Skyworks Gains One-fifth of The World's GaAs Device Market Share


Is RF Micro Devices' Run At The Top Over?
New research from Strategy Analytics!

Boston, MA -/8 March, 2005 - Wi-Fi Technology News/- New research from Strategy Analytics shows that Skyworks caught up to RF Micro Devices in 2004, with both suppliers leading the GaAs device market. Skyworks' GaAs device revenues grew by 31 percent, gaining them one-fifth of the world's GaAs device share.

This report, "All Change at the Top as Skyworks Topples RF Micro Devices," indicates nine percent growth in the GaAs device market (merchant and captive)--incorporating MMIC, discrete and digital ICs--from 2003 to 2004. Skyworks increased its share of the worldwide market from 17 percent to 20 percent, to share RF Micro Devices' lead in the market.

"GaAs device demand from the cellular handset market grew by 20 percent in 2004. In sharp contrast to RF Micro Devices, Skyworks was able to outpace this demand and win market share," notes Asif Anwar, Director of the Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies service. "The challenge now for both companies will be to ride out slower growth in cellular handset sales in 2005 and 2006, and to develop new products for new markets if there is to be a clear winner in the marketplace."
Chris Taylor, Director of the RF and Wireless Components service at Strategy Analytics, observed, "Multiple capabilities are central to these changes in market share. Skyworks has a distinct advantage over its counterpart with extensive expertise in modules and digital, RF and mixed signal silicon, brought over from Conexant. RF Micro Devices, on the other hand, has had to build up this expertise in line with market demands and, in many cases, rely on external foundry relationships to source key process technologies, like pHEMT for switches."

About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc., a global research and consulting firm, provides timely insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. With worldwide headquarters in Newton, MA and principal offices in England, France and Germany, Strategy Analytics focuses on market opportunities and challenges in the areas of Automotive Electronics, Broadband, Telematics, Wireless Strategies and Enabling Technologies. For more information, see http://www.strategyanalytics.com