Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Wearable Electronics and Technology Market worth $11.61 Billion by 2020

According to the new market research report “Wearable Electronics and Technology Market by Applications (Consumer, Healthcare, Enterprise), Products (eye wear, wrist wear, footwear), Form Factors and Geography – Analysis & Forecast to 2014 – 2020″ the overall markets estimated to grow at a CAGR of 24.56% from 2014 to 2020, which includes an in-depth analysis of the market by application, product and component, technology, form factor,and geography.


The term ‘Wearable Electronics’ refers to any electronic device or product which can be worn by a person to integrate computing in his daily activity or work and use technology to avail advanced features and characteristics. In simple terms, wearable electronics is used to make routine things easier to perform as well as make life sophisticated by offering several computing features in various day-to-day applications, mainly due to the integration of computing and communication devices. Currently, several types of wearable electronics exist with the development of various types of technologies and advancements in wearable computing.


This report provides a complete quantitative and qualitative information of the global wearable electronics market and all its segments (both – shipments and market revenue wise), and also forecasts the same till 2020. The report analyzes the global market and presents detailed insights on the market when segmented by technology, product,component, application, form factor, and geography. Besides this, detailed analysis on the drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the market are also presented along with an insightful quantitative analysis of Porter’s five forces and their impact on the market.


The global wearable electronics products market revenue is expected to grow roughly at a CAGR of 24.56% and cross $11.61 billion by the end of 2020, with steady sales of wristwear and footwear category, along with the emergence of the small market size for eyewear and bodywear category.


Major players in the market are Samsung Group (South Korea), Sony Corporation (Japan), Adidas AG (Germany), and Nike, Inc. (U.S.), among others.


WearableElectronics Wearable Electronics and Technology Market 2014 – 202


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report:  Wearable Electronics and Technology Market by Applications (Consumer, Healthcare, Enterprise), Products (eye wear, wrist wear, footwear), Form Factors and Geography – Analysis & Forecast to 2014 – 2020″



Wearable Electronics and Technology Market worth $11.61 Billion by 2020

Global Market for Transformers to Reach $48.3 Billion in 2019

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS announces the availability of a new report entitled “Global Markets for Transformers“.  The global transformers market is expected to grow to $48.3 billion by 2019, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%.  The Asia-Pacific market, the fastest-growing region of the overall market, is moving at a significant 8.1% CAGR.


Tasked with the regulation of voltage output, transformers are critical to the electricity supply chain. Globally, the demand for this technology is driven by the increasing demand for electricity, replacement of older transformers, and environmental concerns, particularly in India and China.


Indeed, the Asia-Pacific region is the largest and fastest growing segment of the global market. Valued at just $13.2 billion in 2013, the Asia-Pacific market is expected to surge to $21.1 billion by 2019. Such rapid growth is attributed to improving economic conditions and the increasing use of the region as a hub for Western markets to outsource the manufacture of their transformers.


Meanwhile, the European and North American markets are projected to grow at a healthy CAGR of 7.2% and 5%, respectively.


The upgrading of existing networks and replacement of older transformers in Western regions offer a huge growth opportunity for the transformer market. This is especially the case for power and traction transformers, which have high performance properties to increase energy efficiency and reduce electricity losses. However, in the longer-term, the developing regions, including China, Brazil, India and others, will create huge opportunities for the transformer market with the increasing demand for electricity and increasing electricity production.


Increasing raw material prices and stricter environmental regulations on carbon emission levels have forced companies to focus on the development of advanced transmission technologies that will comply with current and future environmental regulations. The pressure to develop environmentally friendly transformers is increasing even in the Asia-Pacific and other developing regions.


GLOBAL MARKETS FOR TRANSFORMERS provides an overview of the global markets for transformers and related technologies. It includes analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014, and projections of CAGRs through 2019.


 


SAMPLE FIGURE

GLOBAL TRENDS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MARKET BY REGION, THROUGH 2019

($ MILLIONS)


GLOBAL TRENDS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MARKET BY REGION, THROUGH 2019

Global Markets for Transformers



Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the reportGlobal Markets for Transformers.


 



Global Market for Transformers to Reach $48.3 Billion in 2019

Monday, September 29, 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

Global Semiconductor Fabrication Materials Market Report


The global semiconductor fabrication materials market is projected to reach US$33.3 billion by 2018, driven by steady increase in IC fabrication activity in response to growing demand for electronic devices. Demand for semiconductor fabrication material is largely tied to the health of the semiconductor industry, which in turn is largely influenced by the demand for electronics. Demand patterns in major downstream markets such as computers, communications equipment, digital home appliances, and industrial electronics influences IC fabrication activity.


Growing demand for electronic chip fabrication as a result of increasing production of mobile computing devices such as notebooks, smartphones and tablet PCs, is therefore benefiting growth in the semiconductor fabrication materials market. While consumer electronics and appliances remain the primary driver of growth, emerging applications in automotive electronics, medical device electronics, defense and aerospace electronics, including state-of-the-art weaponry, are poised to fuel future growth in the market.


Increasing performance requirements of electronic devices is creating the need for smaller and more robust semiconductor devices, which in turn is driving demand for newer fabrication materials. Increasing integration of highly advanced ICs in mobile devices, particularly smartphones and tablet PCs, in order to obtain longer battery life, brilliant screen resolution, and improved cameras, is also triggering growth of advanced semiconductor fabrication materials. To meet end-user requirements, material and chemical manufacturers are focusing on investing in R&D, and capacity expansions particularly in high growth regions. Developments in microelectronics fabrication are additionally helping drive demand for fabrication materials.


Though investments in new fab construction projects were sluggish in 2012, the same is expected to pick up momentum from 2013 onwards with new planned projects high on all company agendas. This expected increase in fab capacity will provide market opportunities for semiconductor fabrication materials in the coming years. The shift towards miniaturization is also driving growth in the market by requiring specialization of back-end fabrication. In the coming years, the persistent financial challenges and the pressure on capital will continue to mark the distinct evolution of pure-play foundries and fabless suppliers. The fabless model of microchip production will continue to gain prominence, given its unrivalled cost benefits. This growing trend of outsourcing fabrication of semiconductor chips is therefore expected to result in the establishment of new fabrication plants thus driving market prospects for semiconductor fabrication material in countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea


As stated by the new market research report on Semiconductor Fabrication Material, Japan represents the largest regional market worldwide, while Taiwan ranks as the fastest growing market with a CAGR of 5.3% over the analysis period. Strong semiconductor foundry base is helping drive growth in the country. Silicon Wafers represents the largest product market accounting for a major share in total global revenues. CMP Materials is the fastest growing product market with annual revenue waxing at a CAGR of about 6.9% over the analysis period.


Key players covered in the report include Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Air Liquide SA, Alent Plc, Avantor™ Performance Materials, AZ Electronic Materials SA, BASF SE, Cabot Microelectronics Corp., Dow Chemical Company, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, Hitachi Chemical Company Limited, JSR Corporation, Kanto Chemical Co. Inc., KMG Chemicals Inc., Linde AG, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, OM Group Inc., Praxair, Inc., Sachem Inc., Silecs Oy, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Showa Denko KK, SUMCO Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited, Taiyo Nippon Sanso, Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co. Ltd., Wacker Chemie AG, and Wako Pure Chemicals Industries, Ltd., among others.


The research report titled Semiconductor Fabrication Materials – Global Strategic Business Report, provides a comprehensive review of market trends, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The report provides market estimates and projections for in US dollars for major geographic markets including the US, Japan, Europe, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Rest of World. Key segments analyzed in the report include Silicon Wafers, Photoresists & Adjuncts, Electronic Gases, CMP Materials, Others.


