Semiconductors in the Patient Monitoring Systems Market to 2016 - Growth Dependent on Increasing Microcontroller and Analog IC Usage in Neonatal and Remote Patient Monitors

Introduction

Executive Summary

Medical Monitoring Systems Evolve to Cater for the Aging Population

The evolution of medical monitoring devices is spurring on developments in the semiconductor industry, states a new report by business experts GBI Research.

The new report* states that semiconductors form an essential element in many patient monitoring devices, and the pressure is on to better serve individuals with smaller, faster, and more advanced gizmos.

The global population is aging and the prevalence of chronic diseases is growing, so the demand for healthcare services is interminably increasing. As many national healthcare programs attempt to cut expenditure, there is a growing need for reliable and cost-effective technology to provide round-the-clock observation of critically ill patients, and the use of technology could help to alleviate staffing pressures.

Patient monitoring can track an individual's blood pressure, temperature, oxygen-saturation, or respiration, and can also offer data conversion, processing and controlling. Semiconductors are embedded in patient monitoring devices, and are critically important for the device to operate. The sale of semiconductors therefore increases as the demand for patient monitoring devices climbs. Developments in semiconductor technologies also mean leaps and bounds in progress for patient monitoring abilities.

Small and portable patient monitoring devices represent an improvement in a patient's quality of life, as they allow treatment to be conducted in more convenient locations - at home or elsewhere. Semiconductor components are therefore steadily shrinking to meet this need, becoming more compact in order to downsize the monitoring equipment. The miniaturization of patient monitoring devices, obtained through cutting-edge semiconductor technology, opens the possibility of mounting equipment within mobile clinics, ambulances and doctors' offices. Thin-film capacitors, resistors and substrate technologies, alongside System-in-Package (SiP) IC technology and high-energy batteries can help in this.

GBI Research expects the market for semiconductors in patient monitoring devices to grow at a high rate over the next few years, from $1.8 billion in 2011 to $2.4 billion by 2015. This will be due to their increasing number of applications in various patient monitoring devices, and the growing demand for telehealth monitoring services and wireless devices. The global market is expected to change significantly, with developing countries in Asia-Pacific emerging as a powerful rival to the matured market in North America.

Semiconductors in the Patient Monitoring Systems Market to 2016 - Growth Dependent on Increasing Microcontroller and Analog IC Usage in Neonatal and Remote Patient Monitors

This report provides key information and analysis on the market opportunities of semiconductors in patient monitoring systems. It provides information on industry dynamics, key suppliers, and the sales revenue and sales volume of semiconductors in patient monitoring systems. The report also provides forecasts for semiconductors in patient monitoring systems based on product type, region and end-application until 2016. Market size forecasts until 2016 are provided for discrete semiconductors, ICs, sensors and optoelectronics. The application markets - fetal monitors, MEMs, neonatal monitors, multi-parameter patient monitoring, remote patient monitoring and blood pressure monitors for the semiconductors in patient monitoring systems are also discussed.

This report was built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData's team of industry experts.

Abstract

Semiconductors in the Patient Monitoring Systems Market to 2016 - Growth Dependent on Increasing Microcontroller and Analog IC Usage in Neonatal and Remote Patient Monitors

Summary

GBI Research's new report, "Semiconductors in the Patient Monitoring Systems Market to 2016 - Growth Dependent on Increasing Microcontroller and Analog IC Usage in Neonatal and Remote Patient Monitors", provides key information and analysis on the market opportunities of semiconductors in patient monitoring systems. The report provides information on industry dynamics, key suppliers, and the sales revenue and sales volume of semiconductors in patient monitoring systems. The report also provides forecasts for semiconductors in patient monitoring systems based on product type, region and end-application until 2016. Market size forecasts until 2016 are provided for discrete semiconductors, ICs, sensors and optoelectronics. The application markets-fetal monitors, MEMs, neonatal monitors, multi-parameter patient monitoring, remote patient monitoring and blood pressure monitors for the semiconductors in patient monitoring systems are also discussed.

