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Component technologies such as MEMS sensors and OLED displays are behind many of today’s most innovative features, including those found in smartphones, cars and IoT devices. Understanding these component technologies, and the leading suppliers of them, is essential for companies that want to build cutting edge electronics.
This article will cover the top emerging technologies for component technology that businesses need to be aware of.
MEMS – Tiny Sensors for the Future
MEMS, or microelectromechanical systems, are integrated microchips that contain tiny mechanical and electronic elements like sensors, actuators, and other components. MEMS chips, which have features ranging from 1 to 100 micrometers in size, provide motion detection, pressure measurement and audio detection capabilities with ultra-compact footprints.
MEMS is used in the following applications:
- Accelerometers in mobile phones and wearables to detect motion
- Drones and VR headsets can use gyroscopes to measure rotation precisely.
- Smart speakers with microphones for voice input and noise cancellation
- Pressure sensors in fitness trackers and drones
- Analyzers for breathalyzers, medical devices and other products
STMicroelectronics is a major MEMS manufacturer, as are Bosch, InvenSense and Infineon. Due to their compact size and embedded electronics, MEMS sensors have become increasingly popular in consumer electronics, automotive and industrial industries.
OLED Displays: The New Screen Standard
OLED displays (organic-light-emitting diode screens) are the future standard for screens on smartphones, TVs and other devices. OLED displays offer many advantages over LCD screens, including:
- Blacks with deeper contrast and higher contrast ratios
- Video and gaming will be smoother with faster response times
- Screens that are thinner, lighter and more flexible
- Displays with curved and foldable capabilities
Apple, Samsung and Google are among the manufacturers that offer premium smartphones with OLED screens. Samsung and LG produce the majority of OLED displays, from small to large format. OLED screens are now used in TVs, smartwatches and VR headsets.
Some of the recent advances include brighter OLED displays, lower manufacturing costs and new forms like rollable display. OLED screens will continue to replace LCD screens in consumer electronics due to their superior visual performance and versatility.
5G Modems – Unlocking Next-Gen Speeds
These modems offer the connectivity and speed improvements needed to create a 5G experience that is truly transformative. Qualcomm, Samsung MediaTek and HiSilicon are among the leading manufacturers of 5G chipets.
5G is a significant upgrade to 4G LTE.
- Up to 20 Gbps peak data speed
- Reduce latency to as low as 1ms for real time interactivity
- Connections for over 1 million devices per km2
5G modems, with their capabilities such as multi-gigabit speed, slicing and low latency will enable new applications, from AR/VR, to smart cities, and autonomous vehicles. The global rollout of 5G network infrastructure provides the foundation to support these exciting uses cases.
AI Chipsets – Enabling On-Device Intelligence
AI chipsets include the GPUs (neural processor units), NPUs and processors needed to run AI software on devices. On-device artificial intelligence allows for faster, more secure, and more efficient execution of tasks such as image recognition, natural languages processing, and predictive analysis.
Nvidia is the leader in the AI chipsets market, followed by Qualcomm, Intel and Google. Many smartphone brands use dedicated AI processors for AI camera features, voice assistance, and other functions. AI chipsets are expected to expand in order to support embedded AI for industrial IoT devices, smart homes and robotics.
Component Technologies: Key Takeaways
These MEMS sensors and OLED screens as well as the 5G modems and AI chipsets are just some of the innovations that will be needed to build cutting-edge electronic devices. These component technologies are essential for enabling new capabilities such as extended reality, IoT analytics in real time, and autonomous mobile.
Understanding the landscape of component innovations will help companies make better decisions about technology investments and partnerships. Component and chipset suppliers are key players in the global tech ecosystem, as hardware and software continue to advance in lockstep.
