Norwalk, CT, December 5, 2002. Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and Micro-systems (MST) together represent one of the fastest growing technology areas. Sales volumes of MEMS products will soon approach nearly 10% of those of the semiconductor industry. This growth rate has been achieved in less than ten years, and the MEMS industry has proven to be an enabling technology in several key economic sectors such as telecommunications and healthcare.
The explosion in MEMS-related research expenditures has led to the creation of a new industry containing such infrastructure components as companies specializing in providing design software, design services, specialty fabrication equipment, and fabrication facilities. The range of applications for MEMS covers nearly every aspect of the economies of the developed countries. The most basic advantages derived from size reduction are less power consumption, lower cost, and increased reliability.
However, the most significant benefit is the ability of MEMS devices to communicate easily with semiconductor chips. This attribute has given rise to the development of microsystems capable of performing tasks that would be otherwise impossible.
According to a soon-to-be-released updated report from Business Communications Company, Inc. "MEMS Technology: Where To?", the worldwide market for MEMS/MST is currently estimated at $11 billion. By 2007, market revenues will exceed $26.4 billion, growing at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 19.1%. Sales comprise existing MEMS/MST products such as ink jet printer cartridges, as well as new products, including radio frequency filters for cell phones and motor controllers. The sales volume in 2007 is expected to exceed 6.8 billion units and grow at an AAGR of 19.5% through the forecast period.
For more information, visit www.bccresearch.com .
Laser Focus World