 




Global Semiconductor Fabrication Materials Market Report

Friday, September 26, 2014

mHealth Wellness Wearable Devices Market Study

The wearable devices market is emerging as one of the first segments of the Internet of Things (IoT) to see widespread adoption and consumer acceptance. Wearable devices are not new to the wellness market; heart rate monitors and sports watches have been around for many years. However, what is changing is the breadth of wearable devices that are emerging and the increasing amount of technology being used. Activity monitors, smart sports watches, heart rate monitors, and smart clothing are all becoming significant markets for technology vendors and the list of device types continues to grow. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: mHealth Wellness Wearable Devices.

Audio Signal Processor ICs & IP In Mobile Devices 2014 - Opportunities For IC and IP Vendors

Mobile devices continue to be a prime area of growth for audio processors. Even sections of the market which are starting to hit their peak annual shipments, for example, high-end smartphones, continue to develop with new applications such as “always on” voice control requiring new functionality and driving developments in mobile device audio implementation. There are also sections of the market, such as low-end smartphones, tablets, smart watches and mobile speakers, which will offer significant growth opportunities for both IC and IP vendors as device shipment volumes grow and audio processing requirements increase. This study assesses the opportunities for audio processor ICs and corresponding IP in mobile devices, demonstrating potential market sizes for both ICs and IP as well as competitive market assessment and vendor markets shares. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Audio Signal Processor ICs & IP In Mobile Devices 2014.

Growth in Electronics Production by Country

Growth within the global electronics industry started to gain momentum in the later part of 2013 a trend which will continue in 2014 and then accelerate in the period to 2017, with stronger growth in the emerging markets. Growth is being driven by the improved outlook for the global economy although downside risks still remain. The Volume 2 of the Yearbook of World Electronics Data tracks developments in the electronics industry for 16 countries with emphasis on the Americas, Japan and the Asia Pacific.


Despite losing its position as the world’s largest producer the US remains the largest market. 2013 however, witnessed a further decline in electronics output, production falling by 1.9%. A stronger domestic and global economy in 2014 should see a return to growth in 2014, although it is expected to be modest at 1.1%. The US, like Europe is now focused on the production of low-volume products in the control and instrumentation, medical, automotive, industrial, defence, high-end computing and communications segments. Over the medium term these sectors are projected to achieve low to medium-digit growth. The move by US companies to “reshore” production is gaining some momentum although the decision by Motorola Mobility to close its smartphone plant after only a year continues to question the viability of producing high volume products in the country.


Electronics output in Japan declined for the third consecutive year in 2013, with output falling by 3.2% during the year and compared to double-digit declines in the prior year two years. The economic policies being implemented by the government, the so called Abenomics has led to an improvement in exchange rates and led to a spurt in exports. In 2014, the recovery which started in the prior September is expected to strengthen due to the continuation of the government’s economic policies and the on-going boost to exports provided by the weak yen. As a result, growth in local currency is forecast to increase by 3.7%.


Growth in Electronics Production by Country 2009-2014


Electronics Production by Country


Source: RER,  The Yearbook of World Electronics Data


South Korea on the back of its leading position in semiconductors, mobile communications and advanced consumer electronic products is the fourth largest electronics producer globally with output of US$111.2 billion in 2013. After declining by 3.4% in 2012 electronics production rebounded in 2013 increasing by 8.9% on the back of strong growth in both the semiconductor and wireless communications segments. Growth is expected to ease in 2014 but still post healthy growth of 6.1% with the main drivers again the semiconductor and wireless communications segments.


Taiwan’s electronics industry is today dominated by a small number of large groups. In addition to the capital intensive semiconductor and display companies the country also has a significant number of ODMs which hold a major share in the global production of computer and communications products. Production for a significant proportion of high volume products manufactured by ODMs is now undertaken in China. In 2013, electronics output increased by 6.5% although growth was primarily driven by the key semiconductor segment. Taiwanese companies will continue to look offshore to reduce costs although the benefits of manufacturing in China will be impacted by rising wages in the country. The semiconductor segment, through the country’s leading position within the foundry business, will be key driver to growth over the medium term.


Electronic output in Malaysia increased by 2.5% in 2013 and followed a decline of 3.1% in the prior year. A recovery in the semiconductor segment combined with an improved performance in the consumer segment offset a further decline in the production of computer hardware. Continued growth in new investment will help boost production in the medium-term although output could still be influenced if established manufactures look to adjust capacity or move production to other countries. The trend to higher value-added production will continue with the country continuing to be an attractive location for the world’s leading electronic manufacturing service providers.


The emphasis on low cost manufacturing, which has driven the growth in the emerging countries and in particular China, is today being questioned. In Western Europe and the US/Canada reshoring is expected to be a significant issue over the next few years. At the same time it is expected that companies, including those in the industrial, automotive and medical sectors, will look to increase manufacturing, either internally or through partners in the emerging markets.


Cost will continue to be a key factor for the high volume products within the 3C segment. Escalating costs in China is pushing manufacturing in the country into the mainland but there is also evidence that overseas manufacturers are looking to alternative locations and to spread manufacturing across several countries.


The Yearbook of World Electronics DataThe Yearbook of World Electronics Data ­ tracks developments in the electronics industry for 16 countries with emphasis on the Americas, Japan and the Asia Pacific. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: Yearbook of World Electronics Data Volume 2 2014: America, Japan and Asia-Pacific.


 


 


This report provides 16 country coverage which can be purchased by sections:


 



Growth in Electronics Production by Country

Nanoelectronics Market Report

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS, the electronics industry market research and knowledge network, announces the availability of a new report entitled “Nanoelectronics Global Market to 2020“.

This report covers the raft of applications and end products enabled by nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the electronics sector. Also included are profiles of companies developing products and applications for the electronics sector utilizing nanomaterials and nanotechnology.


nanoelectronics market report Nanoelectronics Global Market to 2020



Nanoelectronics market report contents include technology development in the electronics sector utilizing the following materials:


Applications of nanomaterials in the following electronics sector sub-markets:




TABLE OF CONTENTS


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Nanotechnology is a key driver for new and innovative electronics applications.


METHODOLOGY


INTRODUCTION

Nanomaterials in electronics.


Electronic packaging

Market drivers, nanomaterials used and target market estimates.


Displays

Market drivers, nanomaterials used and target market estimates.


Data storage

Market drivers, nanomaterials used and target market estimates.


Transistors

Market drivers, nanomaterials used and target market estimates.


Photonics

Market drivers, nanomaterials used and targetmarket estimates..


Graphene

Properties, effect, applications and companies.


Nanoparticles

Properties, effect, applications and companies.


Carbon Nanotubes

Properties, effect, applications and companies.


Nanofibers

Properties, effect, applications and companies.


Nanowires

Properties, effect, applications and companies


Quantum dots

Properties, effect, applications and companies.


Fullerenes

Poperties, effect, applications and companies.


Germanane

Properties, effect and applications.


Silicene

Properties, effect and applications.


Graphdiyne

Properties, effect and applications.


Graphane

Properties, effect and applications.


Molybdenum Disulfide

Properties, effect and applications.


Graphene companies

Products, target electronics markets and contact details.


Fullerene companies

Products, target electronics markets and contact details.


Carbon nanotubes companies

Products, target electronics markets and contact details.


Nanofibers companies

Products, target electronics markets and contact details.


Nanowires companies

Products, target electronics markets and contact details.


Quantum dots companies

Products, target electronics markets and contact details.


Nanoparticles companies

Products, target electronics markets and contact details


Details of the new report and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.
View the report: Nanoelectronics Global Market to 2020.


 



Nanoelectronics Market Report

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Global Market for Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Equipment & Materials

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS announces the availability of a new report entitled “Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): Global Markets”. The global market for physical vapor deposition (PVD) equipment, materials, and services was worth roughly $19 billion in 2013. The market is expected to increase to nearly $20.3 billion in 2014 and $26.4 billion in 2019, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% for the period of 2014 to 2019.


