GaAs device market grew in 2012

LONDON – The global revenue from GaAs device sales is expected to grow in 2013 at a similar level to that achieved in 2012. Skyworks and WIN lead but a threat from CMOS looms, according to Strategy Analytics.

"We estimate the GaAs device market grew by just under 2 percent to $5.3 billion in 2012," said Asif Anwar, director of the strategic technologies practice at the market research firm. He added that the firm reckons 2013 will deliver growth in the 2 to 3 percent range taking the market up to about $5.4 billion.

The leading GaAs device manufacturers and foundries include such companies as RFMD, Skyworks, TriQuint Semiconductor, Avago Technologies and WIN Semiconductors, the firm said.

GaAs is used for RF circuits and growth in smartphones remains a primary driver for GaAs device growth. In the longer term however, the use of CMOS for multi-mode, multi-band RF power amplifiers will pose a significant threat to the GaAs device market, the firm said.


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