Microcontrollers predicted to show healthy growth
EBN
(04/09/03 03:43 p.m. EST
siliconstrategies.com
Bolstered by strong growth in the 32-bit segment, overall sales of microcontrollers (MCUs) are expected to rise 11% in 2003 according to a forecast published by IC Insights, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Total MCU unit shipments are expected to jump 7% and overall average selling price is forecast to increase 4%. Steady sales of automobiles, home appliances and electronics, and consumer electronics will keep the market for MCUs very active throughout 2003, the market research company said.
The fastest growing portion of the MCU market continues to be the 32-bit MCU segment, with the automobile, Internet-capable cell phones, PDAs, printers, digital still cameras, digital video cameras, high-speed modems and other applications driving this market segment to grow 30% in 2003 and 38% in 2004, it said.
While many designers are being drawn to upgrade to 32-bit or 16-bit MCUs, the 8-bit MCU market remains very active, it added.
The 32-bit MCU market is increasing its market share at the expense of the 4-bit, 8-bit and 16-bit markets.
By 2004, 32-bit MCUs will account for 31% of the market, up from 19% in 2001. The share of 8-bit MCUs will continue to decline, although it will still have a share of 37% by 2004, down from 45% in 2004. |
