Power processes to drive revenue growth
1 min read
Analogue semiconductor vendors and foundries with mixed technology capability will gain from their ability to produce high speed, power efficient devices for computer, portable and wireless applications, according to a recent report from Gartner Dataquest.
The company points to bicmos and bcd as two technologies that will be particularly prominent. According to the report, revenues from bicmos based analogue products are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (cagr) of 8.3%, reaching $8.3billion in 2013. Similarly, revenues for bcd based parts are forecast to show a 4.9% cagr, reaching $3.4bn in 2013
Though more costly, bicmos and bcd devices enable dc/dc converters and motor drivers to be created with generally smaller footprints than modules with separate controllers and power fets in one package. Gartner believes power management ic makers such as Texas Instruments and Maxim Integrated Products, which have these processes in house, will benefit, as will fabless semiconductor vendors using foundries with qualified bcd processes.
Gartner analyst Steve Ohr, pictured, noted: "(Companies such as) Linear Technology and International Rectifier are marketing system in package dc/dc converter modules delivering 12A, said to be competitive in size and price with devices using implanted fets. The increasing penetration of integrated bicmos and bcd devices in this application will spur revenue growth, but manufacturers with their own fabrication facilities, will have pricing advantages over those dependent on foundries."