This study encompasses PVD technologies and materials in terms of application, properties and processes. This research analyzes the major types of PVD systems and materials used to manufacture products in eight key industries. Applications are discussed, as are properties imparted by PVD. Trends in demand also are reviewed and their impacts on PVD are assessed.


Market drivers within each industry are identified. Materials deposited by PVD are analyzed according to basic functions (e.g., wear resistance, abrasion and corrosion resistance, conductivity and barrier protection). The value of PVD equipment shipments is projected within each industry by type of system. Material shipment values are projected, along with PVD service revenues. Technological issues and trends are reviewed, and other influential factors such as economic conditions and standards are discussed.


This report provides global market for physical vapor deposition (PVD):


  • Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2019.

  • Information about the current status of the global market for PVD equipment, material deposited by the process, and deposition services.

  • Information relevant and of interest to those in the microelectronics business, manufacturers of cutting tools, specialty packagers, maker of storage equipment and media, companies in the solar energy business, manufacturers of automotive and aerospace parts, medical device makers and those in the optics industry.

  • Comprehensive profiles of leading companies in the industry.

Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): Global Markets“.


 



Global Market for Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Equipment & Materials

Graphene for Supercapacitors

While research continues to see if graphene can be used to produce the long charge times for supercapacitors so sought after by all-electric vehicle enthusiasts, graphene does have other properties that could prove to be very attractive for other applications. For one, its high electrical conductivity is significantly better than activated carbon, which could open up applications in electronics. It also can be made into a structure unlike activated carbon, which is just sort of lumped together. With its ability to be structured, graphene has another attractive property for electronic applications in which it could be designed into electronic components.

This report looks at the strengths and weaknesses of graphene in supercapacitor applications and how those stack up against established materials and other potential materials being experimented with for supercapacitor applications.

To accomplish this aim this report looks at how supercapacitors are currently produced, who produces them and who among those producers appear to taking the prospects of graphene seriously. We also look at graphene manufacturing and the methods are best suited for leading to a material for the electrodes of supercapacitors. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Graphene for Supercapacitors.

Automotive Sensors Market and Technology Report

ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS announces the availability of a new report entitled “Global Markets for Automotive Sensor Technologies”.  New research estimates that the global market for automobile sensors will grow from $22.1 billion in 2015 to reach nearly $35.2 billion in 2020, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% for the five year period.


Modern automobiles rely on many electronic systems to meet efficiency and security standards as well as environmental regulations. Automotive electronics systems per vehicle is on the rise, to satisfy the U.S. government regulations of safety and emissions and the consumer demand for safety, comfort, infotainment applications and fuel efficiency. As the electronics systems increase in automobiles, the number of automotive sensors used in vehicles is also increasing as these sensors are vital components of automotive electronic systems. Worldwide increase in vehicle production, technology developments, customer preference and the U.S. government’s mandates are increasing the market for automotive sensors.


In modern automobiles, different types of sensors are needed for many important tasks, ranging from engine performance and passenger safety to comfort and vehicle dynamic behavior. The need for sensors is continuously evolving and growing. The application market for automotive sensors covers power train, body electronics, vehicle security system, safety and control. The increasing demand of Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and hybrid and electric vehicles are the future opportunities for automotive sensors. Sensor technologies like micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor, wireless sensor, radar, etc., are the future of automotive sensors. Of these, MEMS is the most promising and is likely to emerge as a leader in the automotive world.


Increased demand for convenience, comfort, safety, efficiency and environmental protection drives the automotive sensor market. Sensors integrated with electronics, communications and computer intelligence are poised for a growth surge. “Smart sensors” or “intelligent sensors” are integrated sensors with intelligence and will be used in conjunction with all types of devices. The advent of the “smart car” has major implications for the automobile industry as well as the sensor industry. This report will study the route, which is being taken by various automobile and sensor manufacturers, in achieving the ultimate goal of the “smart car.”


The report should attract the attention of engineering technologists and make them more aware of how sensors can contribute to system control and monitoring in an automobile. This report is intended to serve as a valuable resource for all personnel involved in the design and production of automobile sensors, associated systems and automobiles; for researchers working in the development of new sensor technologies for use in various automobiles; and for manufacturers of different types of automobile sensors.


Automotive Sensors Market and Technology Report


Automotive Sensors Market and Technology ReportDetails of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site.  View the report: “Global Markets for Automotive Sensor Technologies“.


 



Automotive Sensors Market and Technology Report

The Landscape of the IC Fabrication Industry

Major changes are underway in the IC manufacturing base! Since mid-2007, the landscape of the IC fabrication industry has changed dramatically. IC manufacturers have done whatever they could to survive by closing older fabs. 300mm Capacity Dominates, but Life Remains for 200mm Wafer Fabs. Nearly all new fab upgrade and construction activity has to do with 300mm wafer processing, but there is still plenty of life remaining in 200mm fabs according to data in the 2014 edition of  Global Wafer Capacity report.


Not all semiconductor devices are able to take advantage of the cost savings 300mm wafers can provide. Therefore, fabs running 200mm wafers will continue to be profitable for many more years to produce several types of ICs such as specialty memories, image sensors, display drivers, microcontrollers, and analog products (200mm fabs are also used for manufacturing MEMS-based “non-IC” products such as accelerometers).  These devices can be manufactured in fully depreciated 200mm fabs that were previously used to make ICs that are now produced on 300mm wafers.


Figure 1 shows that between December 2013 and December 2018, the share of the industry’s monthly wafer capacity represented by 200mm wafers is expected to drop from 31.7% to 26.1%.  However, in terms of the actual number of wafers used, an increase in 200mm wafers is forecast through 2015 followed by a slow decline through the end of 2018.


Wafers measuring ≤150mm are also forecast to increase slowly throughout the forecast period to meet the growing demand for products such as general-purpose analog chips that can be cost-effectively manufactured on the smaller wafers.


For the most part, 300mm fabs will continue to be limited to production of high-volume, commodity-type devices like DRAMs and flash memories, complex logic and microcomponent ICs with large die sizes, image sensors and power management devices; and products manufactured by foundries, which can fill a 300mm fab by combining wafer orders from many sources.  IC Insights projects that more than 105 wafer fabs will be producing 300mm wafer fabs in 2018.  This number includes pilot- and volume-production class fabs, but not R&D facilities.  Also, “phases” are counted as separate fabs (e.g., TSMC’s Fab 14 currently has four phases for a total of 180K wafers/month).


Figure 1


Global Wafer Capacity


Report Details:  Global Wafer Capacity 2014 and The 2014 McClean Report


Additional information and forecasts of the IC industry’s wafer fab capacity through 2018 are provided in IC Insights’ Global Wafer Capacity 2014—Detailed Analysis and Forecast of the IC Industry’s Wafer Fab Capacity report. Released in December 2013, the Global Wafer Fab Capacity report assesses the IC industry’s capacity by wafer size, minimum process geometry, technology type, geographic region, and by device type through 2018. The report also includes detailed profiles of the companies most likely to build 450mm wafer fabs and gives detailed specifications on existing wafer fab facilities. Global Wafer Capacity 2014 is priced at $4,290 for an individual user password.  A multi-user worldwide corporate license is available for $6,990.


Further details on IC economics and capacity trends are provided in the 2014 edition of The McClean Report—A Complete Analysis and Forecast of the Integrated Circuit Industry.  This highly regarded service features more than 900 pages and more than 400 tables and graphs that provide the user with a thorough analysis of IC industry trends throughout the year.  A subscription to  The McClean Report includes free monthly updates from March through November (including a 250+ page Mid-Year Update), and free access to subscriber-only webinars throughout the year.


