Semiconductors are critical to the performance of mobile electronic devices. Without them, your smartphone wouldn't be quite as smart.
Despite the wave of recent product launches in the consumer electronics industry, the recession had a significant impact on the semiconductor market. However, analysts are now predicting an upturn in 2013.
Venturebeat cites a survey conducted by audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG, which shows that about 75 percent of industry executives expect revenue growth to increase next year. This is up from 63 percent in a similar KPMG survey from one year earlier. Furthermore, roughly 66 percent anticipate their workforces will grow, while that number was at 48 percent last year.
"Our survey findings bolster the belief that we will see the rebound beginning in 2013, with a gradual recovery picking up steam in the back half of next year," said Gary Matuszak, global chair of KPMG's Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice. "And unlike past recoveries, this one won't be driven by wireless handsets and wireless communications alone, as other applications are becoming increasingly important revenue drivers, such as power management given the proliferation of wireless devices."
KPMG officials also cite the proliferation of new automobiles equipped with mobile computing and communications technologies as a contributing factor to the resurgence of the semiconductor industry. And, with power management becoming a top priority, battery technologies are a growing focal point, as well.
In light of this recent study, it is obvious that cutting-edge techniques for the bonding of battery terminals and joining methods for metals will play integral roles in the revitalization of the semiconductor market. Additionally, this increase in demand bodes well for the industries that rely on these chips for their core products.