Global shipments of Wi-Fi ICs have experienced a huge growth in the recent years, due to the increasing demands for wireless-enabled devices and enterprise level applications, according to market research firm ABI Research.
According to ABI Research, Wi-Fi IC shipments to surpass 770 million units in 2010, up almost 33% compared to 2009. Shipment of 802.11n ICs are expected to surge ahead of 802.11g and dominate the market this year, accounting for approximately 60% of total Wi-Fi IC shipments.
The firm said that 802.11n standard that was ratified last year is a powerful growth engine to drive the Wi-Fi IC market.
The cellular handsets segment is expected be maintain the highest unit shipment of Wi-Fi-enabled products in next five years, achieving an estimated CAGR of 25% between 2009 and 2015, with penetration rate expected to reach approximately 40% of total handsets shipped in 2015, the firm said.
Laptops, netbooks, and MIDs are other segments are also projected to experience high shipments across all Wi-Fi-enabled products.
Celia Bo, semiconductor industry analyst at ABI Research wireless, said: “The penetration rate of Wi-Fi ICs in consumer electronic products will to grow continue robustly. Total shipments of consumer electronic products with Wi-Fi functionality are expected to exceed 530 million in 2015, with a 26% CAGR between 2009 and 2015.
“Shipments of Wi-Fi-enabled digital still cameras, TVs and DVD players will increase more than tenfold in 2015 as compared to 2009. The demand for Wi-Fi-enabled home entertainment products such as networked game consoles and handheld game consoles is increasing as well: between 2009 and 2015, the CAGR will reach 8% and 6% respectively.”
