Palo Alto, CA, October 24:  Following constant technological developments, the global magnetic sensor components and modules/sub-systems markets are witnessing greater sophistication. Sensors such as anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) and giant magnetoresistive (GMR) are growing toward niche markets, whereas SQUID sensors are finding increased uptake in advanced medical systems such as magnetoencephalography (MEG). With regard to Hall ICs, manufacturers are predominantly focusing on making them more efficient, intelligent, smart, as well as user friendly by incorporating digital signal processors (DSPs) and microcontrollers on the same IC, thereby making it a complete solution, especially for use in the automotive industry.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World Magnetic Sensor Components and Modules/Sub-systems Markets, reveals that revenues in this industry totaled $0.94 billion in 2005 and can reach $1.96 billion in 2012.

"Among the key market drivers, the growth of automotive electronic control systems, driven largely by safety and driver convenience features, is likely to significantly propel demand for sensor technologies," explains Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst V. Sankaranarayanan. "As a result, magnetic sensors with their proven cost efficiency and performance, are fast developing as a key technology for position, displacement, rotary position, linear position, timing and angle."

Also, the increasing demand from computer peripherals and electronic products is likely to be an added driver for the global magnetic sensor components and modules/sub-systems markets. Magnetic sensor components such as Hall elements, Hall ICs, AMRs and GMRs find use in important applications in fast-moving computer peripherals and consumer electronic products such as cameras, DVD players, hard disk drives, videocassette players, printers, cell phones and washing machines.

"With regard to SQUID technologies, there is no competition from any other magnetic sensors available in the market at present," notes Dr. Rajender Thusu. "As these are the only sensors that can be used in clinical systems such as MEG for the study of brains, the lack of competition is ensuring a steady market growth for this technology."

However, despite these positive industry trends, smaller manufacturers in the magnetic sensors market are unable to expand or grow due to the expertise and familiarity that the market demands. A successful existence in this market requires a long-term presence and brand equity for both the company as well as its products and unlike industry majors such as Honeywell, Allegro Microsystems or Melexis, smaller participants are not entirely familiar with the marked needs and demands.

Also, the growing demand for lower-priced products is challenging manufacturers of Hall Effect (HE) sensors. This challenge is at present predominant in the office equipment market and has largely hindered the supply of HE sensors for use in office equipment such as printers and copy machinery. Furthermore, the impact of this challenge is fast increasing in the medical equipment application market and even in the automotive market, there is a demand for price reductions as some of the end-users are prepared to use mechanical switches instead of HE sensors.

"The global magnetic sensor components and modules/sub-systems markets are beginning to witness continuous changes and participants are rapidly working at expanding the scope of magnetic sensors to target end-user applications that were not explored before," says Sankaranarayanan. "Although magnetic sensors such as HE have been in the market for over two decades, continuous enhancements have made it a competitive sensor type with expanding applications."

World Magnetic Sensor Components and Modules/Sub-systems Markets is part of the 9405 Sensor subscription service. It provides an overview and outlook for the above-mentioned markets and divides them into four technology segments, four geographic segments, and ten end-user segments. It also includes detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Analyst interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com .