RF power amp vendors looking to new markets and technology
14 June 2006
News
A new ABI Research (www.abiresearch.com) study of the wireless base station RF power amplifier market has concluded that three factors will determine the shape of the sector over the next five years. According to Lance Wilson, wireless infrastructure research director, the study identifies three developments that all vendors in this market will need to take into account.
Market consolidation, as predicted by ABI Research in 2004, has altered the industry landscape: falling prices, cost pressures and reduced overall market demand have resulted in a cut-throat competitive business environment. This trend is set to continue.
Second, "The realisation that the total available market (TAM) is decreasing is really starting to hit home with players in this market," says Wilson. "Depending on their market position, companies will need to take a hard look at their commitment to remaining in this business. Indeed, some companies' very survival may depend on their ability to diversify to new sectors beyond wireless infrastructure."
Some vendors are trying to work around this difficulty by offering more vertically-integrated base station semiconductor product lines, but, Wilson observes: "it is a tough sell because of the small size of this extremely competitive market."
Finally, a new technology looks set to change the nature of the market. Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a good choice for use in certain types of switch-mode high-efficiency amplifiers. In 2004, such products were "just a glimmer on the horizon," notes Wilson. Designs lacked refinement, and there were questions around GaN's reliability and ease of manufacturing. However, the past two years have seen significant progress on all those fronts, and according to the research group's analysis, GaN looks as though it could pose a very credible threat to the dominance of silicon LDMOS by 2011.
Further reading:
RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...
RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.
Read more...
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...
printer friendly version