Scope

• The market size of semiconductors in patient monitoring systems in terms of sales revenue and sales volume. Historic data from 2004 to 2011 is provided, along with forecasts until 2016.
• The market size of discrete semiconductors, ICs, sensors and optoelectronics in terms of sales revenue and sales volume, including historic data from 2004 to 2011 and forecast data until 2016.
• The market in key regions, such as the North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle-East and Africa, and, South and Central America is discussed. Major countries in each region like the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, China and Japan are also covered.
• The market size for key applications, such as fetal monitors, neonatal monitors, MEMS, remote patient monitoring, blood pressure monitors and multi-parameter patient monitors are discussed
• Comprehensive profiles of key companies, such as Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, Infineon and so on are given.
• Analytical frameworks, such as Porter's five forces analysis and Growth Prospect Analysis, are used to give a comprehensive view of the global market for semiconductors in patient monitoring systems.

Reasons to buy

• Exploit growth opportunities in the global market for semiconductors in patient monitoring systems.
• Devise market-entry and expansion strategies for semiconductors in patient monitoring systems.
• Develop business strategies from Porter's five forces analysis.
• Identify key growth markets for your products.
• Know the demand potential of the semiconductors in patient monitoring systems.

Table of Contents

TOC

1 Table of Contents

1 Table of Contents 5

• 1.1 List of Tables 7
• 1.2 List of Figures 9

2 Introduction 11

3 Overview 12

• 3.1 Patient Monitoring Systems 12
• 3.1.1 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices 12
• 3.1.2 Micro-electromechanical Systems 12
• 3.1.3 Non-invasive Blood Pressure Monitors 12
• 3.1.4 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring 12
• 3.1.5 Neonatal Monitors 12
• 3.1.6 Fetal Monitors 12
• 3.2 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems 13
• 3.2.1 Discrete Semiconductors 13
• 3.2.2 Optoelectronics 13
• 3.2.3 Sensors 13
• 3.2.4 Integrated Circuits 13

4 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Technological Developments 14

• 4.1 FPGA Technology 14
• 4.2 Advancements in Wireless and Sensor Technologies 14

5 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Industry Dynamics 15

• 5.1 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Key Market Drivers 15
• 5.1.1 Aging Population and Growing Medical Needs to Increase the Market for Semiconductors 15
• 5.1.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices to Drive the Future Growth of Semiconductors 16
• 5.1.3 Demand for Portable, Miniature and Low Cost Patient Monitoring Devices Increase the Importance of Semiconductor Technology 17
• 5.2 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Key Market Restraints 17
• 5.2.1 Mature Markets in Developed Countries Limits the Overall Growth of Semiconductors 17
• 5.3 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Key Challenges 17
• 5.3.1 Miniaturization of Device is leading to Thermal Management Issues 17
• 5.3.2 Network-related Challenges of Monitoring Devices that Use Wireless Networks 17
• 5.4 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Future Trends 18
• 5.4.1 Wireless Patient Monitoring Devices are expected to Use PAN and WBAN 18
• 5.4.2 Device to Measure Intracranial Pressure May Enter the Market in the Coming Years 18

6 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Porter's Five Forces Analysis 19

7 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Analysis and Forecasts 21

8 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems Analysis by Product Types 23

• 8.1 Integrated Circuits (ICs) 24
• 8.2 ICs Market Breakdown by Key Types 26
• 8.2.1 Microcontrollers 26
• 8.2.2 Microprocessors 28
• 8.2.3 Memory 30
• 8.2.4 DSPs 32
• 8.2.5 Analog ICs 34
• 8.2.6 Logic ICs 36
• 8.3 Discretes 38
• 8.4 Optoelectronics 40
• 8.5 Sensors 42

9 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Analysis by Key Regions 44

• 9.1 Asia-Pacific 45
• 9.1.1 Japan 47
• 9.1.2 China 49
• 9.1.3 India 51
• 9.1.4 Taiwan 53
• 9.2 Europe 55
• 9.2.1 Germany 57
• 9.2.2 France 59
• 9.2.3 UK 61
• 9.3 North America 63
• 9.3.1 US 65
• 9.3.2 Canada 67
• 9.4 South and Central America 69
• 9.5 Middle East and Africa 71