 


 



The Landscape of the IC Fabrication Industry

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Analysis and Forecast of Nanomaterials for Electronics

According to a new market study, Nanomaterials for Solar Cells, Displays, Sensors, Lighting and RFID Market Analyses and Driving Forces, there is a myriad of applications using nanoparticles either on the market or under development. Considerable effort is being put into developing advanced defense applications for nanomaterials, which are unlikely to reach deployment for quite a few years to come but which could have a large impact on commercial applications. The scope and number of applications for nanoparticles continues to grow and companies are finding more and more uses for these materials.


The use of nanoparticles is set to escalate and the market has the potential to increase dramatically over the next ten years as more uses for these materials are developed and commercialized.


Nanomaterials are establishing themselves as a way forward for printed electronics in a number of ways. Inks using metallic nanoparticles promise higher conductivities and lower curing temperatures, nanosilicon inks may prove the best route to printed silicon, and carbon nanotube inks open up interesting new possibilities for ITO replacements, lighting and displays.


Nano materials will solve many of the business and technical challenges facing the electronics industry – particularly displays and semiconductors


Reproducibility and control are major areas of focus in the manufacture of revolutionary nanoelectronic materials


  • Manufacturing and purification processes for CNT and nano wires that offers high purity, control of properties, reliability and low cost

  • Designer molecules for self-assembly

  • Designer molecules and nano composites for packaging materials

Technology from other industries is being leveraged in the development of new or revolutionary materials


The value of materials will have much higher intellectual property content in the near future and the value of materials will increase in the next 5 years


The creation of new nanomaterials and their fabrication at the nanometer scale are the key technologies required for the development and applications of next generation miniaturized and versatile electronics and photonics devices.


We can define nanomaterials as those which have nanostructured components with at (less than 100nm).


  • Materials with one dimension in the nanoscale are layers, such as a thin films or surface coatings.

  • Materials that are nanoscale in two dimensions are nanowires and nanotubes.

  • Materials that are nanoscale in three dimensions are particles quantum dots (tiny particles of semiconductor materials). Nanocrystalline materials, made up of nanometer-sized grains, also fall into this category.

Two principal factors cause the properties of nanomaterials to differ significantly from other materials: increased relative surface area, and quantum effects. These factors can change or enhance properties such as reactivity, strength and electrical properties, and optical characteristics.


Nanomaterial in one dimension


One-dimensional nanomaterials, such as thin films and engineered surfaces, have been developed and used for decades in fields such as electronic device manufacture, chemistry and engineering. In the silicon integrated-circuit industry, for example, many devices rely on thin films for their operation, and control of film thicknesses approaching the atomic level is routine. Monolayers (layers that are one atom or molecule deep) are also routinely made and used in chemistry. The formation and properties of these layers are reasonably well understood from the atomic level upwards, even in quite complex layers (such as lubricants). Advances are being made in the control of the composition and smoothness of surfaces, and the growth of films.


Engineered surfaces with tailored properties such as large surface area or specific reactivity are used routinely in a range of applications such as in fuel cells and catalysts. The large surface area provided by nanoparticles, together with their ability to self assemble on a support surface, could be of use in all of these applications.


Although they represent incremental developments, surfaces with enhanced properties should find applications throughout the chemicals and energy sectors. The benefits could surpass the obvious economic and resource savings achieved by higher activity and greater selectivity in reactors and separation processes, to enabling small-scale distributed processing (making chemicals as close as possible to the point of use). There is already a move in the chemical industry towards this. Another use could be the small-scale, on-site production of high value chemicals such as pharmaceuticals.


Nanomaterials in two dimensions


Two dimensional nanomaterials such as tubes and wires have generated considerable interest among the scientific community in recent years. In particular, their novel electrical and mechanical properties are the subject of intense research.


a) Carbon Nanotubes


Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were first observed in 1991. CNTs are extended tubes of rolled graphene sheets. There are two types of CNT: single-walled (one tube) or multi-walled (several concentric tubes). Both of these are typically a few nanometers in diameter and several micrometers to centimeters long. CNTs have assumed an important role in the context of nanomaterials, because of their novel chemical and physical properties. They are mechanically very strong (their Young’s modulus is over 1 terapascal, making CNTs as stiff as diamond), flexible (about their axis), and can conduct electricity extremely well (the helicity of the graphene sheet determines whether the CNT is a semiconductor or metallic). All of these remarkable properties give CNTs a range of potential applications: for example, in reinforced composites, sensors, nanoelectronics and display devices.


b) Inorganic Nanotubes


Inorganic nanotubes and inorganic fullerene-like materials based on layered compounds such as molybdenum disulphide were discovered shortly after CNTs. They have excellent tribological (lubricating) properties, resistance to shockwave impact, catalytic reactivity, and high capacity for hydrogen and lithium storage, which suggest a range of promising applications. Oxide-based nanotubes (such as titanium dioxide) are being explored for their applications in catalysis, photo-catalysis and energy storage.


c) Nanowires


Nanowires are ultrafine wires or linear arrays of dots, formed by self-assembly. They can be made from a wide range of materials. Semiconductor nanowires made of silicon, gallium nitride and indium phosphide have demonstrated remarkable optical, electronic and magnetic characteristics (for example, silica nanowires can bend light around very tight corners). Nanowires have potential applications in high-density data storage, either as magnetic read heads or as patterned storage media, and electronic and opto-electronic nanodevices, for metallic interconnects of quantum devices and nanodevices. The preparation of these nanowires relies on sophisticated growth techniques, which include selfassembly processes, where atoms arrange themselves naturally on stepped surfaces, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) onto patterned substrates, electroplating or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The ‘molecular beams’ are typically from thermally evaporated elemental sources.


d) Biopolymers


The variability and site recognition of biopolymers, such as DNA molecules, offer a wide range of opportunities for the self-organization of wire nanostructures into much more complex patterns. The DNA backbones may then, for example, be coated in metal. They also offer opportunities to link nano- and biotechnology in, for example, biocompatible sensors and small, simple motors. Such self-assembly of organic backbone nanostructures is often controlled by weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic, or van der Waals interactions (generally in aqueous environments) and hence requires quite different synthesis strategies to CNTs, for example. The combination of one-dimensional nanostructures consisting of biopolymers and inorganic compounds opens up a number of scientific and technological opportunities.


Nanoscale in three dimensions


a) Nanoparticles


Nanoparticles are often defined as particles of less than 100nm in diameter. We classify nanoparticles to be particles less than 100nm in diameter that exhibit new or enhanced size-dependent properties compared with larger particles of the same material. Nanoparticles exist widely in the natural world: for example as the products of photochemical and volcanic activity, and created by plants and algae. They have also been created for thousands of years as products of combustion and food cooking, and more recently from vehicle exhausts. Deliberately manufactured nanoparticles, such as metal oxides, are by comparison in the minority.


Nanoparticles are of interest because of the new properties (such as chemical reactivity and optical behavior) that they exhibit compared with larger particles of the same materials. For example, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide become transparent at the nanoscale, however are able to absorb and reflect UV light, and have found application in sunscreens. Nanoparticles have a range of potential applications: in the short-term in new cosmetics, textiles and paints; in the longer term, in methods of targeted drug delivery where they could be to used deliver drugs to a specific site in the body. Nanoparticles can also be arranged into layers on surfaces, providing a large surface area and hence enhanced activity, relevant to a range of potential applications such as catalysts.


