After falling 16% in 2009, power transistor sales are expected to climb 31% in 2010 and reach a new record high of US$10.96 billion, according to IC Insights. The projected 31% growth will be the strongest increase for power transistors since the 32% rise recorded in 2000.
IC Insights forecast power transistor sales will reach US$14.5 billion in 2014 compared to US$8.4 billion in 2009, representing a CAGR of nearly 12%. Meanwhile, unit shipments are expected to grow at a CAGR of 14% in the five-year forecast period to 71.3 billion from 37.1 billion in 2009.
Much of the growth in power transistors is being driven by the proliferation of battery-operated portable electronics, and the global emphasis on greater energy conservation in systems plugged into electrical outlets, IC Insights indicated. Ongoing improvements in power transistor technologies and designs are enabling greater efficiency in new power supplies and battery management systems for every type of system − from high-end computer servers to handsets.
In the five-year forecast period, power transistors will get a boost from the recovery of the automotive industry from its worst downturn in more than 60 years, IC Insights said. Power transistors are also serving potentially huge market applications in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and in alternative methods of electricity generation, such as solar and wind-power systems.
Infineon Technologies, International Rectifier, IXYS, Fairchild Semiconductor, Fuji Electric, Mitsubishi, Renesas, NXP, ON Semiconductor, Sanyo, STMicroelectronics, Toshiba, Toyota and Vishay are among power transistor suppliers.
Article translated by Jessie Shen
