For Immediate Release

MEMS-based Frequency Control Devices Driving Growth in Non-Quartz Crystal-based FCDs

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Global MEMS Market Projected to Grow by Approximately 8% in Dollar Volume by 2012

New York City, NY, August 17, 2008 – New York City-based market research firm Dedalus Consulting (www.dedalusconsulting.com) recently released a new report on quartz crystal- and non-quartz crystal-based frequency control devices (FCDs) that projects overall growth in dollar volume of 5.9% annually and unit volume of 7.9% annually. FCDs are passive electronic equipment components that provide precise time and frequency adjustments.

Historically this market has been dominated by quartz crystal-based FCDs due to their superior performance capabilities. Over the next three years, Dedalus Consulting sees non-quartz-based alternatives making inroads as performance characteristics improve and increased demand leads to higher-volume production and lower manufacturing costs. MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) oscillators, the newest non-quartz device, SAW-based resonators and ceramic resonators are the most common types of alternative FCD technologies.

The report projects that between 2007-2012 non-quartz technologies such as rubidium, ceramic and SAW FCDs will grow approximately 5.5% annually in dollar volume and 0.2% in unit volume. SAW-based resonators are widely used in automotive applications such as keyless entry, onboard sensing and tire pressure monitoring; there are over 100 suppliers of SAW resonators worldwide. Ceramic resonators are typically used in low-end devices such as electronic toys.

Dedalus Consulting projects higher growth for FCDs that use the newer MEMS-based technology: These non-quartz crystal-based devices will grow approximately 8% in dollar value and 2% in unit volume over the forecast period. MEMS resonators are much smaller than quartz resonators and MEMS oscillators require 30% less PCB circuitry area for the same package size and three fewer components per frequency source.

Source: Dedalus Consulting

The new report notes that MEMS oscillators are less stable and precise than standard quartz-based oscillators, which is why their initial target application market is XOs. Expected performance improvements will drive growth in higher-performance application markets over the next five to ten years. Dedalus Consulting also projects that the current trend in favor of surface-mount ceramic resonators will continue over the forecast period as low-frequency products (primarily through-hole) give way to surface-mount, high-frequency products.

For more information, please contact DCI at info@dedalusconsulting.com, call (718) 622-0830 or fax (718) 622-0831. The 306-page report, which contains 400 tables and charts, is priced at USD$2,995 (PDF format).

Dedalus Consulting Inc. (DCI) is a privately owned and independently operated market research publisher and consultancy. Our research focuses on both emerging and mature markets in high-technology sectors, including advanced materials, life sciences, nanotechnology, electronic components, mobile communications and photonics. Research is continually updated through a methodology that is based on primary interviews with market participants, including research institutions, equipment suppliers, distribution channel representatives and service providers.

Our clients range from Fortune 500 companies to academic research organizations engaged in the research, development and manufacturing of advanced technology products and services.

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