Large-scale usage of 32-bit microcontrollers is proving to be profitable for startups to large companies in enhancing their products and advancing them across newer boundaries
The world is witnessing a widespread adoption of IoT across several applications, which includes smart appliances, industrial automation, home automation, smart grids and smart cities.
This growth in the IoT industry has subsequently spurred an increase in the utilisation of microcontrollers. Furthermore, the emerging trend of miniaturisation of electronic devices, alongwith the rise of their demand in above applications is also expected to broaden the market growth.
32-bit vs others
The microcontrollers used in the industry are 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit. Their implementation is largely in consumer electronics and home appliances, automotive, industrial automation, and medical.
The utilisation of the 32-bit microcontroller is higher in comparison to 16-bit and 8-bit microcontroller owing to their higher performance capability, ease of use, static power consumption and higher processing power than other microcontrollers.
Since the 32-bit microcontroller are also suitable for swiftly sending real-time sensor data over an IP-based network, it is considered to be indispensable for companies to maintain their stronghold over regional and global markets.
APAC region in the lead
Out of the many regions in the world, it is the Asia Pacific region that is anticipated to capture a major share in the microcontroller market. Smart home and consumer electronics sectors are expected to be the key factors that will drive the industry.
Moreover, with an increasing adoption of new technologies by end-user industries, in countries such as China and India are also projected to witness growth in the upcoming period.
Challenges
A high cost involved in R&D and huge competition in the industry are projected to hinder the growth of market. A huge number of startups are expected to enter the field, since the IoT is a booming industry. This will further increase the competition among the industry players.
Competive environment
The market is highly competitive in nature with numerous brands trying to increase their share in the market and is highly technology driven pushed by rising number of connected devices.
Key players in the industry include Atmel Corporation, Fujitsu, Microchip Technology, Samsung, NXP Semiconductors, and Texas Instruments. Other players include ARM, Broadcom Corporation, Infineon Technologies, Silicon Labs and STMicroelectronics.
It seems that mergers and acquisitions will probably become a prominent trend for the companies to gain and maintain their competitive edge in the market.
