A 40% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) for MEMS components is expected in the handset market through 2012, according to Yole Developpement. In 2007, cumulative sales reached US$440M for only three MEMS products in handset applications (silicon microphones, FBAR/BAW filters, and accelerometers). The market opportunity will represent over US$ 2.5 billion by 2012.
The growth results will come from both replacement products and new functions. MEMS are expected to become a key driver for innovation in the handset industry. New handset features are expected to account for 60% of the total MEMS market by 2012.
Currently, the handset industry is seen as the largest growth opportunity for MEMS devices in the next five years, as few MEMS-based sensor and actuator companies have found the right business case to penetrate the wireless handset market.
So far, 12 MEMS devices have potential applications. For example, silicon microphones and FBAR/BAW filters have experienced incredible growth since their introduction in 2003 and now they are entering a mature stage. While MEMS accelerometers are in a strong development stage, many other MEMS products are at the emerging stage, including: gyroscope, microdisplay, micro autofocus and micro zoom. Products not yet in the emerging stage are pressure sensors, micromirror, RF switch/varicaps, oscillators, and micro-fuel cells - which are expected to experience a longer time to market.
The handset industry represents a complex challenge for MEMS. On one hand, MEMS manufacturers are focused on finding the appropriate price, power and size to enter the handset market. At the same time, they face the challenge of meeting the implementation rate of their MEMS products in their business plans. In additional, wireless handset manufacturers experience very different product development cycles in MEMS than the IC industry, so they are concerned about finding the right MEMS partners and having access to a precise and reliable product roadmap.
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