Abstract
SiGe Proves Efficacy to Gain Acceptance among Chip Manufacturers
With conventional silicon technology approaching its limit for high-speed
applications, chip manufacturers are looking for alternatives to meet market
requirements. SiGe, with its higher switching frequency and lower energy
consumption, offers a cost-effective solution. The low-voltage operation of SiGe
devices, coupled with high levels of integration achievable with SiGe technology
have triggered their increased adoption in wireless devices, optical
communication systems, hard disk drives, automotive chips, and global
positioning systems (GPS). Industry experts contend that SiGe is essential for
true system-on-chip designs that merge standard logic circuitry and higher speed
wireless communications circuitry.
This Frost & Sullivan research examines the use of SiGe chips, especially
in communications-oriented market sectors. It offers detailed comparative
analysis of the SiGe with competing technologies to help manufacturers and
designers understand the advantages and drawbacks of these technologies. The
research also provides revenue forecasts and pricing trends along with
competitive marketing strategies.
Demand for High-performance, Low-cost Devices Strengthens Growth of SiGe
Devices
"The universal demand for more information and faster processing speeds,
along with the increasing penetration of digital electronics, imposes stringent
demands on chip designers to deliver high-performance chips at very low
prices," notes the analyst of this research service.
The semiconductor industry had delayed adopting the SiGe technology
initially, despite the need for faster processing speeds, owing to apprehensions
about its performance efficiency and also their satisfaction with existing
technologies. However, SiGe's capabilities to meet the high-speed requirements
of chip designers have ensured the increased penetration of SiGe devices into
various application markets such as radio frequency (RF), wireless local area
networks (WLANs), GPS, automotive radar and optical communication systems.
Expanding Application Range Propels SiGe Devices beyond Niche Markets
Primarily targeted at devices for wireless communication, SiGe technology is
no longer viewed as niche, but is gradually displacing existing technologies in
various applications. The high-speed data processing of SiGe chips extends the
quantum of digital music and video transmission. The potency of these chips
enhances the performance of varied electronic devices while bringing down costs
considerably. Improvements to SiGe technology keeps pace with the expanding
target markets foretelling strong growth trends.
"SiGe chips have achieved commercial acceptance and are now well poised
for market share growth. Their success, however, depends on the cost-efficient
production of top-quality SiGe chips," notes the analyst. With strong
market growth anticipated in the near future, many companies have started
investing in and procuring advanced SiGe processing equipment and are all set to
encourage the SiGe revolution.
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