10-year forecast of relationship between MCUs and SBCs
13 July 2016
Editor's Choice
Computer/Embedded Technology
By Dr Jon Harrop, Director, IDTechEx.
The unique new IDTechEx Research report, ’Microcontrollers and Single-board Computers 2016-2026’, is the first to reveal the big picture developing from the close relationship between these devices. It provides newly researched forecasts leading to figures such as $300 billion in 2026 for single-board computers (SBC) alone.
Applications, technologies, players and markets are revealed in easily understood infographics yet at a depth never seen before. For example, the ten-year forecasts for microcontrollers (MCU) and single-board computers are backed by forecasts for such things as wearable electronics and cars (traditional and electric).
Capabilities and limitations of microcontrollers.
The situation is complex because some applications are not growing significantly – such as smartcards – whereas others are not only growing rapidly – such as the electric car business – but the number used per equipment is increasing, giving a multiplier effect.
An applications chapter embraces smart cars, home and office, automotive, DC-DC converters for battery monitoring, energy harvesting and microgrids, education, wearable technology, touch screen controllers, motor control including quadcopters, control of stepper and traction motors. It even takes a look at artificial intelligence and deep learning, control of 3D printers, microwave ovens and washing machines, with examples of products offered and how they work.
The following chapter goes more deeply into MCU architectures, co-processors: PLDs and CPLDs, software and programming languages and case studies. Relevance to a wide variety of sensors is detailed, including coverage of hot topics such as 3D cameras, artificial intelligence and inertial measurement units in autonomous vehicles.
The report explains radical changes in the value chain where the Arduino, for example, is a hobbyist product that actually goes into production. Little wonder then that there are now many mergers of the suppliers in order to efficiently address these now giant markets from AppleTV to Internet of Things. A chapter on players explains and evaluates these trends. This includes Apple, Samsung, Google and Amazon but also Arduino, Raspberry Pi Foundation and Beagleboard – because they matter.
The chapter on trends is replete with new forecasts and explanations such as the huge impact of ARM wrong-footing many competitors. Consolidation on the ARM architecture, open source hardware, conformance to Moore’s Law, prices equilibrating and an introduction to trends of MCUs, and adjacent developments.
The report provides a host of new statistics and forecasts including value chains, MCU market by revenue, supplier overall and MCU revenue, Ardu-ino sales, Raspberry Pi by geography and much more. It also has car forecasts by technology (more electric means more MCUs), wearable technology, IOT, motor controller and other new forecasts from other IDTechEx departments. It is not all roses: the decline of desktop computers is displayed, not just the rapidly growing SBC market.
For more information visit www.idtechex.com/mc
Further reading:
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL accelerate 5G RedCap adoption
iCorp Technologies
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL modules represent a strategic move into this fast-growing segment, delivering Sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity optimised for mid-tier IoT applications.
Read more...
SDRs – Which RF architecture should you choose?
RFiber Solutions
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
There are several common methods of implementing SDR architectures. This paper discusses which is best when meeting a specific need.
Read more...
Surviving the extremes: Understanding shock and vibration in MEMS sensors
Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Test & Measurement
By considering factors such as mechanical headroom, damping, and system-level robustness, designers can ensure that the chosen sensor not only survives, but performs reliably over time.
Read more...
A two-stage approach to super-wide input voltage range DC-DC converters
RFiber Solutions
Editor's Choice
Teaser: In addition to handling the various input voltage ranges required, the SynQor line of InQor DC-DC converters are fully encased and ruggedised to handle the harsh environments that often accompany systems that have such challenging technical requirements.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Engineering the future
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice
As we welcome the first issue of Dataweek in a new year, it is an exciting time to be part of the electronics community, especially for our readers. The pace of change across our industry continues to accelerate, reshaping how we design, build, and interact with technology.
Read more...
Barracuda commissions new IPC Class 3 aerospace facility
Barracuda Holdings
Editor's Choice News
The company has commissioned a new dedicated IPC Class 3 facility in Somerset West. and has concluded a new investment partnership that will provide the capital and management capacity required to scale operations.
Read more...
Engineering copper grain structure for high-yield hybrid bonding in 3D packaging
Testerion
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The way copper grains are sized and distributed forms the metallurgical foundation of hybrid bonding, enabling lower bonding temperatures, greater reliability, and stable grain structures throughout integration.
Read more...
Understanding solder dross: causes and control strategies
Truth Electronic Manufacturing
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Dross formation is an inevitable consequence of wave soldering. It occurs when molten solder comes into contact with oxygen, forming metal oxides that float on the surface of the solder bath. Over time, this oxidation byproduct accumulates and must be removed to maintain solder quality and process consistency.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Could X-ray lithography disrupt the economics of advanced chip manufacturing?
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice
Advanced semiconductor manufacturing has reached a point where technical progress is increasingly constrained by economic reality, and the proposed use of X-ray lithography represents a bold attempt to reset these economics.
Read more...
Could the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act affect your electronics manufacturing business?
Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice
South African companies exporting IoT devices to the European Union face a significant regulatory shift with the Cyber Resilience Act becoming mandatory in December 2027.
Read more...
printer friendly version