10 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Analysis by End-Applications 73

• 10.1 Blood Pressure Monitors 74
• 10.2 Fetal Monitors 76
• 10.3 MEMS 78
• 10.4 Multi-parameter Patient Monitoring Systems 80
• 10.5 Neonatal Monitors 82
• 10.6 Remote Patient Monitoring Systems 84

11 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Key Suppliers 86

• 11.1 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Competitive Landscape 86
• 11.2 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Key Suppliers 87

12 Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Key Company Profiles 88

• 12.1 Texas Instruments 88
• 12.1.1 Texas Instruments - Business Description 88
• 12.1.2 Texas Instruments - Key Products 89
• 12.1.3 Texas Instruments - SWOT Analysis 89
• 12.1.4 Texas Instruments - Latest Developments 91
• 12.1.5 Texas Instruments - Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) 91
• 12.2 Company Profile - STMicroelectronics N.V 91
• 12.2.1 STMicroelectronics - Business Description 91
• 12.2.2 STMicroelectronics - Key Products 92
• 12.2.3 STMicroelectronics - SWOT Analysis 92
• 12.2.4 STMicroelectronics - Latest Developments 94
• 12.2.5 STMicroelectronics - M&As 94
• 12.3 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 95
• 12.3.1 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. - Business Description 95
• 12.3.2 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. - Major Products and Services 95
• 12.3.3 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. - SWOT Analysis 95
• 12.3.4 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. - Recent Developments 97
• 12.4 Toshiba Corporation 97
• 12.4.1 Toshiba Corporation - Business Description 97
• 12.4.2 Toshiba Corporation - Key Products 98
• 12.4.3 Toshiba Corporation - SWOT 98
• 12.4.4 Toshiba Corporation - Latest Developments 100
• 12.5 Infineon Technologies 100
• 12.5.1 Infineon Technologies - Business Description 100
• 12.5.2 Infineon Technologies - Key Products 101
• 12.5.3 Infineon Technologies - SWOT Analysis 101
• 12.5.4 Infineon Technologies - Latest Developments 103

13 Appendix 104

• 13.1 About GBI Research 104
• 13.2 Glossary of Terms 104
• 13.3 Bibliography 104
• 13.4 Methodology 105
• 13.4.1 Market Size Estimates 105
• 13.4.2 Market Size Forecasts 105
• 13.4.3 Geographies Discussed 105
• 13.4.4 Coverage 105
• 13.4.5 Secondary Research 105
• 13.4.6 Primary Research 106
• 13.4.7 Expert Panel Validation 106
• 13.5 Contact Us 106
• 13.6 Disclaimer 106

List of Tables

1.1 List of Tables

• Table 1: Percentage of People Aged 65 Years and Above in Key Countries, (%), 2000 and 2011 15
• Table 2: Porter's Five Forces Analysis, Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems 19
• Table 3: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Global, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 22
• Table 4: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, ICs, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 25
• Table 5: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Microcontrollers, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 27
• Table 6: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Microprocessors, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 29
• Table 7: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Memory, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 31
• Table 8: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, DSPs, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 33
• Table 9: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Analog ICs, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 35
• Table 10: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Logic ICs, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 37
• Table 11: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Discretes, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 39
• Table 12: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Optoelectronics, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 41
• Table 13: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Sensors, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 43
• Table 14: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Asia-Pacific, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 46
• Table 15: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Japan, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 48
• Table 16: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, China, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 50
• Table 17: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, India, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 52
• Table 18: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Taiwan, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 54
• Table 19: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Europe, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 56
• Table 20: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Germany, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 58
• Table 21: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, France, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 60
• Table 22: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, UK, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 62
• Table 23: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, North America, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 64
• Table 24: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, US, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 66
• Table 25: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Canada, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 68
• Table 26: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, South and Central America, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 70
• Table 27: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, MEA, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 72
• Table 28: Semiconductors in Blood Pressure Monitors, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 75
• Table 29: Semiconductors in Fetal Monitors, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 77
• Table 30: Semiconductors in MEMS, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 79
• Table 31: Semiconductors in Multi-parameter Patient Monitoring Systems, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 81
• Table 32: Semiconductors in Neonatal Monitors, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 83
• Table 33: Semiconductors in Remote Patient Monitoring Systems, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 85
• Table 34: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Competitive Landscape, 2011 86
• Table 35: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Key Suppliers, 2011 87
• Table 36: Texas Instruments, Key Facts, 2011 88
• Table 37: Texas Instruments, Key Products 89
• Table 38: Texas Instruments, SWOT Analysis 89
• Table 39: STMicroelectronics, Key Facts, 2011 91
• Table 40: STMicroelectronics N.V., Key Products 92
• Table 41: STMicroelectronics N.V., SWOT Analysis 92
• Table 42: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Key Facts, 2011 95
• Table 43: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., SWOT Analysis 95
• Table 44: Toshiba Corporation, Key Facts, 2011 97
• Table 45: Toshiba Corporation, SWOT Analysis 98
• Table 46: Infineon Technologies AG, Key Facts, 2011 100
• Table 47: Infineon Technologies, Key Products 101
• Table 48: Infineon Technologies, SWOT Analysis 101
• Table 49: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Glossary of Terms 104

