Digital signal processors are experiencing tremendous growth; worldwide shipments were an estimated US$1.5 billion in 2004, and this is expected to grow to $2.8 billion by the end of 2009, reported In-Stat. DSPs are present in major market segments, such as communications, computers, electronic data processing, transportation, consumer, industrial, military and aerospace.
The market for DSP chips is dominated by the communications and consumer segments. By 2009, however, a small shift away from these segments in favor of industrial, military and aerospace applications is predicted. According to In-Stat's latest report, the communications market share is expected to be 61 percent in 20095 percent less than in 2004.
Industrial, military and aerospace will see growth from purchases to update and extend equipment capabilities. These sectors generally pay more for higher performance; they will achieve a 20 percent market share by 2009.