Global MEMS Market Projected to Grow by Approximately 8% in Dollar Volume by 2012
New York, NY — August 17, 2008 – New York City-based market research firm Dedalus Consulting (www.dedalusconsulting.com) recently released a new report on quartz crystal- and non-quartz crystal-based frequency control devices (FCDs) that projects overall growth in dollar volume of 5.9% annually and unit volume of 7.9% annually. FCDs are passive electronic equipment components that provide precise time and frequency adjustments.
Historically this market has been dominated by quartz crystal-based FCDs due to their superior performance capabilities. Over the next three years, Dedalus Consulting sees non-quartz-based alternatives making inroads as performance characteristics improve and increased demand leads to higher-volume production and lower manufacturing costs. MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) oscillators, the newest non-quartz device, SAW-based resonators and ceramic resonators are the most common types of alternative FCD technologies.
The report projects that between 2007-2012 non-quartz technologies such as rubidium, ceramic and SAW FCDs will grow approximately 5.5% annually in dollar volume and 0.2% in unit volume. SAW-based resonators are widely used in automotive applications such as keyless entry, onboard sensing and tire pressure monitoring; there are over 100 suppliers of SAW resonators worldwide. Ceramic resonators are typically used in low-end devices such as electronic toys.
Dedalus Consulting projects higher growth for FCDs that use the newer MEMS-based technology: These non-quartz crystal-based devices will grow approximately 8% in dollar value and 2% in unit volume over the forecast period. MEMS resonators are much smaller than quartz resonators and MEMS oscillators require 30% less PCB circuitry area for the same package size and three fewer components per frequency source.
Source: Dedalus Consulting
The new report notes that MEMS oscillators are less stable and precise than standard quartz-based oscillators, which is why their initial target application market is XOs. Expected performance improvements will drive growth in higher-performance application markets over the next five to ten years. Dedalus Consulting also projects that the current trend in favor of surface-mount ceramic resonators will continue over the forecast period as low-frequency products (primarily through-hole) give way to surface-mount, high-frequency products.
More Information & How to Order
For more information about this report including a brochure and table of contents contact Dedalus Consulting:
- by navigating to the report contents page: MEMS Oscillators;
- by email at ; or
- by phone at (212) 709-8352.
About Dedalus Consulting
Dedalus Consulting Inc. is a privately owned and independently operated market research publisher and consultancy. Our research focuses on both emerging and mature markets in high-technology sectors, including machining & materials, electronic components, life sciences, nanotechnology, mobile communications and photonics.
Research is continually updated through a methodology based on primary interviews with key executives. Companies interviewed include manufacturers, end-users, distributors, and research institutions.
Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial analysts, and research organizations engaged in the development and manufacturing of advanced technology products and services.