Microsensors: MEMS, Biosensors and Nanosensors

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

MEMS, biochips, and nano-sensors (referred to collectively in this report as microsensors) are one of the fastest growing technology areas, with sales of more than $2.5 billion in 2007 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.7% between 2008 and 2013.

Microsensors have proven to be a key enabling technology of developments in sectors such as transportation, telecommunications, and health care, but the range of microsensors applications covers nearly every sector. The most significant advantage of microsensors is their ability to communicate easily with semiconductor chips. Other advantages include microsensors' compact size, reduced power consumption, lower cost, and increased reliability. The growth in the use of microsensors has also led to the creation of supporting industries in areas such as design software, design services, specialty fabrication equipment, and fabrication facilities.

The range of microsensor products and applications has grown rapidly in the past few years, but it is important to avoid "hyping" their prospects. Although some types of microsensors (airbag accelerometers, for example) have had great commercial success, other types (such as most types of nanosensors) have at least so far failed to live up to their proponents' expectations. Still other technologies are still at the discovery and development stages, and their eventual commercialization will require the commitment of substantial resources, with long payback periods and substantial financial risk.

To the extent that hype results in exaggerated investor expectation, it can divert investment from microsensor technologies that have real commercial potential. In the worst case, disappointed expectations can lead to a drying-up of investment funds, similar to the one that occurred in the dot-com sector after 2000.

This report takes a hard look at the market for microsensors and tries to provide a road map to the technologies and applications that are likely to enjoy the greatest commercial success in the years through 2013.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of microsensors including microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), biochips and nanosensors
• The current global market status for microsensors, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Current and developmental microsensor technologies and applications
• Discussion of the challenges that must be overcome for each market segment to reach its potential
• Company profiles.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

The methodologies and assumptions used to develop the market projections in this report are discussed at length under Detailed Market Estimates and Projections. The report carefully documents data sources and assumptions. This way, readers can see how the market estimates were developed and, if they so desire, test the impact on the final numbers of changing assumptions such as price.

The third phase focused on quantifying the potential market for each short-listed microsensor technology and identifying the main prerequisites for commercial success.