In the first study of its kind, IMS Research has calculated that global motor demand in the non-industrial market comprised over 8.7 billion units in 2009; it is forecast to grow to nearly 11.5 billion units by 2013. The non-industrial market is dominated by DC brush, DC brushless and DC stepper motor types, which collectively account for over 85% of the market. This market segment represents demand for goods that are linked to direct consumer consumption. Examples of some of the larger motor consuming market segments are automotive & transport, computer & peripherals and consumer electronics.

Drawing on IMS Research’s 600 strong report library of electronic end-equipment reports and its position as the leading market research firm on motors and motor controls, the report quantifies demand for seven different motor types, segmented by six different power categories measured across 13 different market sectors.

DC brush motors were estimated to account for around 45% of total motor demand; this is not surprising as these are the lowest cost motor type offering predictable performance and being well suited for numerous applications. Highest growth is predicted for DC brushless motor types, which are more expensive but better performance motor types, driving replacement of other motor types. Continued price erosion in this sector helps them appear more attractive from a price-performance perspective. In spite of DC brush motors’ problems with long-term operation and limited speed control capability, this market is forecast to continue to grow just above the market average for the period 2007 to 2013, reflecting that this motor is “good enough” for many applications.

In addition, to quantifying motor demand, the study also provides estimates for types of motor control employed, from basic on-off to high-end core-based. Further, semiconductor BOMs were generated for the different motor control techniques leading to the production of demand estimates for key power and processor-based semiconductors found in this market.

Overall, it is estimated that the market for power and processor-based semiconductors used in non-industrial motor control was estimated to be worth $17.5 billion in 2009. This report excludes many additional component types, such as passive devices, optocomponents and analog ICs. As such the total value of this semiconductor market could be as much as $30 billion.

Adrian Lloyd, Executive VP and a co-author of the report, commented “Most people don’t realize the scale of motor quantities that are consumed annually by simple consumer electronic devices. To be honest, we were astounded once we had completed our analysis. The study results also highlight how different the motor technology mix in this market is from the industrial one.” A companion report examining the industrial market, and collectively providing a complete picture of all global motor shipments, is also available from IMS Research.