LAYERS 9 – The Rise of PiezoMEMS
Piezoelectric MEMS (PiezoMEMS) are entering a new growth phase. According to Yole Group, the market reached $4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $5.7 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand across audio, sensing, telecom and AI/HPC infrastructure.
Thin‑film piezoelectric materials such as PZT, AlN, and Sc‑doped AlN are now being applied far beyond their traditional role in RF filters, enabling innovations across a wide range of device types.
New momentum in MEMS microspeakers
One of the fastest‑growing application areas is MEMS microspeakers, which sold around two million units in 2024 and are expected to grow at nearly 80% CAGR through 2030.
These microspeakers offer strong advantages over legacy electrodynamic and balanced‑armature technologies—especially for wearables, TWS earbuds, AR glasses and smartwatches—thanks to their lower power consumption, higher reliability, and robust assembly options.
Leading players such as xMEMS and USound currently dominate the market, together holding 93% of shipments. Both rely on PZT thin‑film layers for actuation, deposited using physical vapor deposition or sol‑gel approaches.
To overcome the challenge of achieving full‑range audio performance, companies are exploring modulated‑ultrasound architectures, which offer promising improvements in audio bandwidth.
Expanding opportunities across sectors
Beyond audio, PiezoMEMS technologies are enabling innovation in several high‑growth markets:
- Telecom: Emerging 6G and future Wi‑Fi generations will require new filter technologies such as XBAR and XBAW, both based on piezoelectric effects.
- AI & Data Infrastructure: Applications include high‑precision timing solutions, micromirror‑based optical switches for reduced energy consumption, and microcooling devices for high‑performance computing.
- Consumer and industrial sensing: Opportunities span ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, inkjet printheads, autofocus micromirrors, timing oscillators, and wearable sensors.
This rapid diversification is supported by an expanding ecosystem of MEMS foundries that are scaling their thin‑film piezoelectric capabilities. They are investing in higher deposition quality, larger production capacity, and new material options, including lead‑free alternatives to meet future regulatory and market demands.
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