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Pressure sensors to rise to top of MEMS market in 2013

MEMS pressure sensors will achieve accelerated growth this year and become the leading type of MEMS device, driven by increasing use in automotive and the fast-growing handset space, according to IHS.  Revenue for MEMS pressure sensors this year will reach a projected $1.71 billion, up 14 percent from $1.50 billion in 2012.  This year's growth improves on the already solid 11 percent increase of 2012, but even rosier prospects are in store next year when expansion peaks at 16 percent.  Steady, uninterrupted growth will continue until at least 2017, by which time the market will be worth $2.49 billion.  Used for control and monitoring purposes in a myriad of applications, pressure sensors are set this year to become the biggest-selling MEMS device, displacing the incumbent leaders: accelerometers and gyroscopes.

Micrel expands MEMS foundry capabilities

Micrel, an IC and MEMS foundry services provider based in Silicon Valley, has recently made moves to expand its MEMS services offering.  The decision seems to be appropriate and timely, because of the limited number of MEMS production sites in the US.  Founded in 1978, Micrel has a long track record of sustained profitability -- the company says that it has been profitable in 33 of its 34 years of its existence.  Micrel went public in 1994 and has reportedly generated positive cash flows since that time.  We spoke with Guy Gandenberger, Vice President of Worldwide Operations and Foundry Business Unit, about the company's history, recent MEMS related moves, and plans for the future.

MEMS foundry Tronics reports record revenues

Tronics said that this week that its revenues and profits exceeded expectations in 2012 due to strong growth of its high performance inertial sensor business, as well as a significant increase in its contract manufacturing customer base.  The MEMS foundry services company, based in France, reported 2012 revenues of $22.1 million and profits of $2.4 million.  Tronics also said that it expanded its investments in submicron and glass technologies.

memsstar appoints new CEO, plans further expansion

memsstar, a Scotland-based provider of etch and deposition equipment for semiconductor and MEMS applications, announced this week the appointment of Tony McKie as its CEO.  The company said that McKie is tasked with capitalising on the company's experience and reputation in the semiconductor and MEMS markets to drive its growth.