Traditional runner-up takes top spot in consumer MEMS market

What class of device was the top revenue generator in 2011 in the dominant consumer and mobile segment of the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) market? Hint—the devices go into iPhones and iPads. Another hint—they are not accelerometers.

According to an IHS iSuppli MEMS Market Tracker report, gyroscopes hold the top position, having netted $655.4 million in 2011, up 66% from $394.5 million in 2010, displacing accelerometers. IHS iSuppli says gyroscopes will continue in the top spot over the next few years, taking in $1.1 billion by 2015, ahead of accelerometers at $705 million.

IHS iSuppli attributes the success of gyroscopes to the boom in 3-axis versions of the device, used mostly in tandem with 3-axis accelerometers for more accurate motion sensing. The research firm notes, “While accelerometers are responsible for correctly orienting phones and tablets to the viewer’s perspective whether the devices are held vertically or horizontally, gyroscopes improve the motion-based interface, especially for gaming. Emerging applications for gyroscopes in smartphones also include optical image stabilization and navigation-related functions.”

STMicroelectronics is the sole supplier of gyroscopes and accelerometers for the iPhone and iPad, iSuppli reports. Moving forward, the firm says, “6-axis inertial measurement units (IMU) featuring three accelerometers and three gyroscopes in one package will dominate in the sales of 3-axis gyroscopes by 2014 at the latest. Altering the market landscape for combo sensors also is a slew of recent product announcements for surprisingly compact 6-axis compass modules comprising a compass and an accelerometer in the same package, as well as 9-axis IMUs with 3-axis electronic compasses added to 6-axis IMUs. Bosch Sensortec and InvenSense have introduced a 6-axis compass module and a 9-axis IMU, respectively, with a very small form factor.”

MEMS microphones also had a good year, iSuppli reports, thanks to their use in the iPhone. The firm notes that MEMS microphones are important for noise suppression when using the Siri voice command feature in the iPhone 4S. Revenue in 2011 for MEMS microphones reached $373 million, up 67% from $223 million in 2010, with Knowles Electronics continuing to be the dominant MEMS microphone supplier.

For more on sensors, see “From Images to Movement, Devices Catch Data.” For more on how to transmit sensor data, see “Collecting Data at the Edge.”