Industrial Market Analysis
There are a host of industrial applications (including literally hundreds of sensor types) in which Signal Advance Technology could be applied. These include such areas as
1) Industrial/Process Control
2) Transportation,
3) Military weaponry/targeting
4) Signal Transmission/communications.
Reducing or eliminating signal transmission and control system delays could significantly reduce response times resulting in performance improvement and, thus, increased efficiency/productivity as well as safety.
In industrial process control, physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, etc. provide input data for closed-loop control systems that optimize production yields. In the petrochemical industry (for example, distillation), the transient response times (measured in seconds/minutes) make these processes good candidates for the application of SAT. Faster closed-loop response provides better disturbance rejection and thus increased production yield. Additional application examples include high performance aircraft engine control, in which SAT could potentially increase stability and performance, reduce stall margins and decrease fuel use. For compressors, used in hundreds of industrial applications, reduced control loop delays would improve performance by reducing probability of stalls/surges, thus extending stable operating ranges. In engine combustion control, the use of SAT could improve performance, increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Per research reports entitled, Global Control Systems and Control Systems in the United States [1]:
The global control systems market had total revenues of $25 billion in 2011, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% between 2007 and 2011… The performance of the market is forecast to accelerate, with an anticipated CAGR of 5.2% for the five-year period 2011 – 2016, which is expected to drive the market to a value of $32.4 billion by the end of 2016.
The US control systems market had total revenues of $3.4 billion in 2011, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8% between 2007 and 2011 … The performance of the market is forecast to accelerate, with an anticipated CAGR of 4.4% for the five-year period 2011-2016.
Per a recent research report on the sensor market,
“The US demand for sensors, transducers and associated housings will increase 5.2 percent annually to $12.3 billion in 2014 … the motor vehicle market…rising more than 14 percent per year through 2014.” [2]
The major sensors/controls suppliers include such players as Honeywell International, Rockwell Automation, Eaton, Schneider Electric, Denso, Analog Devices, Siemens Teledyne, Goodrich Corp., and General Electric.
In summary, Signal Advance Technology could hold the promise of improving performance of existing technological applications without otherwise altering their functionality – a key market driver. The addressable markets are estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars. It is important to note that the market size as reported is not fully realizable due to the likelihood of exclusivity of licenses. As with any new technology, recognition and acceptance will increase momentum over time.
[1](Marketline, July 23, 2012)
[2](Sensors, Freedonia Group, Inc, September 11, 2010)