Abstract
DC-DC CONVERTERS: ECONOMIC FACTORS, MARKET DRIVERS AND TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS
Conditions in the dc-dc converter market change regularly. Currently, this
market is rife with dynamics that will create shifts that provide both
opportunities and threats for power supply makers. In the past, this market
has thrived on innovation, which provided growth for the power supply
industry, but today a number of economic and business model changes provide a
plethora of possibilities. Industry consolidation, both in end markets and in
the dc-dc converter market, is creating a number of disruptions
This report chronicles potential opportunities and reports on critical threats
in a qualitative manner. Topics discussed in this chapter are economic
factors, market drivers, business model changes and technology developments.
The trends effecting the share of modules and discrete solutions will be
analyzed in both a quantitative and qualitative manner. Additionally, the
emerging trend towards integrated solutions, which are currently reaching as
high as 10A, will be examined. The adoption of digital power management and
digital power control will also be evaluated.
Methodology
The data presented in this report are derived from a comprehensive study of
the worldwide dc-dc converter market. The detailed analysis are based on
primary data gathered in discussions with major users of dc-dc converters in
all regions of the world. All original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
consumption data were gathered on a confidential basis. These consumption data
were supplemented with a few discussions with major makers of dc-dc
converters. It should be emphasized that the input to this study was the
result of firsthand discussions with OEM users of dc-dc converters. The
conversations with dc-dc converter makers were limited and secondary in
importance in the preparation of this report. Of greater importance were
discussions with makers of key system components, such as advanced
microprocessors, which are primary drivers of key trends in the dc-dc
converter market.
Primary data were obtained using "open questionnaires." A combination of
telephone and in-person interviews were conducted. In-person interviews were
conducted either in the plant where the individual works or at various trade
shows. The interviews conducted at trade shows were typically performed in a
more informal atmosphere and were generally very successful in gathering good
quantities of hard data and insights from the individuals being interviewed.
All interviews conducted in the course of this research were performed on a
confidential basis. The data were used in combination with the responses from
all other respondents.
The primary and secondary research included all possible major application
areas for dc-dc converters. The data-gathering methodology included primary
research in all regions worldwide and was not limited in any way to North
America. Secondary research was performed using all available published
sources including, but not limited to, nonproprietary, previously performed
and related work by the Darnell Group, all available trade journals,
proceedings from related trade conferences, previous industry studies, annual
reports, 10Ks, advertising, product literature, and so on.
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