List of Figures

1.2 List of Figures

• Figure 1: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems - Key Market Drivers 15
• Figure 2: Remote Patient Monitoring, Sales Volume (Absolute Units), 2011 and 2016 16
• Figure 3: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Global, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 21
• Figure 4: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Growth Prospects by Product Types, 2011 23
• Figure 5: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, ICs, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 24
• Figure 6: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Microcontrollers, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 26
• Figure 7: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Microprocessors, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 28
• Figure 8: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Memory, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 30
• Figure 9: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, DSPs, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 32
• Figure 10: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Analog ICs, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 34
• Figure 11: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Logic ICs, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 36
• Figure 12: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Discretes, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 38
• Figure 13: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Optoelectronics, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 40
• Figure 14: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Sensors, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 42
• Figure 15: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Growth Prospects by Key Regions, 2011 44
• Figure 16: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Asia-Pacific, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 45
• Figure 17: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Japan, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 47
• Figure 18: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, China, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 49
• Figure 19: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, India, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 51
• Figure 20: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Taiwan, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 53
• Figure 21: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Europe, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 55
• Figure 22: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Germany, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 57
• Figure 23: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, France, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 59
• Figure 24: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, UK, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 61
• Figure 25: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, North America, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 63
• Figure 26: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, US, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 65
• Figure 27: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Canada, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 67
• Figure 28: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, South and Central America, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 69
• Figure 29: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, MEA, Sales Revenue ($m) and Sales Volume (Million), 2004-2016 71
• Figure 30: Semiconductors in Patient Monitoring Systems, Growth Prospects by End-applications, 2011 73
• Figure 31: Semiconductors in Blood Pressure Monitors, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 74
• Figure 32: Semiconductors in Fetal Monitors, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 76
• Figure 33: Semiconductors in MEMS, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 78
• Figure 34: Semiconductors in Multi-parameter Patient Monitoring Systems, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 80
• Figure 35: Semiconductors in Neonatal Monitors, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 82
• Figure 36: Semiconductors in Remote Patient Monitoring Systems, Sales Revenue ($m), 2004-2016 84

Semiconductors in the Patient Monitoring Systems Market to 2016 - Growth Dependent on Increasing Microcontroller and Analog IC Usage in Neonatal and Remote Patient Monitors published by GBI Research in September 30, 2012. This report consists of Pages: 106 and the price starts from US $ 3500.

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Press Release

Semiconductors in the Patient Monitoring Systems Market to 2016 - Growth Dependent on Increasing Microcontroller and Analog IC Usage in Neonatal and Remote Patient Monitors

Global Information Inc. would like to present a new market research report, "Semiconductors in the Patient Monitoring Systems Market to 2016 - Growth Dependent on Increasing Microcontroller and Analog IC Usage in Neonatal and Remote Patient Monitors" by GBI Research.