Manufactured nanoparticles are typically not products in their own right, but generally serve as raw materials, ingredients or additives in existing products. Nanoparticles are currently in a small number of consumer products such as cosmetics and their enhanced or novel properties may have implications for their toxicity. For most applications, nanoparticles will be fixed (for example, attached to a surface or within in a composite) although in others they will be free or suspended in fluid. Whether they are fixed or free will have a significant affect on their potential health, safety and environmental impacts.


b) Fullerenes (carbon 60)


In the mid-1980s a new class of carbon material was discovered called carbon 60 (C60). The experimental chemists who discovered C60 named it “buckminsterfullerene”, in recognition of the architect Buckminster Fuller, who was well-known for building geodesic domes, and the term fullerenes was then given to any closed carbon cage. C60 are spherical molecules about 1nm in diameter, comprising 60 carbon atoms arranged as 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons: the configuration of a football. In 1990, a technique to produce larger quantities of C60 was developed by resistively heating graphite rods in a helium atmosphere. Several applications are envisaged for fullerenes, such as miniature ‘ball bearings’ to lubricate surfaces, drug delivery vehicles and in electronic circuits.


c) Dendrimers


Dendrimers are spherical polymeric molecules, formed through a nanoscale hierarchical self-assembly process. There are many types of dendrimer; the smallest is several nanometers in size. Dendrimers are used in conventional applications such as coatings and inks, but they also have a range of interesting properties which could lead to useful applications. For example, dendrimers can act as nanoscale carrier molecules and as such could be used in drug delivery. Environmental clean-up could be assisted by dendrimers as they can trap metal ions, which could then be filtered out of water with ultra-filtration techniques.


d) Quantum Dots


Nanoparticles of semiconductors (quantum dots) were theorized in the 1970s and initially created in the early 1980s. If semiconductor particles are made small enough, quantum effects come into play, which limit the energies at which electrons and holes (the absence of an electron) can exist in the particles. As energy is related to wavelength (or color), this means that the optical properties of the particle can be finely tuned depending on its size. Thus, particles can be made to emit or absorb specific wavelengths (colors) of light, merely by controlling their size. Recently, quantum dots have found applications in composites, solar cells (Gratzel cells) and fluorescent biological labels (for example to trace a biological molecule) which use both the small particle size and tunable energy levels. Recent advances in chemistry have resulted in the preparation of monolayer-protected, high-quality, monodispersed, crystalline quantum dots as small as 2nm in diameter, which can be conveniently treated and processed as a typical chemical reagent.


Eventually, nanomaterials are likely to affect nearly every industry in every region in the world, including the least developed regions. In fact, there is considerable optimism that nanomaterials will be instrumental in addressing some of the developing world’s most pressing concerns. Forecasts are presented to 2015.


Analysis and Forecast of Nanomaterials for Electronics


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web siteNanomaterials for Solar Cells, Displays, Sensors, Lighting and RFID Market Analyses and Driving Forces.



Analysis and Forecast of Nanomaterials for Electronics

The Taiwanese Desktop PC Industry, 3Q 2014

This research report presents shipment volume and value forecast and recent quarter review of the Taiwanese desktop PC industry. The report includes desktop PC shipment volume, value, ASP, shipment by tier and maker, product mix analysis, as well as breakdowns by customer, shipment destination, business type, and assembly location. The content of this report is based on primary data obtained through interviews with desktop PC makers. The report finds that shipment volume of the Taiwanese desktop PC industry reached around 16.9 million units in the second quarter of 2014, up 6.1% sequentially and 21.4% year-on-year. The desktop PC industry, with the majority shipped being the commercial ones, has been benefited greatly from the wave of replacement demand for commercial PC systems in 2014. Shipment value arrived at around US$4.58 billion in the second quarter. In anticipation of the release of more desktop PCs powered with new Intel and AMD platforms in the second half of 2014, the industry"s shipment volume is projected to grow further. It is anticipated that the industry"s shipment volume will top around 17.5 million units in the third quarter of 2014, the highest quarterly total ever. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: The Taiwanese Desktop PC Industry, 3Q 2014.

Global Development of 4K2K LCD TV Panels in 2014 and Beyond

4K2K LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV panels have drawn intense attention from panel brands around the world. In 2013, Taiwanese makers were the first to come out with 4K2K panels and since then the resolution competition has been heating up. In terms of shipments, Taiwan"s makers however lost ground to Korean counterparts in the second quarter of 2014. This is because, aside from having more production capacity for 4K2K TV panels, Korean makers have been able to provide a broad range of different sizes. This report outlines the latest development of 4K2K LCD TV panels, including low-cost RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White) ones, and examines key strategies of major 4K2K panel makers in Taiwan and Korea. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Global Development of 4K2K LCD TV Panels in 2014 and Beyond.

Global Development of 4K2K LCD TV Panels in 2014 and Beyond

4K2K LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV panels have drawn intense attention from panel brands around the world. In 2013, Taiwanese makers were the first to come out with 4K2K panels and since then the resolution competition has been heating up. In terms of shipments, Taiwan"s makers however lost ground to Korean counterparts in the second quarter of 2014. This is because, aside from having more production capacity for 4K2K TV panels, Korean makers have been able to provide a broad range of different sizes. This report outlines the latest development of 4K2K LCD TV panels, including low-cost RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White) ones, and examines key strategies of major 4K2K panel makers in Taiwan and Korea. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Global Development of 4K2K LCD TV Panels in 2014 and Beyond.

Global Motherboard Shipment Volume, ASP and price trends 2014

This research report presents industry size and value forecast and recent quarter review of the worldwide motherboard industry. The report includes shipment volume and value, shipment breakdowns by maker, ASP, and price trends. The report also examines manufacturer rankings, assembly levels, CPU connector adoption, production locations, shipment destinations, and business types, and provides assembly level breakdown for CPU types, production locations, shipment destinations, and business types. The content of this report is based on primary data obtained through interviews with motherboard makers. The report finds that worldwide motherboard shipment decline slowed in the second quarter of 2014, reaching 36.8 million units owing to commercial replacement demand. As a slew of Intel"s new Pentium and Core i3 processors based on Haswell Refresh micro-architecture and mainstream Bay Trail SoC processor have been released, the industry"s shipment volume is anticipated to see both sequential and year-on-year growth in the third quarter of 2014, to reach approximately 37.9 million units. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: The Worldwide Motherboard Industry, 3Q 2014.

Semiconductor Industry and Equipment Markets in China

China is by far the largest consumer of semiconductors; it accounts for about 45 percent of the worldwide demand for chips, used both in China and for exports. But more than 90 percent of its consumption relies on imported integrated circuits. Integrated-circuit companies in China entered the semiconductor market late—some two decades after the rest of the world—and have been playing catch-up ever since in an industry in which success depends on scale and learning efficiencies. The Chinese government made several attempts to build a local semiconductor industry, but none really took hold. Now, however, things are changing on both the business and policy fronts.


Low-cost smartphones designed in China are flooding the market. For instance, Android phones designed in China now represent more than 50 percent of the global market, compared with their negligible presence five years ago. Lenovo’s significant deals early in 2014—first acquiring IBM’s low-end x86-based server business for $2.3 billion and then buying Motorola from Google for almost $3 billion—further suggest that the customer base for hardware is moving to China. Meanwhile, Beijing and Shenzhen have become innovation hotbeds for wearable devices and other connected consumer electronics. Technology companies in these regions are not trailing others in this area of innovation; they are running neck and neck with other early entrants.


Multinational corporations in every industry—from automotive to industrial controls to enterprise equipment—increasingly are establishing design centers on the mainland to be closer to customers and benefit from local Chinese talent. McKinsey’s proprietary research indicates that more than 50 percent of PCs, and between 30 and 40 percent of embedded systems (commonly found in automotive, commercial, consumer, industrial, and medical applications), contain content designed in China, either directly by mainland companies or emerging from the Chinese labs of global players. As the migration of design continues, China could soon influence up to 50 percent of hardware designs globally (including phones, wireless devices, and other consumer electronics).


Fabless semiconductor companies are also emerging in China to serve local customers. For instance, Shanghai-based Spreadtrum Communications, which designs chips for mobile phones, and Shenzhen-based HiSilicon Technologies, a captive supplier to Huawei and one of the largest domestic designers of semiconductors in China, are among the local designers that have shown rapid growth over the past few years.


