World Markets for Data Converters and Amplifiers in Medical Imaging Equipment See Integration as Way Forward

Business Wire, Dec 10, 2007

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- The continued increase in the number of medical imaging equipment channels represents a key driver for the growth of the world's data converters and amplifiers markets. Additionally, increasing demand for portable imaging and new cutting edge technologies such as multi slice computed tomography (CT) systems as well as 3 tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI) enhances growth. Vendors with diverse product lines and the skill to integrate more channels with low power consumption will likely enjoy success in this market.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.semiconductorsfrost.com), World Markets for Data Converters and Amplifiers in Medical Imaging Equipment, reveals that this market earned revenues of $315.96 million in 2006 and estimates this to reach $582.73 million in 2011.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of the World Markets for Data Converters and Amplifiers in Medical Imaging Equipment, then send an e-mail to Sara Villarruel, Corporate Communications, at sara.villarruel@frost.com with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail, address, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

"The exponential increase in the number of channel counts in the current generation of CT and ultrasound equipment has led to the increased usage of data converters as well as amplifiers," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Gowtham Kumar Sampath. "With research underway on 256 slice CT systems, the number of channels is poised to quadruple, thereby further heightening component usage."

Most notably, integration of data converters and amplifiers has become an emerging trend in the medical imaging equipment market. Analog Devices, Inc., for example, has launched an octal chip that integrates low noise amplifiers (LNA) with analog to digital converters (ADC) and an anti-aliasing filter. Although such levels of integration reduce the components' cost, some medical imaging systems will still require stand-alone amplifiers for specific functions.

However, the high performance requirements demanded by medical imaging equipment vendors pressures the market at the analog front end. High-end equipment typically requires extremely high precision and low power consumption with a smaller footprint for portable devices.

"Imaging systems such as ultrasound require a specific variable gain amplifier (VGA) compatible with the ADC in the signal chain," says Sampath. "This is a significant challenge in the design of such amplifiers. While this can also create an opportunity for manufacturers involved in both amplifiers and ADCs, it poses significant challenges to stand-alone amplifier vendors."

As innovation becomes vital in the medical imaging industry, semiconductor vendors should integrate more silicon to meet equipment manufacturers' requirements of low power consumption and high performance computing.

World Markets for Data Converters and Amplifiers in Medical Imaging Equipment is part of the Semiconductors Growth Partnership Service, which also includes research in the following markets: World VoIP Semiconductor Markets, World WLAN and AGPS Chipsets Markets, World UWB & Zigbee Chipsets Markets, World Handset Basestation Semiconductor Markets World Wi-Fi and WiMAX Chipsets Markets. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Consulting Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's Growth Partnership Services, Growth Consulting and Career Best Practices empower clients to create a growth focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com.

World Markets for Data Converters and Amplifiers in Medical Imaging Equipment

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