A touch controller IC is an integrated circuit aimed to provide a touch user interface (TUI) which is basically a computer-pointing technology based upon the sense of touch. Unlike a graphical user interface (GUI) which uses the sense of sight, the TUI enables not only the sense of touch to innervate and activate computer-based functions; it also allows the user with visual impairments, an added level of interaction based upon tactile input.
A touch controller IC or TUI takes pressure or presence with a switch located outside of the printed paper as the input. Nowadays the popularity of smart phones, tablets and many types of information appliances is driving the demand and acceptance of common touch screens, for portable and functional electronics. With a display of a simple smooth surface, and direct interaction without any hardware (keyboard or mouse) between the user and content, fewer accessories are required. Touch screens are popular in many fields for example the medical field, and in heavy industry, as well as kiosks such as museum displays or room automation, providing a suitably intuitive, rapid, or accurate interaction by the user with the display content.
The market for the touch controller IC has emerged due to the heavy penetration of touch screens in electronics devices. More than 80% of the revenue of the touch controller IC market is contributed by the consumer electronics segment. The reason for the high share of the consumer electronics segment is due to the rapid adoption of touch screens for mobile phone and tablets.
The technology segment of the touch controller IC market can be split into four different IC types used for different applications. These types are; ASIC, MCU, Custom Controller, and Analogue Controllers. ASIC and MCU are the ones with maximum market share. Analogue Controller’s share is on decline.
According to a report published by Marketsandmarkets, in 2011, revenue of the touch controller IC market was only 0.4% of the total semiconductor industry, which grossed $312.5 billion in the same year. By the year 2016, this share is expected to increase to 1.65%. This indicates increase in the adoption of touch controller IC for various applications. As more number of touch screen products is made available, the market will see growth in verticals such as retail, ticketing, smart advertisement, and interactive displays. The product market for the touch controller IC is segmented in three different ways; by functionality, by module type, and by the panel technology type. Panel technology is the working principle of a touch panel/module. These technologies are resistive, capacitive, infrared, optical, on-cell, and in-cell. Capacitive technology heavily dominates the market because of the advantages such as multi-touch, zero pressure touch, and long life. Because of these advantages, many mobile phones and tablets come with capacitive technology.
The product market for the touch controller ICs is divided according to the touch panel working principle. Panel technology is the working principle of a touch panel/module. These technologies are resistive, capacitive, infrared, optical, on-cell, and in-cell. Capacitive technology heavily dominates the market because of the advantages such as multi-touch, zero pressure touch, and long life. It is observed that resistive type and capacitive type together acquired about 85% of the total market in the year 2011. The capacitive touch controllers are expected to continue their dominance and by the year 2016, about 55% of the total market would be acquired by them.
The report can be found at
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/11/prweb11342424.htm
The report can be found at
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/11/prweb11342424.htm
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