Mobile, car apps take CMOS image sensor market to new heights

The increasing uptake of CMOS image sensors in automotive applications has elevated the predicted growth rate for a market that has already gained a great deal from the strong smartphone segment, according to the latest report from Yole Developpement. As such, the market research firm forecasted that the CMOS image sensor market will grow at a CAGR of 10.6 per cent from 2014-2020 and reach an annual market value of $16.2 billion in 2020.

This implies a market value of about $8.85 billion in 2014 and $9.8 billion in 2015 and is a slightly higher CAGR than previously estimated by the market researcher one year ago.

Business model changes in the CMOS image sensor ecosystem 2013-2104. (Source: Yole Developpement)

The uplift is being driven by demand from mobile and automotive applications, with automotive adding a significant addition to the market as car manufacturers such as Tesla, Nissan and Ford begin deploying camera-enabled features, such as reversing cameras. The total revenue for CMOS image sensors in automotive should reach $800 million in 2020.

Mobile market roadmap. (Source: Yole Developpement)

As CMOS image sensors move from human display to machine sensing, processor and software providers will become key partners in sensor design and marketing, indicated Yole.

Sony remains as the leading vendor of CMOS image sensors, Yole said, followed by two strong competitors—Samsung and Omnivision—while new players such as Galaxycore, Pixelplus and Siliconfile are emerging.

- Peter Clarke
??EE Times Europe