Automotive magnetic sensor revenue to grow 38.2% next year

According to the market analyst, revenue will reach $160.3million, up 38.2% from $116m in 2011. While revenue growth after 2012 will moderate, IHS believes the five year compound annual growth rate from 2010 to 2015 will still equate to 16%, by which time it forecasts that the market will amount to $193.6m. "While the average motorist isn't aware of this, each time he drives a car, he can make use of as many as 100 small motors, performing tasks ranging from enabling the power steering, to actuating the fans in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system," said Richard Dixon, senior analyst for MEMS & sensors at IHS. "These motors often employ magnetic sensors to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Because of this, magnetic sensors have attained widespread and fast growing usage in the automotive segment." Currently, the automotive sector accounts for half of semiconductor magnetic sensor revenue.