Sensor Fusion: The Elements are Converging

Sensor fusion has become an important feature for many portable devices, in particular smartphones, tablets and the emerging Ultraportable PCs.

In fact, sensor fusion is required by Windows 8 for all tablet PCs and all convertible Ultrabooks, and recommended for clamshell Ultrabooks. Intel offers reference platforms for tablets and Ultrabooks that include a sensor hub block connected directly to the CPU. Many advanced applications are enabled by sensor fusion, including geo-fencing, gesture controls and context awareness.

The manufacturers of these devices are promoting more interactive devices and intuitive computing using motion and gesture controls. The main focus for sensor fusion is not only designing in more than one type of sensor, but also how to most effectively use the wealth of raw data. Sensor fusion encompasses both hardware and software elements. The objective is to improve and enhance the end user experience in portable applications.

Consequently, this will drive further sales of the end use products and increase sales for MEMS sensors. What are the key end use markets for sensor fusion? What are the growth rate for sensor fusion and the potential TAM for MEMS sensors? Who are the key players in sensor fusion?

Semico Research's latest report, "Sensor Fusion: The Elements are Converging", examines the latest trends and issues for MEMS sensors in sensor fusion. There is great growth potential, but there are issues and challenges that need to be addressed for sensor fusion to see strong adoption across many end use markets.

The report is 45 pages long and includes 9 tables and 20 figures. Companies mentioned in this report include Intel, InvenSense, Freescale, STMicroelectronics, Kionix, Movea Technologies, Sensor Platforms, and PNI Sensors.