World MEMS Microphone Markets

Abstract

Market Overview

MEMS Microphones Witness Significant Growth and Increased Activity all over the World

Micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphones are gaining increasing acceptance in areas where traditional technologies such as electret condenser microphone (ECM) dominated. MEMS microphones are now finding use in new businesses by not just capitalizing on their unique features, but also by targeting specific end-user applications. The inherent technical drawbacks present in ECMs are allowing MEMS microphones into domains that were hitherto considered unviable.

In a scenario where the demand for small form-factor electronic devices such as personal digital assistants (PDA) and cell phones is on the rise, it is apparent that MEMS microphones have a ready market. "By saving on the board space, MEMS microphones free up space for integrating more functions into devices," states the analyst of this research service. "This will provide overall benefits such as reduction in the number of process steps and subsequent savings in costs due to elimination of manual soldering, as seen in ECMs."

MEMS Microphone Manufacturers Offer Customized Solutions for Electronic Industries to Boost Sales

The microphone markets comprise large participants manufacturing millions of microphones every year. However, companies involved in traditional microphone technologies have not been able to keep pace with the advancements -- in terms of automated assembly lines and miniaturization -- in the electronic markets, which in turn is presenting MEMS microphone enterprises with ample opportunities. MEMS microphone enterprises are now offering value-added products -- such as system-on-package solution -- custom made for electronic device manufacturers.

"Currently, the MEMS microphone industry is likely to fully benefit from the continuing expansion of the market for cell phones in certain Asian countries," notes the analyst. "While cell phone markets do offer numerous opportunities, MEMS microphone companies need to factor-in wide fluctuations in the telecom market to earn sustained revenues from the cell phone segment."