GaN technology to grow in CATV/Broadband Market
The Strategy Analytics Advanced Semiconductor Applications (ASA) service report, 'CATV/Broadband Infrastructure Amplifier Forecast and Outlook: 2015 - 2021' indicates that DOCSIS 3.1 networks will provide obvious benefits for operators and consumers, but the advantages for the RF portion of the network are not as clear.
DOCSIS 3.1 (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) networks will usher in a new era for CATV/broadband service providers. This specification allows cable operators to provide services and data speeds competitive with current fibre offerings, while providing a clear path for network evolution.
But the report concludes that RF revenue will peak in 2016 in response to DOCSIS 3.1 network deployments, but then decline over the rest of the forecast period as fibre pushes deeper into the networks. It also extrapolates that GaN technology will be the only RF technology to see revenue growth in this market application.
Eric Higham, service director, Advanced Semiconductor Applications service commented: "DOCSIS 3.1 is a significant accomplishment for the CAVT/broadband industry. It provides an evolution path for the networks that allows operators to add capacity and services as consumer needs dictate, while remaining competitive with fibre alternatives." He added, "The challenge for the RF industry will be to expand device opportunities as fibre moves deeper into the HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coax) networks in response to the increasing data traffic enabled by DOCSIS 3.1 networks."
Asif Anwar, service director, Advanced Defense Systems service added: "The performance advantages of GaN make it the preferred technology for the power amplifiers in the CATV/broadband infrastructure network. This will enable a small revenue increase over the forecast period."
