News

29 January 2009

 

Pulsed RF power device market to grow solidly despite economy

Markets for pulsed RF power devices below 4GHz are expected to show continued solid growth over the next five years despite the current economic turmoil, according to an ABI Research study ‘High Power RF Semiconductors for Pulsed Applications’ (covering devices with peak output power of more than 5W and operating frequencies up to 3.8GHz for the avionics, L-band, S-band, and sub-1GHz radar markets through 2013).

While the volatility of many electronics markets is fueled by their association with consumer spending, markets for pulsed RF power devices are supported by quite different priorities. “Many RF power semiconductor manufacturers are on a quest to find markets unrelated to mobile wireless infrastructure,” notes director Lance Wilson. “Device prices in wireless infrastructure are falling, and the total available market is shrinking,” he adds.

Some markets that use pulsed RF power devices, such as the transportation safety market and the military market, are seeing solid growth even in the midst of the current economic downturn. These devices are used in radars for military and marine applications, and in a worldwide upgrade of the air traffic control system that is now occurring. There is also a market segment devoted to the avionics transponder and air navigation market, which is also boosted by the air traffic control upgrade.

Intrinsically less ‘optional’ than many consumer markets, these segments are therefore less sensitive to economic upheavals than consumer-driven markets.

Many semiconductor manufacturers understand these factors and are attempting to enter this market. However, some factors may complicate their efforts. Pulsed RF power device markets are becoming very competitive technologically: gallium nitride and silicon carbide devices are vying for market share along with the more established silicon-based technologies. Also, so many companies are rushing into these markets that there probably won’t be the market size to support them all. “Undoubtedly, some consolidation will occur,” reckons Wilson. “While not guaranteed success, those companies that have a track record working with government agencies and defense contractors are going to have an advantage over those that are new entrants,” he concludes.

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