Autumn is here, which means 2021 is right around the corner. This week, we review a few important electronics-related 2020 market reports, including wearables and integrated passive devices (IPD). We also cover a breakthrough in particle sensor technology. 

Wearables Market Continues to Grow

The "wearables" market comprises hearables (wearables for your ears), smart watches, wristbands, and more. These electronic devices are used for a wide range of applications, from health tracking and data logging to mobile payments. According to a new International Data Corporation (IDC) report, global shipments of wearables could reach 396 million units this year.  As for the future, “IDC forecasts shipment volume to have a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% and total 637.1 million units in 2024.” This year, hearables lead the way with a 59% market share, followed by watches (23%), wrist bands (17%), and other wearable devices.

5G and 3D Tech Drive IPD Development

Exiting technologies like 5G and 3D solutions are driving innovation in various sectors. For instance, they are pushing advances in the integrated passive device (IPD) market, which is expected to grow 6.5% between 2019 and 2025, according to a new report by Yole Développement. The players are “start-up companies developing solutions for high-end markets, IDMs that include IPD in their RF modules, OSATs and foundry service providers requested to have this solution in their portfolio.”

World’s Smallest Particle Sensor

Researchers and engineers from the Graz University of Technology, ams, and Silicon Austria Labs have developed with world's smallest particle sensor. According to TU Graz, the technology is aimed for use in smart phones, wearables (e.g., smart watches), and various other mobile device. The sensor can “measure the quality of the ambient air in real time” and alert the user to elevated dust levels, TU Graz reports. How small is “small”? The compact particle sensor measures 12 mm × 9 mm × 3 mm.

Updates on Wearables, IPDs, Sensors and More

Read our regular Electronics News Byte for details about the wearables market, IoT solutions, and the other subjects mentioned in this post. And don’t forget to read Elektor’s E-Zine for new electronics projects, helpful engineering tutorials, and interviews with industry thought leaders.