Microcontroller Market Analysis and Segment Forecast, 2012 to 2020

A microcontroller (MCU) is a semiconductor IC used in numerous embedded applications. A typical MCU chip includes core, processer memory and programmable output/input peripherals. Microcontrollers are cheaper and smaller than microprocessors, which makes it to control numerous devices and processes digitally. They are used mainly in devices that need a significant degree of control which are utilized by the user. Growing automotive industry is anticipated to be a major driver for the market over the next five years. In addition, high degree of rivalry in the industry has resulted in price cuts, which is anticipated to further fuel the market growth. Industrial segment is also a key contributor to the overall market. There is an increasing need for agility and flexibility in the industrial ecosystem due to declining product life-cycles. Increased innovative technical developments in consumer electronics is expected to provide positive avenues to market growth over the forecast period.