Advancements in Wireless and Sensor Technologies to Create New Opportunities

Technological advancements in the areas of wireless and sensor technologies are resulting in the development of more reliable and cost-effective solutions for the patient monitoring systems market. Usage of these technologies in patient monitoring systems offers the benefits of efficient data management and convenience to patients.

Advances in sensor technology have resulted in the development of sophisticated patient monitoring systems based on biomedical sensors. Biomedical sensors are used to create a wireless network system known as the Body Area Network (BAN). These sensors can measure patient vital signs such as blood glucose levels, blood pressure and the electrical impulses of the heart and brain. The data collected is then transmitted to a control node, which then sends it to a base station to store the data for further review. Wireless Intelligent Sensor (WISE)-based monitoring devices not only predict and prevent emergency health situations, but are also used to monitor vital patient medical parameters. Wireless technology can be used for the continuous monitoring of patients without confining the patient, unlike wired bedside monitors. This technology helps in the quick and timely transmission of data in critical care settings for swift intervention by physicians, thereby improving patients quality of life.

Remote Patient Monitoring Devices to Drive the Future Growth of Semiconductors

Increasing sales of remote patient monitoring devices (or telehealth monitoring devices) will drive the market for patient monitoring semiconductors in the forecast period. Semiconductors in remote patient monitoring are used for sensing and monitoring the health of the patient, and collecting, storing and transmitting or sharing data wirelessly. For efficient monitoring, demand for microcontrollers with high processing capabilities and analog Integrated Circuits (Ics) with the capability of integrating various functions into a single chip is increasing. Data collected by the sensors is sent to the microcontrollers, which help in transmitting the data to the receiving system, thus playing a key role in transmitting the data and displaying it at the other end.

In 2011, the sales volume of remote monitoring devices was 146,982 absolute units, and is expected to reach 321,092 absolute units by 2016, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14% during 2011 - 2016. The figure shows sales volumes for remote patient monitoring devices for 2011 and 2016.

Remote patient monitoring systems come with multiple connectivity options for healthcare devices (such as blood pressure monitors or pulse oximeters), as well as USB and Bluetooth peripheral interfaces, a touch-screen, microphone, speaker, and display units, among other things. The patient is surrounded by a wireless body sensor network and various semiconductor components such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, analog Ics and connectivity Ics are used to extract the data from the monitoring device and send it to a remote display device. With the increase in the sale of remote patient monitoring devices, the market for semiconductors in patient monitoring systems will also increase.

Mature Markets in Developed Countries Limits the Overall Growth of Semiconductors

In developed countries such as the US, due to the increased levels of awareness among patients and healthcare providers, the market for patient monitoring devices has reached maturity and growth rates are decreasing. This limits the sale of these devices and so the related demand for semiconductors is limited in these countries. The pre-existing wide acceptance of patient monitoring devices in developed countries is the reason for this trend. These devices are critical elements of patient care in hospitals, ambulances and homecare. The other reason for the developed countries reaching maturity levels is the long life-span of patient monitoring devices. Considering this trend, target regions for patient monitoring devices and the semiconductors used in them will be developing countries such as China, India and Brazil.

Network Related Challenges of Monitoring Devices that Use Wireless Networks

There will be a need for high-speed and comprehensive access to wireless networks, reliable and scalable wireless infrastructure, secure and fast databases, and the utilization of network intelligence and information. As a result, patients wearing portable or mobile devices will need to access private or public wireless networks. Wireless networks consist of chipsets and sensor nodes or motes that process information and communicate the information among each other. The sensor node generally consists of both sensing and wireless communication units. However, there is a need to improve the quality and reliability of the devices so that they can be operated in ad-hoc wireless mode (a mode in which all the devices of the wireless network are connected directly and there is no central system with an access point). Also, with the lack of wireless coverage and fluctuations in networks in some areas and in cases where the patients may not be reachable there is a necessity for ad-hoc wireless networks to be implemented. Advances in technology such as Bluetooth low energy, ZigBee green power, Wi-Fi direct and EnOcean are enabling wireless sensor networks in the application of patient monitoring devices.