There has been slower but steady progress among local foundries. For reasons including costs and scale—and, in some cases, export controls—these players traditionally have been reluctant to invest in cutting-edge technologies, always lagging three or four years behind the industry leaders. But the performance gap is shrinking. As global players such as Samsung, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and Texas Instruments set up shop in China, leading local foundries such as Shanghai Huali Microelectronics Corporation, SMIC, and XMC are poised to benefit from the development of a true technology cluster. At the same time, fewer and fewer chip designs will be moving to technologies that are 20 nanometers and below; following Moore’s law is becoming too expensive and is of limited benefit to all but a small set of global semiconductor companies. As a result, low-cost, lagging-edge Chinese technology companies will soon be able to address a larger part of the global market.


China released the high-level framework for its new national semiconductor policy in June 2014; the details and the long-term effects of its new approach to developing the semiconductor industry in China remain to be seen. Will it lead to a world-class semiconductor industry, or will Chinese semiconductor companies continue to lag behind global players? Three medium-term effects seem likely.


China’s strong desire for national champions may further tilt the system in favor of local players. According to industry estimates, Chinese original-equipment manufacturers will design more than half of the world’s phones in 2015.1 Under the national-champions model, they may be encouraged to take advantage of domestic suppliers’ low-cost strategies and strong local technical support. Additionally, in the wake of global data-privacy and security concerns, there has been even more of a push from the Chinese government for state-owned and private enterprises to purchase from local system suppliers (that, in turn, are more likely to source from local semiconductor vendors).


Mainland China represents a huge opportunity for semiconductor manufacturers and equipment and materials suppliers. More information is available in our updated market research report: Mainland China’s Semiconductor and Equipment Markets: A Complete Analysis of the Technical, Economic, and Political Issues.


 


 


 


 



Semiconductor Industry and Equipment Markets in China

Monday, September 22, 2014

Global Markets for Transformers

The scope of this report is broad and covers many different types of transformers used globally in various types of applications. The market is broken down by major types of electric transformers, by region and by power rating. The market for transformers is also estimated by type, regional market and power rating. Revenue forecasts from 2014 to 2019 are given for each major type of transformer, power rating and regional market. The report also includes a discussion of the major players in each of the regional markets for transformers. It explains the major market drivers of the global transformers industry, the current trends within the industry, major industry challenges and the regional dynamics of the global transformer market. The report concludes with a special focus on the supplier landscape. It includes detailed profiles of the major vendors in the transformer industry globally, and discusses the market share of the major players by region. According to this report, the global market for transformers totalled $31.5 billion in 2013. The market should reach $33.9 billion in 2014 and $48.3 billion in 2019, registering a compound annual growth (CAGR) of 7.3% over the next five years. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Global Markets for Transformers.

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): Global Markets

This study encompasses PVD technologies and materials in terms of application, properties and processes. This research analyzes the major types of PVD systems and materials used to manufacture products in eight key industries. Applications are discussed, as are properties imparted by PVD. Trends in demand also are reviewed and their impacts on PVD are assessed. Market drivers within each industry are identified. Materials deposited by PVD are analyzed according to basic functions (e.g., wear resistance, abrasion and corrosion resistance, conductivity and barrier protection). The value of PVD equipment shipments is projected within each industry by type of system. Material shipment values are projected, along with PVD service revenues. Technological issues and trends are reviewed, and other influential factors such as economic conditions and standards are discussed. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): Global Markets.

Embedded Systems: Technologies and Markets

The worldwide market for embedded technology was estimated to be worth $142.8 billion in 2013. The market is expected to grow at a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% over the next five years to total $152.4 billion by 2014 and $198.5 billion 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: Embedded Systems: Technologies and Markets.

United States Photomask Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2019

Photomask market is broadly divided into two categories on the basis of the base glass material used- Soda-lime and Quartz photomasks. Quartz base glass material photomasks are gaining attraction due to low impurity levels, which offers high optical and thermal characteristics. Shipment of quartz photomasks is forecast to escalate over the next five years, supported by increasing demand from the Flat Panel Display (FPD) industry. However, the global photomask industry is facing price pressure due to stiff competition. The market is characterized by high fixed costs, where high factory utilization is an important prerequisite. Keeping a factory loaded is extremely important, which further increases pricing pressure in the merchant market. According to "United States Photomask Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2019" , the photomask market in the United States is forecast to reach US$ 474 million by 2019. The Western states held highest revenue share in the US photomask market in 2013, due to the presence of a large number of semiconductor and FPD manufacturing facilities in the region. Soda-lime base glass material photomasks accounted for the highest shipments in the US, in the year 2013. However, the quartz base glass material photomask segment is projected to overtake the soda-lime photomask segment by 2019. Toppan Photomasks, Photronics, Hoya Corporation and Nippon Filcon are the leading players in the United States photomask market, with Toppan Photomasks accounting for largest revenue share in 2013. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: United States Photomask Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2019.

World PCB Production in 2013 Estimated at $59.4 Billion

The world market for PCBs declined an estimated 2.2 percent in real terms in 2013, although real growth in North America was positive at 0.8 percent, according to IPC’s World PCB Production Report for the Year 2013. Developed by a team of the world’s leading PCB industry analysts, the annual study is the definitive source of PCB production data, indicating what kinds of PCBs are being made where. World PCB production in 2013 was valued at an estimated $59.4 billion.


The IPC report, World Printed Circuit Borads Production Report for the Year 2013,  contains estimates of 2013 PCB production value by 10 product categories and by 31 countries or sub-regions. PCB values of standard multilayer and integrated circuit (IC) package substrates are segmented by those having microvia structures and those with non-microvia structures. New in this year’s report is a further subdivision of flexible circuits into three sub-categories: one- and two-sided, multilayer and rigid flex. The report also includes updates on specialty laminates and metal-core PCBs, as well as historical data on regional shifts in PCB production.


The data show that the worldwide flexible circuit market grew in 2013, while the rigid PCB market declined. Regional trends are also examined, including China’s slowing production growth and Japan’s fall from second place in the list of top 10 PCB-producing countries to fourth place. Thailand and Vietnam experienced the highest growth in PCB production.


Despite evidence of a small on-shoring trend in North America and Europe, most large companies still produce a substantial share of their PCBs off-shore. The report shows that companies based in Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, for example, are responsible for nearly two-thirds of world PCB production. U.S. companies account for about 10 percent of world PCB production, although the United States has less than a 5 percent share of world production within its borders.


 



World PCB Production in 2013 Estimated at $59.4 Billion

Power Sources for the Internet-of-Things: IoT Markets and Strategies

Deployments of sensors and processors for the Internet-of-Things (IoT) are creating huge new opportunities for manufacturers of power source devices. Because of IoT, power devices such as thin-film and printed batteries, energy harvesting modules, small flexible photovoltaics panels and thermoelectric sources, which have enjoyed marginal revenues up to now, may begin generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenues. However, suppliers of IoT power sources, as well as the semiconductor industry more generally face significant uncertainties in the IoT space. Not only is future of the IoT itself unclear, but also how the IoT “power infrastructure” will shape up technologically is a great unknown.

The objective of this report is to identify where the money will be made and lost in the emergent IoT power source business. It begins with an assessment of the power requirements of the various devices that NanoMarkets believes will form the “things” in the IoT. These include sensor networks, MCUs/MPUs and tagging devices, for example. The report continues by considering how established technologies such as batteries will adapt to new IoT opportunities and whether emerging technologies such as energy harvesting and thermoelectric power sources will find their first big markets as the result of IoT. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Power Sources for the Internet-of-Things: IoT Markets and Strategies.

Global GaN Semiconductor Industry Report

Gallium Nitride is an upcoming alternate material to pure silicon in the field of semiconductors and electronics. Several advanced features of gallium nitride proved useful for semiconductors such as high-brightness emission and intensity when used in opto-semiconductors. High power efficiency, superior high frequency handling capacity, and flexibility are generally used in opto-semiconductors alongside various substrates such as Si, sapphire, SiC were discovered. Extensive research studies took place in the past decade to utilize gallium nitride for semiconductor devices and electronic systems in two major segments – power-semiconductors and opto-semiconductors. 


