Next generation mobile consumer devices are shifting to higher level processors

According to In-Stat report, the mobile market appears to be the highest growth end segment for the semiconductor industry. Though many consumer electronics devices still use MCUs and ASICs, smartphones, MIDs, and mini-notes devices are increasingly turning to merchant market processors as they require higher level functionality, programmability, and connectivity.

Currently, merchant market processors support higher levels of integration and performance. At the same time, OEM devices’ (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cost and time to market are being reduced. 

As In-Stat estimated, the mobile market for merchant processing solutions is expected to grow at a 22.3% CAGR through 2013 with the highest total unit growth resulting from handheld applications like smartphones and MIDs. Thus, by 2013, the market is anticipated to surge to about 775 million devices. 

In-Stat survey also found that by 2013 87% smartphones are expected to feature mobile processors with integrated baseband functionality. It was also estimated that processing, graphics/multimedia, and baseband functions would reflect double-digit growth rates over the next few years. 

Later in 2009, with the introduction of new processors from each camp - ARM and x86, fighting for the fast-growing mobile semiconductor market will intensify.