Compound Semiconductor Market

Market Overview

The global compound semiconductor market size was valued at USD 121.95 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 304.44 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.7% during the forecast period (2023-2031). 

Significant performance advantages offered by compound semiconductors are absolutely necessary for a widening spectrum of technological applications. Silicon cannot operate at speeds that are higher magnitudes than compound semiconductors like GaAs and InP. Compound semiconductors can also produce and receive a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, from long-wavelength infrared light to high-frequency ultraviolet and visible light. Compound semiconductor materials also have the capacity to sense and emit light in the form of communications and general lighting (LEDs) (lasers and receivers for fiber optics). Wafers made of compound semiconductors are used in a variety of fields, including photovoltaics, spintronics, microelectronics, and others. They support better performances and enable faster switching at high power with increased energy efficiency. A polished wafer is covered with layers of single silicon carbide crystals that are several micrometers thick to create an epitaxial wafer. To enable its seamless production, precise control of thickness, carrier concentration, and defect density is needed.

Market Dynamics

What are the primary factors driving the Compound Semiconductor Market?

Increase in Demand for Compound Semiconductor Epitaxial Wafers in LED Technology

Microelectronics, photovoltaics, and photonics are just a few of the applications that use epitaxial wafers as semiconducting compound substrates. The widespread use of compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers in LED lighting technology is promoting the industry's expansion on a global scale. The rise in demand for energy-efficient lighting products, which aid in lowering electricity consumption, is a major driver behind the substitution of conventional lighting products with LED lighting in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The majority of LED lights contain several I.C.s. Due to its higher efficiency, epitaxial wafer chips are now used to produce these I.C.s instead of silicon wafers. Therefore, the manufacturer coats this compound semiconductor wafer with an epitaxial layer to improve the performance of the semiconductor wafer. As the epitaxial layer grows over the silicon wafer, the electrical characteristics of the wafer improve, increasing the power capacity of LED lighting and, to a certain extent, the market growth.

Advantage of Compound Semiconductors over Silicon-Based Technology

Globally, technology based on compound semiconductors is preferred over silicon-based technology. Compound semiconductors have better electrical properties than silicon. Consider the higher saturated electron velocity and higher electron mobility of a compound semiconductor epitaxial wafer. Due to their wider energy bandgap, compound semiconductors are relatively resistant to overheating. They also tend to produce less noise in electronic circuits than in silicon devices, especially at high frequencies. Compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers are an effective choice for satellite communications, mobile phones, microwave links, and higher-frequency radar systems because of their improved properties. The benefits of compound semiconductors over silicon are what propel market expansion.

What are the main factors that will slow down the Compound Semiconductor Market?

High-Cost Linked with Compound Semiconductor Materials and Components

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What are the future opportunities for Compound Semiconductor Market?

Growing Usage of Compound Semiconductors in Advanced Technologies

Superconductors, carbon nanotubes, and compound semiconductors like GaN are just a few of the new materials that are anticipated to be used in the creation of next-generation smart technologies. The core components of a smart grid and smart infrastructures are new types of cable, power electronics, cable insulators, cable dielectrics, and energy storage devices. As the market matures, it is also anticipated that greater use of these technologies will increase demand for GaN and other compound semiconductors. Incorporating cutting-edge compound semiconductor devices and modules is also anticipated to encourage new smart infrastructure efficiencies, such as increasing power system control & reliability, lowering costs, and lengthening equipment lifespan. Thus, the growth of the compound semiconductor epitaxial wafer market is anticipated to benefit greatly from the development of smart technologies.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific Dominates the Global Market

The global market is bifurcated into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Asia Pacific region is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% during the forecast period. The fastest-growing region globally is Asia-Pacific. Due to the availability of high-end enhanced technologies, rising demand for smart electronics, and expansion of the manufacturing industries, it is the most lucrative market for compound semiconductor technologies. Additionally, a number of helpful non-profit groups that support packaging technologies drive market expansion. The region's market for compound semiconductors is expanding as a result of the various initiatives these organizations take to construct power infrastructure using cutting-edge technologies. The global market is currently being led by Asia-Pacific, which is anticipated to experience the fastest regional growth with the highest CAGR. Due to an increase in demand for high-voltage operating devices, businesses across all industries realize the significance of improved semiconductor technologies to ensure effective power management. The market is anticipated to grow at a faster rate due to the high demand for power modules and automated switching devices.

Europe is expected to witness dynamic growth in the compound semiconductor market, with a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. Market participants in the global market have access to lucrative opportunities in Europe. The market is primarily driven by a growing Chinese presence in both Western and Eastern Europe and a strengthening European economy. One of the key markets for advanced compound semiconductors is Europe. To increase their market share and offer next-generation technologies through their product portfolio, large players are buying up small semiconductor companies. The adoption of advanced electronic vehicles, an increase in the number of digital electronic devices, and advanced virtual systems create a number of growth opportunities for European compound semiconductor technology vendors. Due to the development of the consumer electronics industry, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like advanced driver assistance in automobiles, and the demand for low-power consumption devices in the region, which in turn drives market growth, the region is anticipated to experience a high growth rate for the advanced packaging market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to witness a significant CAGR of 7.1% in the compound semiconductor market during the forecast period. Due to the rising demand for compound semiconductor devices and technologies in the region, North America is one of the major contributors to the global market for semiconductors used in machinery, automobiles, and electronics. Different industries' demands for intelligent and smart technology platforms have increased the use of advanced packaging techniques, which raises the demand for compound semiconductors. Additionally, the market for compound semiconductors is anticipated to be driven by the use of microcontrollers and microprocessors in consumer electronics and electric vehicles during the forecast period. The exploration of newer applications of the technologies is made easier by the early adoption of new technology and the presence of numerous U.S.-based businesses. Companies have used merger and acquisition tactics to increase their market share in the highly fragmented market.

