The 1999 outlook for GaAs IC markets and technology

The major markets that have created a $1.3 billion commercial GaAs IC business growing at over 20% annual rate are described. The role of GaAs ICs in mobile communications is discussed. Applications in broadband data, optical and satellite communications are presented. The growing role of epitaxial device technology is reviewed. Some threats to GaAs dominance in the RF and microwave applications from silicon and silicon-germanium are discussed. Market forecasts are presented for the next five years.