MEMS Microphone Markets Overcom initial inertia

Developers of micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphones are aggressively focusing on establishing themselves in the cell phone markets

World MEMS Microphone Markets Overcoming their initial market inertia, developers of micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphones are aggressively focusing on establishing themselves in the cell phone markets, while simultaneously expanding in various other electronics markets.

Frost and Sullivan finds that the World MEMS Microphone Markets earned revenues of $47.5 million in 2005 and estimates this to reach $522.5 million in 2010.

"MEMS microphones are surface mountable, a feature that ensures their acceptance in assembly line automation that, in turn, enables them to benefit from the volume generated," notes Frost and Sullivan Research Analyst KVJ Subrahmanyam.

With automation and ergonomics becoming a crucial part of electronic devices, MEMS microphones that come in small sizes with unique features are able to meet the requirements of the electronics industry.

These microphones find usage in various new applications and are set to enter the emerging market segments in a big way.

MEMS microphones are also likely to offer high-quality, cost-effective, acoustic solutions that will boost their usage.

Thus, MEMS microphones are able to compete successfully against entrenched technologies such as electret condenser microphones (ECM), which have not been able to reinvent themselves based on customer needs.

With automation and ergonomics becoming a crucial part of electronic devices, MEMS microphones that come in small sizes and have unique features are able to meet the requirements of the electronics industry.

These microphones find usage in various new applications and are set to enter the emerging market segments in a big way.

However, MEMS enterprises find it difficult to achieve greater volume penetration due to the need to draw up a pricing structure that differs from that of the replaced products'.

They will also be hampered by end users' relative lack of technical know-how pertaining to MEMS microphones in the industry.

Further, the present market leader has created high entry barriers by capitalising on its established production volumes, which would take considerable time for the rest of the industry participants to rival.

"In this scenario, it is crucial for MEMS microphone manufacturers to strategically decide on the markets they intend to enter, as pricing and end-user application markets are highly interrelated," explains Subrahmanyam.

Overall, in the emerging MEMS microphone markets, developing products that meet the required specifications and volume requirements of end users is the best way to gain market acceptance.

While the cell phone markets are the most lucrative ones in this space, competition and awareness are is building up in other markets segments as well.

World MEMS Microphone Markets is part of the Electronics and SMT Growth Partnership Services Electronic Devices subscription.

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