With the telecommunications and computer industries continuing to grow exponentially, demand for products that are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) are following suit. Using electromagnetic compatible (EMC) products, such as shields and tapes, as well as services that test for EMI, will be essential for telecom and computer vendors.

Revenues for the total electromagnetic compatible (EMC) products market climbed from $1.38 billion in 1998 to $1.51 billion in 1999, according to strategic research conducted by Frost & Sullivan and found in World EMC Materials and Testing Service Markets. Steady market growth is anticipated to continue through the end of the forecast period, (2006).
Implementation of a recent European Union directive that mandates EMC norms will help drive the European segment of what is expected to be a promising world industry.
"Intense competition in telecom, IT, and electronics industries are forcing vendors to bring new products to market in rapid succession, says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Sanjeev Bhaskar. Since every product requires a different EMI shielding solution, the research and development and design departments at most EMC materials suppliers are forced to keep pace with the product launch requirements of their customers."

Testing services

Meanwhile, competition within the testing services segment will require firms to provide better service to customers to gain market share. Offering personalised attention to the clients, developing rapport with clients' personnel, and providing cost-effective solutions will allow companies to distinguish their services from those of their competitors. This focus is already helping a number of regional players to usurp business from larger corporations.
"Continued miniaturisation of equipment is challenging EMC materials companies to provide effective shielding for small products," says Bhaskar.
The industry has responded with printed circuit boards (PCB) level shielding and formed-in-place (FIP) gaskets. But while both products are capable of providing solutions, growth in the FIP industry is shackled by a patent battle raging in Europe.
This Frost & Sullivan report analyses the markets for both EMC services and materials, such as shielding gaskets, tapes, paints and coatings, and shielding for printed circuit boards. It evaluates key market drivers and restraints and provides expert forecasts for each segment and by geographic region and end user.
The study also includes a separate chapter that discusses the promise of FIP EMI shielding gaskets.
Frost & Sullivan is an international marketing consulting and training company that monitors the industrial automation industry for market trends, market measurements and strategies. This ongoing research is used to complement a series of research publications such as World EMC Materials and Testing Service Markets and is used to support participants with customised consulting needs.

Fibre optic sensors

Meanwhile, for the past 30 years, fibre optic sensors have been a well-established market, but new technologies have given this market a new light to shine under. Fibre optic sensors offer a variety of advantages including small size and weight, greater sensitivity, and immunity to EMI and radio frequency interference (RFI).
According to recent strategic research by Frost & Sullivan, World Fibre Optic Sensor Markets, the sensor industry has opened up new doors - not just for niche fibre optic applications, but for the whole fibre optic sensing business.
This market is expected to have a strong growth in the next year. Its revenues for 1995 were at $252.4 million with an annual growth rate of 9.9 per cent and a compound annual growth rate of 11.8 per cent for the years leading to 2002. Displacement/position/proximity sensors contribute to the majority of revenues from fibre optic sensors and are showing growth in the electronics, packaging and automotive industries.
Because of the young nature of the select fibre optic sensor markets, sensors analyst Vincent Lin says, "Growth opportunities for fibre optic sensor technologies have yet to be developed. Applications implementing fibre optics are still to be found through research and development, which creates a large opportunity for new markets, applications, and end users."
New technologies are emerging from this market at a rapid rate. Fibre optic chemical sensors have been in research and development for the past 10 years. Chemical sensors are defined as a device which use optical fibre to identify, qualify, or monitor the characteristics of chemicals.

Strain sensor

Fibre optic gyroscopes in the aerospace and military industries are anticipated to show the promise for its segment. One of the most talked about sensor on the market is the strain sensor. This instrument measures or monitors the structures of bridges, aircrafts, and ships. It can also be used as a security system if placed around a perimeter, underground or above-ground.
Increased portability of the instrument is just one new advantage in fibre optic sensor technology. Sensors can now be transported to a variety of locations and used in different environments. For user convenience, they are light in weight and are smaller in size.
Since there are already a variety of different places sensors can be used, safety has become an issue of focus with the manufacturers.
Some of the capabilities that fibre optic sensors have been created for are in areas of high temperature and can be sensitive to explosion. OSHA issued a confined space standard for companies that use hand-held sensors to monitor gas emissions.
Providing worker safety has been high on the list of priorities for the sensor industry, especially with rise of use in everyday applications.

Multiple measurements

Manufacturers are designing sensors that can allow multiple measurements for a variety of different measurands. This technology allows a broader range of market penetration for fibre optic sensors, and a greater flexibility with the design and usage.
Single sensor devices which can detect a combination of strain, temperature, pressure, and displacement are the most common type of fibre optic sensor in the marketplace today.
Forecasts in this market include temperature, chemical, displacement/position/proximity, flow gyroscopes, liquid level, and pressure. In addition to those sensors, fibre optic accelerometers and fibre optic strain sensors are also covered.
Research Publication 7268-10 World EMC Materials and Testing Service Markets is available price $3950 and Research Publication: 5319-32 World Fibre Optic Sensor Markets is available price: $2450.

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