Use of sensors in test instruments increasing

Sensors have been making deeper penetration into the test and measurement market with revenues growing since the year 2003.

By Dr. Rajender Thusu, Team Leader-Sensors Measurement & Instrumentation Practice, Frost & Sullivan -- Test & Measurement World, 8/1/2010 12:00:00 AM

Technological advancements have propelled the growth of sensors in the test and measurement space, and manufacturing environments routinely uses sensor-based test and measurement instruments to ensure quality production. The development of high-value resistor kits allows the unhampered use of high-impedance sensors for accurate measurements without interference from external noise, solder-flux residue, particle tracking, bias currents, and distant charges that can make repeatable measurements difficult.

By 2013, revenues in the sensor-based instrument market are predicted to be more than double the revenues of 2003.

Many factors are at play in the sensor-based instrument market. For example, the growth of data-acquisition systems has enabled manufacturers to embed microprocessors, custom programming, and displays into proprietary packaged devices, and data-acquisition hybrid devices often can store data for analysis on a computer at a later point in time. Further, product improvements in signal conditioners have improved the interface between real-world analog and digital sensor signals and data-acquisition or measurement and control systems at both the system and the device level. Advances in wide dynamic range encourage the use of vibration and acceleration sensors in test and measurement applications. All of these factors point to a growing market for sensor-based instruments, yet the enhanced ruggedness of many sensors has given them a longer lifespan, and this may have been delaying demands for new products.

Market dynamics
Though the process industry is the largest market driving the predictive and preventive maintenance market, revenues from power generation and aerospace have a higher rate of growth. It is estimated that for sensor-based test instruments, the revenues from automotive and aerospace are likely to dominate the market. This growth can be attributed to the higher use of accelerometers, flow transmitters, and data-acquisition devices.

The consumer electronics end user industry is anticipated to provide major growth for the sensor market in the period from 2010 to 2013. The main growth drivers in this space are the increased use of accelerometers and data-acquisition devices. Power generation is the next largest industry expected to grow, due to the increased adoption of test equipment for monitoring various parameters.

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Sensors have been making deeper penetration into the test and measurement market with revenues growing since the year 2003, when the sensor industry generated just $1255.3 million. The industry experienced a dip in revenue growth rates in 2008, but recovery started in the second half of 2009, with revenues moving up to $1967.2 million for that year.

It is estimated that in the future, the revenue growth rate is likely to be stronger and will translate into sizable revenues of $3097.3 million by 2013. The use of sensors in test and measurement instruments is likely to accelerate, with the high degree of precision provided by sensor-based test and measurement instruments being key to the end user's demand.

Foxconn to take more than half of EMS market by 2011 Thanks in large part to growth from its customer Apple, EMS (electronics manufacturing services) provider Foxconn Technology Group is set to take more than half of global EMS industry revenue by 2011, up from 44.2% in 2009, according to a report from iSuppli. "Foxconn's customers are some of the hottest companies in the electronics business today, most notably Apple Inc.," said Thomas Dinges, iSuppli associate, in a statement. "As Apple and others have gained share, so has Foxconn." With revenue of $17.1 billion, Taiwan's Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industries, was the dominant EMS provider in Q1. Foxconn's revenue was significantly higher than number two player Flextronics International, which posted revenue of $5.9 billion in Q1. Foxconn's revenue in the quarter was up 54.1% from $11.1 billion during Q1 2009. iSuppli said that part of Foxconn's revenue boom is due to the industry-wide strength of the digital consumer business and a strong recovery in computing-related products. The market research firm further said that Foxconn dramatically outperformed the 27.5% year-over-year revenue increase for the Top 10 EMS providers in Q1 and that the company's revenue increased by 3.4% last year, while the overall EMS industry contracted by 11.9%. Suzanne Deffree, Managing Editor, News, EDN