Pay Attention to Future MEMS Trends

MEMS chip will see projected market size of more than $22 billion by 2018, according to market analysts at this week’s MEMS Executive Congress US 2013 in Napa, Calif. Despite the huge market potential, competition is also increasingly fierce. So for manufacturers, having a grasp of development trends is very important. Below are three possible directions:

First, new types of MEMS sensors may be the next growth area. Applications include auto-focus modules, micro-speakers, and energy-harvesting chips. Supporter is Laurent Robin, activity leader for Inertial MEMS Devices and Technologies at Yole Development.

He also notes pressure sensors and humidity sensors worth attention, which will spread in next coming years.

Another conjecture Jérémie Bouchaud, analyst for MEMS and sensors at IHS Inc show optimistic attitude to is thermal cameras for low-light security photos, gas sensors for everything from breath analysis to air pollution, and micro-speakers.

Third: China will be the next battlefield with revenue expecting to reach $3.0 billion by 2016. This growth thanks to two applications: data processing market, such as digital light processors (DLP) and inkjet printerheads as well as wireless field.

As more data shows smartohone, especially high-end is moving toward saturation, mid and low-end application segment in emerging markets is becoming important sources for MEMS sensor. IHS says not surprisingly, the fastest growth market will be wireless with 24% revenue CAGR from 2011 to 2016.