84 SMT007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2018
Nine Top-15 2018 Semiconductor Suppliers
Forecast to Post Double-Digit Gains
E
The expected top-15 worldwide semiconduc-
tor (IC and O-S-D—optoelectronic, sensor, and
discrete) sales ranking for 2018 is shown in the
figure. It includes seven suppliers headquar-
tered 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
decline. This was also the worst third quarter
performance since 2015.
Gold 'Micro Jewels' from 3D Printer
Printing Pure Metal Microparts
E
Thanks to a laser technique that ejects ultra-
tiny 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 canopy.
Recently, it's been proposed that autonomous
drones, which can bob and weave through trees,
could aid these searches. But the GPS signals
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, enterprises
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 engi-
neered a new type of transistor, the building
block for all electronics. Instead of sending
electrical currents through silicon, these tran-
sistors send electrons through narrow air gaps,
where they can travel unimpeded as if in space.
