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Avionics, Sub-GHz, L-Band, and S-Band Radar Growth Will Climb Upward |
NEWS |
Although growth for high-power Radio Frequency (RF) semiconductors for pulsed applications has been in the mid-single digits for the last few years, 2019 has shown a further increase and overall Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) will near 10% for the current five-year period. First, let’s define what we mean by pulsed RF power semiconductors. In this case, it means commercial and defense related avionics using pulsed RF and Sub- 1 GHz, L-Band and S-Band radar.
There are actually two segments that ABI Research has defined for these applications: one is for military/defense and the other is for commercial avionics and air traffic control. Both segments cover similar pulsed applications and frequencies (<4 GHz).
The chart below shows the breakout for revenue among the four classes of pulsed high-power RF devices for 2018:
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It is important to note that ABI Research categorizes both of these areas as “non-discretionary,” in that the defense side of things must move forward as a nation’s security is at stake and, on the commercial/civilian side, air travel safety and the efficient running of the civilian air traffic system is a must-do as well.
The Groundwork for Further Improvement Has Been Solidified |
IMPACT |
In August of 2018, an important event for defense-related funding occurred: the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA for 2019) was signed into law. The act is a far-reaching funding mechanism for defense related activities, operations, and system/equipment for 2019. The total funding level is US$717 billion, which will increase incrementally to US$718 billion for 2020.
This will continue to be an important driver for defense electronics, which will see healthy increases at both the system and equipment levels. Included in this funding will be new military sub-1 GHz, L-Band, and S-Band radar projects along with upgraded transponder systems.
The other extremely important aspect of this continuation in a healthy and stable funding mechanism is that it is not simply another continuing resolution that has, in a sense, only band-aided the issue on and off for several years.
While the NDAA for 2019 and the budget for 2020 are for U.S.-based defense spending its effects will ripple worldwide as offshoots of many U.S.-based programs can drive foreign procurement as well.
Tactical and Strategic Recommendations |
RECOMMENDATIONS |
These two market segments have similarities and differences but a unified approach to both of them would be the best course of action as the device technologies used are practically the same. The following specific recommendations are warranted as well:
The above is discussed in detail in a the ABI Research Market Data report High Power RF Semiconductors for Pulsed Applications (MD-PRPS-19) and the companion narrative High Power RF Semiconductors for Pulsed Applications for the L-Band, S-Band, Avionics, and Sub-GHz Markets (AN-5089).