The LAMEA region is expected to witness a moderate CAGR of 10.1% in the global compound semiconductor market during the forecast period. In LAMEA, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies is relatively slow across a range of industries. The compound semiconductor industry's key regions are the Middle East and Latin America. The rise in the demand for advanced technologies in nations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Jordan, and others is predicted to present an opportunity for the compound semiconductor market to expand. Major market players are also establishing their manufacturing and distribution networks in LAMEA, which is anticipated to have a significant impact on the market's growth. LAMEA is gradually embracing cutting-edge technology in a variety of fields, including energy and power, electric cars, inverters, consumer electronics, and others. It is advantageous for the market that the power module is expected to grow in applications like air conditioners and refrigerators.

Segmental Analysis

The global market is segmented by type, deposition technology, product, and application.

Based on type, the global market is bifurcated into III-V compound semiconductors, sapphire, IV-IV compound semiconductors, II-VI compound semiconductors, and others.

The IV-IV compound semiconductors segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period. Group 14 elements, which include tin, lead, germanium, flerovium, silicon, and carbon (a nonmetal), are used in IV-IV compound semiconductors (metalloids). The two main compound semiconductors made from type IV elements are silicon carbide and silicon germanium. Due to its ease of fabrication, silicon is widely used in semiconductors and electronic devices. It also has important mechanical and electrical qualities. Due to silicon's ability to form silicon oxide, which insulates various active components of I.C.s, many integrated circuits and boards use silicon. For advanced, low-cost devices with low power dissipation and high output, a technological shift in semiconductor and electronics engineering is essential.

The III-V compound semiconductors segment is expected to witness a higher CAGR of 11.5%. A combination of 13 metals and 15 anions results in the formation of III-V compound semiconductors. They primarily consist of InP, InAs, GaAs, GaN, and InSb. As a result of their superior electronic characteristics, such as high electron mobility, direct band gap, and low binding energy, they are widely used in high-performance optoelectronic devices. The market is expanding as a result of the industry participants' and technical experts' accelerated efforts to develop compound semiconductor wafers and films. Additionally, the demand for different compound semiconductors and associated deposition technologies has grown with the introduction of evolving high-power semiconductor devices and products. Increased use of photovoltaic modules, optical devices, and wireless communication products is anticipated to support market expansion.

Based on deposition technology, the global market is bifurcated into chemical vapor deposition, hydride vapor phase epitaxy, molecular beam epitaxy, liquid phase epitaxy, ammon-thermal, atomic layer deposition, and others.

The chemical vapor deposition segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. On solid substrates, 2D nanomaterials and thin films are frequently created using the CVD technique. In this method, high temperature and vacuum are used in a chamber to allow the precursors to react or break down on the preselected substrate. In CVD processes, a volatile component of the material to be deposited is chemically reacted with other gases to create a nonvolatile solid, which then deposits atomically on a suitable substrate.

The molecular beam epitaxy segment is expected to witness a higher CAGR of 12.6%. The epitaxy technique known as molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) is used to deposit single crystals as thin films. MBE is a crucial tool for the advancement of nanotechnologies and is frequently used in the production of semiconductor devices, including transistors. A number of industries are starting to adopt this technology. Furthermore, during the projected period, the introduction of nanotechnology into the production of electronic devices via MBE is anticipated to support market expansion.

Based on product, the global market is bifurcated into power semiconductors, diodes & rectifiers, transistors, integrated circuits, and others.

The power semiconductor segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period. Solid-state electronics are used in power electronics to convert and control electric power. Both switches and amplifiers can be made of power electronic devices. Due to operational efficiencies, power electronics companies are using compound semiconductors in their devices and modules. Compound semiconductor packaging is used to create a variety of solid-state power electronic devices that can regulate output parameters like voltage, current, and frequency. Compound semiconductors like SiC and GaN are increasingly necessary for high-voltage power electronics because of the demand for more effective energy management in products like solar inverters and hybrid cars.

The diodes & rectifiers segment is expected to witness a higher CAGR of 11.8%. A semiconductor device known as a diode only permits one direction of current flow. The alternating current is changed into a direct current by a rectifier. In LEDs and laser diodes, compound semiconductor diodes are used to produce light. Inverter units for hybrid electric vehicles or power utility switching use wide bandgap semiconductor power rectifiers. To create cutting-edge future semiconductor devices, semiconductor engineering advancement is essential.

Based on application, the global market is bifurcated into I.T. & telecom, industrial and energy & power, consumer electronics, aerospace & defense, automotive, and healthcare.

The I.T. & telecom segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period. Mainframe processors, servers, personal computers, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for networking and telecommunications all use compound semiconductor technology. Compound semiconductors are used in network systems, telecommunication switching, cellular base stations, optoelectronics, and wireless products in the field of communications. Compound semiconductors are used in a wide range of telecommunication applications, including network systems, telecommunication switching, cellular base stations, optoelectronics, and wireless products. These applications offer lucrative opportunities for market expansion.

The industrial and energy & power segment is expected to witness a higher CAGR of 13.2%. The industrial sector is struggling to keep track of and monitor site machinery, which results in ineffective operations and performance. Industrialists have begun implementing microcontroller-based system processors to address these issues because they are adaptable, small in size, affordable, and provide high-performance and dependable real-time solutions. This, in turn, generates lucrative growth prospects for the industry's global market.

Recent Developments

• August 2022, Renesas Electronics Corporation launched new-generation Si IGBTs (Silicon Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) for electric vehicle inverters.
• October 2022, NXP Semiconductor N.V. launched NXP Matter-enabled development platforms to propel the creation of Matter devices for smart homes.