MEMS revenue to burgeon in high value applications

Revenue for high value mems is projected to reach $1.6billion in 2010, up 29.7% from $1.2bn in 2009 according to the analyst. These revenue levels translate into equivalent mems shipments of 103.3million units this year, compared to last year's 86.8million units. iSuppli defines high value mems as sensors and actuators for applications that are outside high volume consumer electronics and automotive volume markets, and instead address industrial, medical, energy, optical telecom and aerospace/defence segments. With the exception of the consumer and mobile mems market, the high value mems space is the fastest growing mems technology sector - ahead of the inkjet and automotive mems markets. By 2014, iSuppli believes high value mems revenue will hit an estimated $2.6bn. Global trends said to have positively impacted the market include mems microvalves, pressure sensors and flow sensors which are used to help reduce energy consumption in industrial processes, residential heating and transportation systems. MEMS sensors and actuators also play an important role in less invasive monitoring procedures for patients and elderly people, while increasing the efficiency and comfort of drug delivery. Within the high value mems market, industrial applications such as building automation and semiconductor manufacturing dominate, accounting for approximately 56% of overall the market's revenue projected for 2010. Medical electronics are in second place, followed by wired communications in third, and aerospace/defence in fourth.