The penetration of GaN was the first in opto-semiconductors in 2001, followed by power semiconductors (merging both, pure-power and RF-power semiconductors) in 2007. Commercialization of GaN power semiconductors (discretes and ICs) started at a medium scale in 2008. While the penetration growth rate is healthy and substantial in opto-semiconductors, the penetration rate in power semiconductors is explosive. One of the prime reasons for this is the growing application areas in the medium-voltage (200 to 1 KV) ranges, where GaN offers unique and unbeatable power efficiency over pure silicon. Another reason is the superior capability offered by GaN to handle high switching frequencies (>1 GHz), particularly for RF-power functions such as power amplification and switching in RF devices. In power semiconductors, several transistors and diodes (and rectifiers) have been in the market since 2008, with extraordinary growth in the volume of power discretes (HEMTs, Diodes, and Rectifiers and FETs) boosting the total revenue of the SiC power semiconductors market. Another factor for revenue growth was from GaN power ICs, where new power ICs (hybrids) such as MMICs and RFICs were launched commercially every year by industry players after extensive R&D efforts on developing new technologies to enable the same. The complete GaN power semiconductors industry shifted to a mass-production scenario in 2011 with the success and revenue potential drawing the focus of several power semiconductor market giants.


The global GaN semiconductor industry’s value chain has grown to a vast network of players involved in various segments. There have been tremendous changes in the landscape of the value chain with several developments in segments such as raw material suppliers, EDA and design tool vendors, wafer manufacturers, wafer equipment vendors, foundry models, fabless players, fab facilities, IDMs, ODMs, OEMs, ATP players, and so on. The wafer manufacturers’ and wafer equipment manufacturers’ landscape is very dynamic, with increasing number of players in these two segments, and has a high level of collaborations, agreements, and partnerships activities among the players. The ODMs, IDMs segments are obviously the fastest growing segments with several new product launches, new technology launches taking place every year. In the supply chain landscape, both – upstream and downstream sectors have different landscapes, with new wafer manufacturing technologies related to epitaxy process, dyeing, etching, and wafer diameters playing a major role in the upstream and new device fabrication technologies related to technology node, circuit design, and assembly and packaging making their mark in the downstream.


Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) holds the largest share in GaN semiconductors market among all the geographic segments. Owing to huge market potential, increasing focus of the semiconductor industry and diversifying and strengthening value chain segments in the upcoming markets such as China, South Korea, and Taiwan, the revenue share from APAC (excluding Japan) is expected to grow at the fastest rate. North America and Europe are the primary establishment base markets for GaN semiconductors.


Currently, GaN wafer market is majorly in “Research & Development” phase. Several research organizations are currently involved in numerous research activities in all the fields of GaN wafer development to produce the high purity material with improved thickness.


As the high thickness wafers such as 6-inch are already introduced in the market, the market value would decrease across the forecast period for low thick wafers. ASP of 2-inch wafers are preferable for R&D purpose, however, for commercial use larger wafers are preferred. Thus, the decrease in demand in the coming years is expected to bring the price down for smaller wafers.


GaN has been identified to have superior properties; however, it is not yet commercialized to its fullest extent. The main reason for this is the ultra-high prices of the raw material and complex manufacturing processes. The expenditure is very high to produce the material with high quality aspects. Furthermore, this will not affect the market in the long term as the average selling prices are expected to come down in the future.


GaN wafers have the capability to serve a vast pool of applications especially in military and defense, consumer electronics, and industrial among others. However, GaN competes with SiC in these verticals due to its affordable prices.



Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site:  Gallium Nitride Semiconductor Devices and Substrate Wafer Market Forecast & Analysis to 2013 – 2022.



Global GaN Semiconductor Industry Report


Partial List of Tables:


Table 1 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 2 Global GAN Semiconductor Devices &Substrate Wafer Market, 2013-2022 ($Million)

Table 3 Properties of the Major Semiconductor Materials

Table 4 Global GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Versus Overall Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue, 2013 – 2022 ($Billion)

Table 5 Global GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue, By Application Sectors, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 6 Global GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Volume,By Application Sectors, 2013 – 2022 (Million Units)

Table 7 GAN Wafer Market Revenue, By Application Sector, 2013-2022 ($Million)

Table 8 Computers Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 9 Computers Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Volume, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 10 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Computers Hardware Power Modules, By Geography,2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 11 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from UPS Systems, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 12 Communication Infrastructure Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 13 Communication Infrastructure Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Volume, 2013 – 2022 (Million Units)

Table 14 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Signal Amplifiers & Switching Systems, By Geography,2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 15 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Wireless Applications, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 16 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Wired Communication Devices, By Geography,2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 17 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Satellite Communication Applications, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 18 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Radar Applications, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 19 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from RF Applications, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 20 Consumer Electronics Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Revenue, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 21 Consumer Electronics Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Volume, 2013 – 2022 (Million Units)

Table 22 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Inverters in Consumer Applications, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 23 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Led Lighting in Consumer Applications, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 24 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Switch Mode Consumer Power Supply Systems, By Geography,2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 25 Automotive Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Revenue, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 26 Automotive Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Volume, 2013 – 2022 (Million Units)

Table 27 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Electric Vehicles & Hybrid Electric Vehicles, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 28 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Automotive Braking Systems, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 29 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Rail Traction, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 30 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Automobile Motor Drives, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 31 Industrial, Power, Solar and Wind Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Revenue ($Million), 2013 – 2022

Table 32 Industrial, Power and Solar Sector: GAN Semiconductor Devices Volume (Million Units), 2013 – 2022

Table 33 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Smart Grid Power Systems, By Geography, 2013 – 2022 ($Million)

Table 34 GAN Semiconductor Devices Market Revenue from Wind Turbines and Wind Power Systems, By Geography,2013 – 2022 ($Million)


 



Global GaN Semiconductor Industry Report

RTLS Market Report: Real-Time Location Systems Market Worth $3.70 Billion by 2020

According to a new market research report “Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) Market by Product, Technology, Application, Industry Vertical & Geography 2013-2020“,  the global RTLS market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 31.2% from 2013 to 2020 and reach $3.70 billion in 2020.


The ever growing need of achieving optimum resource utilization in different industries paved a path for location-based systems such as Real-Time Location Systems. In an enterprise, these systems facilitate location tracking and management of assets/personnel in real time thus resulting into improved operational efficiency and staff productivity. RTLS solutions have numerous applications in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics & transportation, government & defense, mining, oil & gas, retail, hospitality, education, and many others. Presently, healthcare is the largest market for RTLS solutions and industrial manufacturing is estimated to be the fastest-growing industry vertical with a huge market potential in the forecast period from 2013 to 2020.


In 2013, Americas held the largest market revenue share followed by Europe in the global RTLS market, including hardware, software, and services. The high penetration of RTLS solutions in the healthcare sector and the presence of major Real-Time Location Systems’ providers in this region such as AeroScout (U.S.), Zebra Technologies (U.S.), Awarepoint (U.S.), Centrak (U.S.), and Ekahau (U.S.) are the two major factors for the high RTLS growth rate in Americas. However, the increasing adoption of new technologies such as Ultra-Wideband and Zigbee in RTLS applications is estimated to drive the upsurge of the Real-Time Location Systems market, especially in developed economies including APAC and Europe. Moreover, APAC and ROW are projected to be the emerging markets with tremendous growth potential mainly due to high industrial growth, increasing customer awareness, broad application scope, and government support. Industrial manufacturing, process industries, and government & defense are the major industry verticals that are expected to propel the adoption of RTLS solutions in APAC and ROW regions. Some of the major companies operating in this market are AeroScout (U.S.), Zebra Technologies (U.S.), Ekahau (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.K.), Motorola Solutions (U.S.), Ubisense (U.K.), Centrak (U.S.), Sonitor Technologies (Norway), and Awarepoint Corporation (U.S.), among others.


