Exploring changes in the handset and cellular device power amplifier (PA) market brought about by the economic slowdown and contraction in cellphone shipments, Strategy Analytics released, "Skyworks Maintains Power Amp Share Lead," from the Strategy Analytics RF & Wireless Component market research service. This report analyzes the effect these changes will have on PA suppliers in 2010 and beyond. The rapid resurgence in handset production pushed the PA market to over $2.4 B in 2009, driving the two largest suppliers, Skyworks and RF Micro Devices. Skyworks held its number one position, led by success in GSM/GPRS/EDGE, while RFMD remained the leading supplier of W-CDMA PAs.
"It is gratifying to see last year's prediction play out as the acquisition of CMOS PA supplier Axiom Micro Devices helped Skyworks maintain share in the recession-resistant low-cost segment of the market," commented Christopher Taylor, Director of the RF and Wireless Components service. "At the same time, demand for ultra low-cost and grey market GPRS handsets expanded rapidly, helping all vendors, but particularly boosting RDA Micro out of obscurity."
"Compound semiconductor-based PAs will continue as the enabling technology for the high-growth 3G and emerging 4G markets," observed Asif Anwar, Director of the Strategy Analytics GaAs and High Speed Semiconductor service.