacity a thousandfold, and by doing so not only fueled the explosive growth of mobile communication applications but also shaped the global mobile Internet as we know today. Three key factors contributed to this huge capacity expansion: the dramatic improvement of spectral efficiency in 3G and 4G air interfaces, the unprecedented spectrum allocation for mobile networks in the world, and the continuing evolution of the radio access network and core network architecture. This article describes the pivotal role of wireless protocol stack design behind these three factors that enabled and supported the evolution from 3G to 4G networks. We review the technology concepts in each generation of protocol stack design, the main challenges and tradeoffs, the performance improvements, and the impact on network architecture. Moving forward, as 4G radio link performance is approaching the theoretical Shannon limit, the focus of the wireless technology development has to shift from spectral efficiency to network efficiency and to energy efficiency. In addition, the proliferation of wearable devices will further transform user experience and impose a new set of more stringent requirements on the protocol stack design and the underlay network architecture, which directly affects the device and network platform design.  For more information visit https://noggin.intel.com/content/evolution-protocol-stack-3g-4g-and-5g


Learn more about 4G and 5G market and publications that provide informed perspective and relevant analysis of emergent technologies.



The Evolution of the Protocol Stack from 3G to 4G and 5G

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Passenger Car Sensors Market Estimated to Reach $146.5 Billion by 2019

Considering the driving efficiency, stringent emission norms, safety and comfort factors, passenger car sensors have been an integral part playing a vital role in the vehicle. These advancements include tire pressure monitoring systems, occupant detection, electronic stability control, heating and ventilation air conditioning, advanced driver assistance systems and others. The growing demand has led to the growth of this market which in turn is responsible for technological advancements in this area. Sensors are used from engine to exhaust system of the vehicle. Majorly, sensors are used in Powertrain/Drivetrain, chassis, and body control where they monitor temperature, pressure, voltages/currents, vacuum, and other such parameters.


The growth of the automobile sensor market is directly proportional to the growth of automobile industry. One of the important factors driving the market for passenger car sensors is the growth in the vehicle production where China plays a vital role in producing large number of vehicles. The global vehicle production is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2020, thus stimulating the growth of the passenger car sensors markets. In addition to this, the Government regulations for safety and emissions have also supported the growth of this market. In order to meet the stringent norms and regulations for safety and emissions, the sensor manufacturers are striving hard and coming up with a number of technological advancements in electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems such as deployment of crash avoidance technology. This technology along with others is expected to be a part of almost all the vehicles in matured markets of the U.S. & Europe by 2020. Owing to the customers demand for safety and comfort, the implementation of new technological concept of Advanced Driver Assist system (ADAS) has aided in boosting the safety and drivability factor by mitigating the effects of a driver’s flaws, where sensors have played an important role. This system also acts as a co-driver system providing real time advice, warnings, and instructions to the drivers in order to abide the traffic safety norms. These wide ranges of advantages offered by ADAS have created a positive impact on the sensor markets and boosted its use in the vehicles.


Passenger Car Sensors Market: Overview


Passenger Car Sensors Market: Overview


The key manufacturers of passenger car sensors are identified as Allegro (U. S.), CTS (U. S.), Robert Bosch (Germany), Delphi (U. K.) among others. These companies contribute a major share in automotive sensor market. However, the demand for the products of these companies highly depends on the automotive OEMs, and the automotive technological advancements.


The report covers passenger car sensors market based on geography (Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and ROW), sensor type (pressure, temperature, NOX/O2, speed, position, and others), and application type (Powertrain/drivetrain, exhaust, interior/comfort, driver assistance system, and body control).


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: Passenger Car Sensors Market by Application, Sensor Type & by Geography – Trends & Forecast to 2019.



Passenger Car Sensors Market Estimated to Reach $146.5 Billion by 2019

Mainland China’s Semiconductor and Equipment Markets: A Complete Analysis of the Technical, Economic, and Political Issues

Mainland China represents a huge opportunity for semiconductor manufacturers and equipment and materials suppliers. Massive investments in China’s semiconductor industry is paying off as internal production is making inroads on demand. The emerging semiconductor market will exhibit growth far in excess of any other country. This 260-page report analyzes Mainland China’s semiconductor and equipment industries, examining the technical, economic, and political issues that are shaping this nascent industry. In 2012 Mainland China produced 86 billion ICs, which accounted for 31.1% of domestic demand as a result of massive building programs and the weak economy. In comparison, Mainland China produced only 24.3% five years ago. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Mainland China’s Semiconductor and Equipment Markets.

Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and Replacement Markets: Insight for End Users and Material and Equipment Suppliers

ITO as percentage of transparent conductor market will drop from 94% in 2012 to 92% in 2015. ITO is widely used as the material for transparent electrodes in a diverse range of electronic devices including LCD panels, plasma display panels (PDP), touch panels, e-paper, solar cells and organic electroluminescent (EL) panels. Demand in the ITO target industry increases by a certain ratio according to the size of display substrates and the amount of inputs. Therefore, unless the price of indium fluctuates significantly, it is generally believed that there will be no significant issues in the industry except for the development of alternative materials. In some of these applications, however, new transparent electrode materials are beginning to replace ITO. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and Replacement Markets: Insight for End Users and Material and Equipment Suppliers.

Semiconductors for Alternative Energy Technologies: Opportunities and Markets

The high price of oil in the past few years has been a catalyst for development in other alternative energy sources. Semiconductor technology surrounding the alternative energy markets includes advanced IGBT design, optoelectronics, advanced power conversion ICs, digital signal processing, MCUs, and advanced mixed signal and analog circuits. This report discussed the potential for these products to be the next killer green application. The semiconductor content of solar energy conversion systems is projected to grow to $934.2 million in 2015. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Semiconductors for Alternative Energy Technologies: Opportunities and Markets.

Semiconductors for Alternative Energy Technologies: Opportunities and Markets

The high price of oil in the past few years has been a catalyst for development in other alternative energy sources. Semiconductor technology surrounding the alternative energy markets includes advanced IGBT design, optoelectronics, advanced power conversion ICs, digital signal processing, MCUs, and advanced mixed signal and analog circuits. This report discussed the potential for these products to be the next killer green application. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Semiconductors for Alternative Energy Technologies: Opportunities and Markets.

Recycling of Platinum, Palladium and Other Platinum Group Metals

The platinum group metals (PGMs), platinum, palladium and rhodium, have significant catalytic properties. Additionally, platinum metals possess natural beauty which makes them a valuable jewelry item in many parts of the world. Future demand for PGMs is expected to be heavily influenced by the automobile industry, while jewelry demand for platinum is expected to see significant growth among the key economies of Asia, such as China. Demand for platinum metals in industrial applications is also expected to rise along with the growing global economy. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Recycling of Platinum, Palladium and Other Platinum Group Metals.

LCD Market: Technology Directions and Market Analysis

Revenues of $750 billion are projected for 2015. The thin film transistor liquid crystal display, or TFT-LCD, industry in general is characterized by cyclical market conditions. The industry had been subject to significant and rapid downturns as a result of an imbalance between excess supply and a slowdown in demand. This technology-marketing report examines and projects the technologies involved in the fabrication of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD). This report discusses the technology trends, products, applications, and suppliers of materials and equipment. A market forecast for AMLCD equipment and materials is also presented. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: LCD Market: Technology Directions and Market Analysis.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Thyristor Market Worth $3.20 Billion and IGBT Market Worth $6.48 Billion by 2018

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS, the electronics industry market research and knowledge network, announces the availability of a new report entitled “IGBT and Thyristor Market by Application and by Geography – Analysis and Forecast 2013 – 2018“.  This report focuses on giving a detail view of the complete IGBT and Thyristor industry with regards to the different applications as well as geography market. The IGBT and Thyristor application market is penetrating very fast in electronic market.


The global IGBT market by Application is estimated to reach $6.48billion in 2018 at a CAGR of 13.92% from 2013 to 2018. On the other hand, the global Thyristor market by application is estimated to reach $3.20 billion in 2018 at a CAGR of 9.52% from 2013 to 2018.

The Global IGBT and Thyristor Market by application is in its growth stage, however, it contains a great potential across many industry verticals. The IGBT is gaining attention due to lower switching losses that reduces thermal stress on the electric devices and leads to longer life cycle and greater reliability. The highlighting features like high efficiency, external thermal performance and soft switching operations have made IGBT the best suited device in electronic market. The aging power infrastructure in developed geographical regions demands replacement, increasing number of offshore wind farm, increase in the government incentivization to establish HVDC grid. De-carbonization of power system and deployment of smart grid will boost IGBT and Thyristor market which would be the captivating essentials for new entrants as well as winning opportunities for the established players.


