92 PCB007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2018
Nine Top-15 2018 Semiconductor Suppliers
Forecast to Post Double-Digit Gains
E
The expected top-15 worldwide semiconductor
(IC and O-S-D—optoelectronic, sensor, and dis-
crete) sales ranking for 2018 is shown in the fig-
ure. It includes seven suppliers headquartered
in the U.S., three in Europe, two each in South
Korea and Japan, and one in Taiwan.
Global Biometrics Technology Market to
Reach $59.31 Billion by 2025
E
The global biometrics technology market size is
likely to reach $59.31 billion by 2025, experienc-
ing a CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period.
NASA Looking to Tiny Technology
for Big Payoffs
E
NASA is advancing technology that could use
large amounts of nanoscale materials to launch
lighter rockets and spacecraft than ever before.
The super-lightweight aerospace composites
(SAC) project seeks to scale up the manufactur-
ing and use of high-strength carbon nanotube
composite materials.
Seven of Top 10 Smartphone Markets
Down in Q3 2018
E
Worldwide smartphone shipments fell by 7%
in Q3 2018, a fourth consecutive quarter of de-
cline. This was also the worst third quarter per-
formance since 2015.
Gold 'Micro Jewels' from 3D Printer
Printing Pure Metal Microparts
E
Thanks to a laser technique that ejects ultra-ti-
ny droplets of metal, it is now possible to print
3D metal structures, not only simple 'piles' of
droplets, but complex overhanging structures
as well: like a helix of some microns in size,
made of pure gold.
Is an 'Internet of Ears' the Next Big Thing
for Smart Homes?
E
Next generation of connected buildings envi-
sions using changes in vibrations, sound and
electrical field to improve energy consump-
tion, monitor occupants' movements.
Global Semiconductor Sales Up 14%
YoY in September
E
According to SIA, worldwide sales of semi-
conductors reached $122.7 billion during the
third quarter of 2018, an increase of 4.1% over
the previous quarter and 13.8% more than the
third quarter of 2017.
Fleets of Drones Could Aid Searches
for Lost Hikers
E
Finding lost hikers in forests can be a difficult
and lengthy process, as helicopters and drones
can't get a glimpse through the thick tree can-
opy. Recently, it's been proposed that autono-
mous drones, which can bob and weave through
trees, could aid these searches. But the GPS sig-
nals used to guide the aircraft can be unreliable
or nonexistent in forest environments.
IDC Reveals Worldwide CIO Agenda
2019 Predictions
E
In the multiplied innovation economy, enterpris-
es are racing to reinvent themselves as the pace of
digital transformation (DX) becomes exponential.
Solution for Next Generation Nanochips
Comes Out of Thin Air
E
Researchers at RMIT University have engineered
a new type of transistor, the building block for
all electronics. Instead of sending electrical cur-
rents through silicon, these transistors send
electrons through narrow air gaps, where they
can travel unimpeded as if in space.
