Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Devices: Technologies and Global Markets -- Focus on the Americas

Report Highlights

• The global surface acoustic wave devices market reached $997.7 million in 2010 and nearly $1.1 billion in 2011. The market is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2016, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%.
• The Americas segment for surface acoustic wave devices reached $276.9 million in 2010 and $274.5 million in 2011. The market is expected to reach $309.3 million by 2016, a CAGR of 2.4%.
• In 2010 the U.S. market was $210.9 million and in 2011 that value decreased to $209.1 million. It is estimated that in 2016 the demand for SAW devices will increase to $235.6 million, a CAGR of 2.4%.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

BCC’s goal in conducting this study was to determine the current status of the worldwide demand for surface acoustic wave devices and to assess its growth potential over a five-year period from 2011 to 2016.  We were particularly interested in the stimulation in demand for acoustic wave filters and duplexers induced by the recent surge in the usage of handsets and tablets and wireless devices.  In addition, we were interested in the market potential for new emerging surface acoustic wave technology applications.

Our key objective was to present a comprehensive analysis of the current surface acoustic wave technologies market and its future direction.

REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY

In addition to their functions in national defense and industrial applications, surface acoustic wave technologies are a significant component of the world’s consumer electronics market.  We were interested in determining where surface acoustic wave devices were being used and examined their growth potential.  We also were especially interested in determining the technology types currently in use and their specific applications.

BCC has over the past several years examined the sensor industry.  Within this time period, surface acoustic wave devices have emerged rapidly as a passive devices having diverse applications; as a consequence, the use of this technology is changing fast and we wanted to conduct a thorough and detailed analysis and project its growth potential.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

We have compiled a study of current surface acoustic wave devices and new emerging surface acoustic wave technology applications.  We present the surface acoustic wave technology industry economic environment, technological descriptions and issues, applications, market factors and potential, and project shipments for 2011 and 2016.  We also project market values and distribution of surface acoustic wave technologies by five major market sectors.  This study will be of interest to the sensor technologies industry, surface acoustic wave filter and duplexer manufacturers, distributors, system integrators, and research institutions.  It will be of interest also to manufacturers of wireless device and systems, communication technology developers in addition to manufacturers of information technology hardware devices, semiconductor device manufacturers, and electronic component manufacturers.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

The scope of this study encompasses the major types of surface acoustic wave technologies.  BCC analyzes each surface acoustic wave technology type, determines its current market status, examines its impact on future markets, and presents forecasts of growth over the next five years.  Technological issues including the latest trends are discussed.

BCC analyzes the industry on a worldwide basis, both from a manufacturing and demand point of view.  We examined government regulation and surface acoustic wave industry organizations and activities in major regions of the world.  The role that surface acoustic wave technologies play in wireless communication, industrial, military, and safety monitoring, as well as instrumentation is also examined.

METHODOLOGY

Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in preparing this study. BCC presents an analysis, by each surface acoustic wave technology type, of the estimated demand for filters and duplexers in 2011.  Our estimated value is what buying entities have paid in un-depreciated dollars.  Then, based on our study, we analyze the potential applications for each technology, and forecast unit shipments for 2011 and 2016.  We also analyze the demand for surface acoustic wave devices by five major market sectors that use surface acoustic wave technology.  Also, all the tables are calculated in 2011 constant U.S. dollars.

INFORMATION SOURCES

BCC analyzed data produced by the U.S. government agencies industry trade association and international organizations to obtain data for this study.  We also spoke with manufacturers of various surface acoustic wave technology types in the United States and manufacturers’ associations in Japan. In addition, we compiled data from current financial and trade information sources. 

AUTHOR'S CREDENTIALS

Carlet Auguste is president and CEO of Efficiency Engineering Inc., a consulting firm that provides technology engineering services to corporations and nonprofit organizations.  He consults regularly with government and private industry companies from a variety of fields of engineering to help create technology innovations for the private sector as well as government customers needing technology solutions for national defense.  He previously worked for a U.S. government agency in the area of intelligence and security.

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DISCLAIMER

The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature.  This information does not constitute managerial, legal or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature.  The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or its use.