Semiconductors -
at the Core of Electronics Production
Semiconductors have been an indispensable part of our lives for a long time. The tiny chips are the most important technology of the modern world-they are the key components of all electrical systems. From November 12 to 15, 2019, productronica, together with SEMICON Europa, which takes place at the same time, will organize the largest microelectronic exhibition in Europe at the Messe München fair grounds with innovative solutions and products from the complete supply chain.
Semiconductors are everywhere. Since 1978, their numbers have been growing worldwide at an average rate of 8.9 percent. In 2018, industry experts from IC Insights counted more than a trillion ICs, sensors and optical and discrete components (O-S-D) for the first time. According to Gartner, they generated USD 476.7 billion in sales revenue-an increase of 13.4 percent compared to 2017. Almost 35 percent of this was earned in the "microchips" area. According to WSTS (World Semiconductor Trade Statistics), this year's figure is expected to collapse by more than thirty percent, thus pulling the semiconductor market into the red by twelve percent. Europe, in contrast to America (-23.6 percent), Japan (-9.7 percent) and the Asia-Pacific region (-9.6 percent), was comparatively less affected with a decline of 3.1 percent. However, a global increase of 5.4 percent is expected as early as 2020.
Regardless of this, the rapid changes in technology in highly complex and machine-intensive IC production will see an increase in demand for new equipment. For example, analysts from "The Insight Partners" estimate sales revenue from manufacturers of plant and machinery for semiconductor production last year at USD 62.1 billion. With an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2 percent, total income of USD 101.58 billion can be expected by 2027. Most of this will be generated with wafer production, followed by test equipment.
However, the semiconductor industry is not only stretched to its limits from a physical aspect, but also in financial terms. Factories for manufacturing 7-nanometer chips cost many billions of dollars, also due to the changeover from lithography processes to extremely shortwave ultraviolet light (EUV).
Image: R. Eberhard, messekompakt.com, EBERHARD print & medien agentur gmbh
Source: Messe München