08 Jan 2012

The growing popularity of ultrabook laptops is set to have major impact on the global electronics supply chain, boosting demand for sensors and power management chips, but hurting demand for upgrade memory modules, a market research firm forecast recently.

Backed by Intel Corp. and major PC brands such as Acer and Asustek, global ultrabook shipments are expected to jump to136.5 million units in 2015 from less than just 1 million in 2011, IHS iSupply said in their report.

Though ultrabooks are categorized as notebook computers, they use different components than conventional mobile PCs to achieve their super thin and lightweight characteristics, and therefore are likely to shake up the supply chain.

One major semiconductor winner in the transition will be the sensor, including devices based on micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology.

?In terms of usage of sensors, ultrabooks much more closely resemble media tablets than conventional notebooks, said Jeremie Bouchaud, principal IHS iSuppli analyst for MEMS and sensors.“

?Media tablets make extensive use of such devices, incorporating MEMS microphones, accelerometers, Gyroscopes and pressure sensors, as well as non-MEMS devices like compasses, ambient light sensors and possibly proximity sensors,“ Bouchaud said.

Another beneficiary of higher ultrabook sales would be analogue semiconductors, particularly power-managment devices, but the new model would weaken the market for DRAM modules, especially those used for memory upgrades, the company said.