Ultrabooks to stir up semiconductor market

The anticipated flood of Ultrabook™ computers set to arrive in 2012 is causing big waves in the semiconductor market, according to market intelligence firm IHS iSuppli, as the devices will boast several capabilities that differ from traditional laptops.

The research firm notes that Ultrabooks will be beneficial for sensor and analog semiconductor manufacturers. Similar to tablet computers, Ultrabooks will include a number of features that require accelerometers and gyroscopes, as well as pressure sensors - technology that few traditional laptops currently use.

Analog semiconductors are necessary for the power boost that will play a crucial role in the Ultrabook computer. With a focus on portability, manufacturers are looking to extend the battery life of Ultrabooks beyond that of today's notebooks, and will require new power-management devices to accomplish this task.

"[P]ower requirements in Ultrabooks will be even more rigorous than in notebooks, due to the Ultrabook’s slimmer form factor and longer battery life," says IHS senior principal analyst Marijana Vukicevic. "This will increase the value of power management electronics in each unit sold, boosting the opportunity for analog suppliers."

In an earlier report, IHS predicts that Ultrabooks will account for 43 percent of notebook sales by 2015. As the new technology grows, significant disruptions in the semiconductor market are likely to result.