The overall Real-Time Location Systems market is expected to reach $3.70 billion by 2020 at an estimated CAGR of 31.2% from 2013 to 2020.The major driving factors for RTLS market’s growth include rapid increase in RTLS applications, rising customer awareness, increasing security & safety concerns in process industries (mining, oil & gas) & defense, technological advancements in hardware & software, declining cost of tags, and optimum resource utilization through real-time asset/personnel location tracking. In this research study, different technologies such as RFID, Wi-Fi, ultrasound, infrared, Zigbee, Ultra wideband, GPS, and others are discussed in detail with qualitative as well as quantitative data. The overall market is also segmented by different product segments – hardware, software, and services; industry verticals – healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, process industries, government & defense, retail, hospitality, and education; applications- asset/ personnel tracking and management, patient safety and environment sensing & monitoring; and geography – Americas, Europe, APAC, and ROW. All the major segments are further segregated into sub-market segments. All the segments and sub-segments are separately described in the report.


Details of the new RTLS market report, table of contents and ordering information can be found  on Electronics.ca Publications’ web site. View the report:  Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) Market by Product, Technology, Application, Industry Vertical & Geography 2013-2020.


 



RTLS Market Report: Real-Time Location Systems Market Worth $3.70 Billion by 2020

Friday, September 19, 2014

IPC J-STD-001F

IPC J-STD-001F is recognized worldwide as the sole industry-consensus standard covering soldering materials and processes. This revision includes support for both traditional solder alloys and for lead-free manufacturing. Examples of some of the significant changes are revision to plated-through hole, PTH, minimum fill requirements; criteria for two new SMT termination types; and expanded conformal coating criteria. Whenever possible, the criteria descriptions have been adjusted to make them easier to understand for materials, methods and verification for producing quality soldered interconnections and assemblies. The requirements for all three classes of construction are included. Full color illustrations are provided for clarity. This standard fully complements IPC-A-610F and is supported by IPC-HDBK-001. TOC and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies IPC J-STD-001F.

New IPC A-610F Standard

DoD Adopted! IPC-A-610 is the most widely used electronics assembly standard in the world. A must for all quality assurance and assembly departments, IPC-A-610F illustrates industry-accepted workmanship criteria for electronics assemblies through detailed statements reflecting acceptable and defect conditions, supported by full-color photographs and illustrations. This lates revision, IPC A-610F includes two new SMT termination styles, as well as changes in plated-through hole fill and BGA void criteria. Additionally, wherever possible statements were modified to make readability easier and to enhance understanding — all without eliminating any requirements.
Major topics include flex attachment, board-in-board, part-on-part, both lead-free and tin-lead criteria, component orientation and soldering criteria for through hole, SMT, cleaning, marking, coating and laminate requirements. TOC and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies IPC A-610F.

IPC-CC-830B Standard

This is the industry standard for qualification and quality conformance of conformal coating. Its intent is to show how to obtain maximum information with minimum test redundancy. Includes requirements and evaluations of material properties using standardized test vehicles. Amendment 1 updates include new qualification, retention and conformance inspection requirements for FTIR, MIR and hydrolytic stability. IPC-CC-830B ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. IPC-CC-830B Standard.

Embedded Systems: Technologies and Markets

The worldwide market for embedded technology was estimated to be worth $142.8 billion in 2013. The market is expected to grow at a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% over the next five years to total $152.4 billion by 2014 and $198.5 billion by 2019. This report provides:
An overview of the global markets for embedded systems and related technologies and applications.
Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2019. Information on embedded systems hardware including: Processor IP (Intellectual Property): Key players include ARM and MIPS, MPU/MCU: Microcontrollers and microprocessors, DSP: Digital signal processors, ASIC: Application-specific integrated circuit, FPGA: Field processing gate arrays, Embedded boards. Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications" web site. View the report: Embedded Systems: Technologies and Markets.

The Big Bang Theory Of Wearable Technology

The impending explosion of the wearable computing market is one of the most interesting and highly anticipated developments taking place in the high-tech industry.  According to a new study, Wearable Computing: Technologies, Applications and Global Markets, the $3 billion wearable consumer market is intrinsically linked with the $240+ billion smartphone market. The key market driver for wearable computing is the soaring global popularity of smartphones from manufacturers including Apple, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, HTC, Blackberry, Nokia and Microsoft.












The burgeoning field of wearable technology is hitting the mainstream and one of the highlights of high-tech wearable devices is that they are getting smaller, faster, cheaper, and more powerful with every new product. The computing power of an Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer or ENIAC a decade ago can now be easily fitted inside a chip in a musical greeting card. Similarly, the smartphones today are more powerful than the PCs used, say, five years ago. Now, all the capabilities of a smartphone like making calls, taking pictures, connecting to the internet, video chats, and so on, are being condensed into smartwatches—practically everything a phone or a tablet can do.


If the growing trend in the wearable computing industry is to be believed, the time may soon come when phones and tablets are a thing of the past. Google Glass is a perfect example. The product is still under development, but if everything goes as planned, consumers will soon have no need for their standard smartphone. Google Glass will be able to easily respond to verbal commands, augmented by the occasional manual interaction via controls located directly on the frame. There has even been talk about eventually including a laser-projected virtual keyboard for those times when voice just isn’t enough. With the ability to access countless sources of information in seconds and then relay them to a miniature screen situated in the upper corner of the wearer’s vision field, Google Glass makes 4G internet connectivity features seem archaic.


Motorola recently entered the ring with its Moto 360 smartwatch, which is primarily voice operated and can easily display messages and reminders on command. The result is a small, stylish accessory that serves as an assistant, calendar, and phone all at once and completely replaces the smartphone.


However, Apple’s stated entry into the smartwatch arena last week with a device that won’t go on sale until early 2015 raises questions: Can the company work its magic as it has in the past and convince people that they really need a smartwatch —or will this time be different? Referring to its much awaited product of the year, iWatch, Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release, “Apple introduced the world to several category-defining products, the Mac, iPod, iPhone and iPad. And once again Apple is poised to captivate the world with a revolutionary product that can enrich people’s lives. It’s the most personal product we’ve ever made.”


In fact, the “wearable category” covers almost everything from Fitbit’s $99 Flex fitness tracker and Nike’s $99 Fuelband fitness monitors to Samsung’s $199 Galaxy Gear smartwatch. In January 2014, Washington-based Innovega revealed its latest effort in introducing a wearable computer in the form of contact lenses at the CES trade show held in Las Vegas, USA—iOptik. Synchronizing its operations with the human eye, the iOptik uses its lenses to project an image of apps and information through the wearer’s pupil and onto the back of the retina. The lenses superimpose one upon the other to produce an image overlaid with information. The product is yet to be given approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA); however, the company plans to schedule further operations later this year or early next year.


Wearable computing concept is evolving to be even more personal, and not just for the benefit of the wearer. Expectant mothers, in the near future, will wear electronic “tattoos”—smartsensing stickers that will monitor fetal heart rate and brain waves, detect early signs of labor, and even notify the doctor directly when it’s time to go to the hospital.


Wearable computing devices have potential benefits for any situation where information or communication is desired, and the use of a hands-free interface is considered beneficial or essential. In addition to consumer products, many industry-specific applications in markets such as defense, healthcare, manufacturing and mining are also emerging.


The growth of the consumer market for wearables largely depends on how rapidly existing smartphone users will adopt wearable accessories and alternative devices. With new and improved innovation hitting the global market every day, only time will reveal whether wearables will ultimately replace smartphone technology in many consumer environments.


Learn more about wearable technology market and publications that provide informed perspective and relevant analysis of emergent technologies.


 













The Big Bang Theory Of Wearable Technology