OL2.MAR–Frost & Sullivan–RP– — –##
Study predicts 10% worldwide growth for analog/mixed-signal ICs
Worldwide sales of analog and mixed-signal ICs will rise from $11.2 billion in 1992 to $19.2 billion by 1998–a 10% compounded annual growth rate. That's the conclusion of a recent report by Frost & Sullivan, Inc. (Mountain View, CA), an international high-technology research firm specializing in industrial electronics and automation.
According to the study, titled “World Analog and Mixed-Signal IC Markets,” analog markets will see a 6% growth rate through 1998. Higher levels of analog IC integration, the move toward digital logic, and increased use of mixed-signal ICs are expected to constrain the growth of analog ICs.
Mixed-signal ICs, however, are projected to grow at a much more rapid rate–17%–and will account for an increasing proportion of worldwide sales. This growth is due in part to the relatively recent development of the ability to fabricate complex high-density circuits with both analog and digital circuitry. The report notes that design tools, testing methods, and fabrication techniques will all see significantly greater refinement.
The study also notes that the analog and mixed-signal markets are moving away from general-purpose commodity products toward highly integrated specialty solutions targeted narrowly at specific markets. As a result, says the report, IC solutions that can appeal to niche segments will remain pivotal to market success.
North American producers accounted for over 40% of total worldwide market production of analog and mixed-signal ICs in 1992. Japanese producers held a similar share as a result of their dominance of the consumer segment. Overall, according to the report, North America accounted for 34% of world market sales in 1992, Japan 31%, Europe 23%, and other countries–primarily Asian and Pacific Rim–accounted for 12%. For more information, contact Amy Arnell of Frost & Sullivan at 415-961-9000 or .
–Richard Pell Jr.
CAPTION:
Worldwide shipments of analog and mixed-signal ICs are expected to grow from over 8 billion in 1988 to over 15 billion in 1998.
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