Semiconductors span multiple device categories, each optimized for specific functions such as computing, data storage, wireless communication, power conversion, sensing, or light emission. Logic and memory chips dominate global revenue, while emerging categories like AI accelerators, GPUs, and power semiconductors (SiC, GaN) are driving the fastest growth. This overview highlights the major semiconductor types, their key players, and market outlook through 2030.
Scope of Device Types
- Logic & Compute – CPUs, MCUs, and DSPs that execute instructions and control digital systems.
- Memory & Storage – DRAM, SRAM, NAND, and emerging non-volatile memories for short- and long-term data retention.
- AI Accelerators & GPUs – Specialized processors for machine learning, HPC, and parallel compute workloads.
- SoCs – System-on-Chip devices integrating CPUs, GPUs, memory, and connectivity into a single package.
- RF & Connectivity – Wireless communication chips supporting 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GNSS, and satellite links.
- Power & Compound Semiconductors – SiC, GaN, IGBTs, and MOSFETs used in EV drivetrains, renewables, and industrial power systems.
- Sensors – MEMS, CMOS image sensors, radar, and biosensors enabling perception across consumer and industrial markets.
- Analog – Linear ICs for amplifying, conditioning, and regulating continuous signals.
- Mixed-Signal – Devices bridging analog and digital domains (ADC/DAC, RF front-ends, automotive ICs).
- Optoelectronics – LEDs, laser diodes, photovoltaics, and photonics for lighting, displays, and energy generation.
Segment Mapping
| Category |
Functions |
Representative Companies |
Key Applications |
| Logic & Compute |
Instruction execution, system control |
Intel, AMD, Arm, RISC-V vendors |
PCs, servers, embedded systems |
| Memory & Storage |
Short- and long-term data storage |
Samsung, SK hynix, Micron |
Phones, data centers, IoT |
| AI Accelerators & GPUs |
Parallel compute, ML training/inference |
NVIDIA, AMD, Google TPU |
AI datacenters, HPC clusters |
| SoCs |
Integrate CPU, GPU, memory, I/O |
Apple, Qualcomm, MediaTek |
Smartphones, tablets, embedded |
| RF & Connectivity |
Wireless communications |
Qualcomm, Broadcom, Qorvo |
5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, satellite |
| Power & Compound |
High-voltage switching, conversion |
Infineon, Wolfspeed, STMicro |
EVs, solar inverters, smart grids |
| Sensors |
Capture physical/environmental data |
Sony (CIS), Bosch (MEMS) |
Cameras, wearables, autos |
| Analog |
Signal amplification & regulation |
Texas Instruments, Analog Devices |
Power mgmt, audio, industrial |
| Mixed-Signal |
ADC/DAC, RF front-ends |
NXP, Renesas |
Automotive, IoT, telecom |
| Optoelectronics |
Light emission/detection |
Nichia, Osram, First Solar |
Displays, lighting, photovoltaics |
Market Outlook by Device Type
| Rank |
Category |
2024 Global Share |
Projected CAGR (2024–2030) |
Notes |
| 1 |
Memory & Storage |
~28% |
6–7% |
DRAM/NAND dominate revenue, demand driven by AI/datacenters |
| 2 |
Logic & Compute |
~25% |
5–6% |
CPUs/MCUs stable, RISC-V adoption growing |
| 3 |
AI Accelerators & GPUs |
~10% |
>20% |
Fastest-growing category, fueled by AI training/inference |
| 4 |
SoCs |
~12% |
8–9% |
Smartphone volumes dominate, shifting to automotive/IoT |
| 5 |
Power & Compound |
~7% |
12–14% |
SiC/GaN demand surging from EVs and renewables |
| 6 |
RF & Connectivity |
~6% |
7–8% |
5G rollouts, IoT devices, satellite expansion |
| 7 |
Sensors |
~5% |
9–10% |
MEMS, image sensors critical for autos/phones |
| 8 |
Analog |
~4% |
5–6% |
Power management and industrial control steady |
| 9 |
Mixed-Signal |
~2% |
6–7% |
Automotive and telecom keep demand stable |
| 10 |
Optoelectronics |
~1–2% |
4–5% |
LEDs stable, photovoltaics linked to solar demand |
FAQs
- What are the main categories of semiconductors? – Broadly logic, memory, analog, power, RF, optoelectronics, sensors, and mixed-signal devices.
- Which semiconductor type dominates market share? – Memory and logic together account for over 50% of global semiconductor revenue.
- What is the fastest-growing semiconductor type? – AI accelerators, GPUs, and power semiconductors (SiC, GaN) are growing fastest, with >20% CAGR in some segments.
- What’s the difference between analog and mixed-signal? – Analog chips handle continuous signals, while mixed-signal devices bridge analog inputs with digital processing.
- Why are compound semiconductors important? – Materials like SiC and GaN enable higher voltage, efficiency, and speed compared to silicon, making them critical for EVs, renewable energy, and 5G infrastructure.