This report describes the market trends, drivers, and challenges with respect to the Global IGBT and Thyristor Market and forecasts the market to 2018, based on applications and geography. This global report gives a detail view of the market across geographies – North America (U.S., Canada, and others), Europe (U.K., Germany, and others), the Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, and others), and ROW (Russia, and others). Europe is the largest geography in terms of the IGBT and Thyristor Market value. APAC has been identified as the fastest growing region, with China and Japan leading the way. North America and ROW are also very promising markets, with Germany and the U.K. in Europe, and the Middle-East and Latin America in ROW providing impetus to the growth. The report profiles more than 10 promising players in the IGBT and Thyristor market ecosystem.


The competitive landscape of the market presents a very interesting picture, where large number of small players has become a force to reckon with. The market is witnessing large scale collaboration and partnership across the value chain with number of tier-one players around the globe. Major players in this IGBT and Thyristor market by application includes: ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc. (U.S.), Fuji Electric Co. (Japan), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Infineon Technologies AG (Germany) and so on.


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report:IGBT and Thyristor Market by Application and by Geography – Analysis and Forecast 2013 – 2018“.


 



Thyristor Market Worth $3.20 Billion and IGBT Market Worth $6.48 Billion by 2018

Thin Film and Printed Battery (TFB) Market Opportunities

Thin film and printed battery (TFB) technology is relatively nascent and is being used to evaluate potential opportunities in several different applications.


  • Most applications are in the pilot stage of development, with approximately a few hundred thousand in unit shipments. In turn, the volume of units shipped is limited for both semiconductors and TFB applications.

  • The popular battery form factor used in most devices is coin cell, and the market for semiconductors in these types of devices is quite strong. The shift from coin cell to a flexible or a printed battery, however, is delayed by a number of factors—initial high pricing remains one of the most important.

  • This study discusses the drivers and restraints, revenue, and Mega Trends for semiconductors in the TFB market, across North America; Europe; and Asia-Pacific and the Rest of World (ROW).

Executive Summary


  • Partnerships between semiconductor companies, research institutions, material developers, or equipment suppliers will help optimize the cost against the value curve.

  • The healthcare devices market will be a major driver for growth from 2013–2016.

  • Asia-Pacific and the ROW provide great scope for growth in low-power semiconductors over the forecast period.

  • Price issues and manufacturing challenges associated with TFB technology are amongst the major factors limiting high-volume shipment of semiconductors in TFB applications.

  • Economies of scale in this market are expected towards the end of 2016, after which volume production and shipment will be high.

For more details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information visit: Analysis of the Global Semiconductors in Thin Film and Printed Battery Market.


 



Thin Film and Printed Battery (TFB) Market Opportunities

Friday, July 11, 2014

Global Actuator Systems Market in Aviation

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS, the electronics industry market research and knowledge network, announces the availability of a new report entitled “Actuator Systems Market in Aviation – Market Analysis and Forecasts 2014 – 2019“.  The global actuator systems market in aviation is estimated to be $2,973.76 million by 2014. The aircraft actuators market is expected to register CAGR of 4.6% to reach $3,839.74 million by 2019.


In recent years, the concept of more electric aircraft pushed the development of electrical actuation systems to substitute hydraulic actuators in a broad range of applications such as flight control, landing gear, etc.


Electrical actuation technologies have to comply with demanding requirements concerning reliability, weight, and environmental conditions. Electric actuation use comes from customer and airworthiness requirements for clean and more environment friendly aircraft.


The use of actuators helps in aircraft maintenance. Airlines across the globe are looking for more efficient aircraft that can increase their net profit. The increasing fuel price is a major driving factor, forcing the aircraft manufactures to opt for more fuel efficient and more electric aircraft (MEA) concept. With the primary functions in the aircraft more powered by electrical system; rather than conventional Pneumatic and hydraulic system aircraft will be able to achieve reduced fuel burn, higher reliability, reduction in maintenance cost, and more dispatch availability. Many R&D programs are going on in this industry for saving fuel and enhancing operational efficiency.


The increase in aircraft orders and more aircraft manufacturers coming up in the industry is also a driver. However, the defense budget cuts would be a challenge. High growth regions are China, Russia, and North America; and many new programs are coming up from these regions. The deliveries of the aircrafts are also expected to increase by 2019.


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report:  Actuator Systems Market in Aviation – Market Analysis and Forecasts 2014 – 2019.


 




Global Actuator Systems Market in Aviation