New Report from Linley Group Analyzes Semiconductors

The Linley Group is a source for independent technology analyses of semiconductors that are used for networking, communications, mobile devices and wireless applications. The firm has just released market data with their newest report, "Mobile Semiconductor Market Share Forecast 2011-2016."

 Overall, semiconductor industry growth was pretty much flat in 2012. However, sales of mobile semiconductors reached $31 billion in 2012 according to The Linley Group – an increase of 18 percent from the previous year. 

"Smartphone and tablet sales continue to skyrocket, creating demand for mobile semiconductors that is growing at a faster rate than the overall semiconductor market," said Linley Gwennap, founder and principal analyst with The Linley Group. "Our research indicates the market will continue its upward trajectory, with some well-known OEMs continuing to dominate in market share and revenue. With this report, readers gain access to expert opinions on the market trends that will impact their success."

The report tracked chip vendor market share, revenue, and unit shipments in different semiconductor categories, including cellular baseband processors, application processors, Bluetooth transceivers, mobile Wi-Fi chips, GPS receivers, and NFC (Near Field Communication) chips.

This is the first year that standalone NFC chips are being included in the report, and it may be the only one. Linley analysts believe the standalone NFC chip will eventually be integrated into future Wi-Fi combo chips and processors.

Another interesting piece of data was that Qualcomm (News - Alert) managed to edge out Apple in the application processor market, shipping 249 million units and holding more than a 25-percent share of the market. Traditionally, companies like Apple and Samsung (News - Alert) dominated this category because they design their own chips.

Qualcomm’s success is likely due to the explosive growth in cheaper, lower-budget smartphones, which have been popular in China and other emerging economies.

"Mobile Semiconductor Market Share Forecast 2011-2016" is currently available directly from The Linley Group. For further details, including pricing and a list of included tables, visit the website at www.linleygroup.com/mobile-forecast.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.