CMOS Image Sensor Market

Global CMOS Image Sensor Market Size (2024 to 2029)

The global CMOS image sensor market is expected to reach USD 30.81 billion by 2029 from USD 22.08 billion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.89% during the forecast period.

The specifically stacked CMOS sensors will enhance functionality and performance in a small size. CMOS chips that are customized for specific functions have far more options due to the stacked CMOS architecture, which also generates new competitive advantages for the CMOS image sensor market. Another factor that is expected to provide companies with more opportunities is emerging SWIR technologies as an option for the extremely costly InGaAs sensors and with a wide range of applications. Hybrid image sensors and extended-range silicon are new SWIR technologies that are cost-effective and are expected to increase the use of SWIR imaging.

Global CMOS Image Sensor Market Drivers:

The increasing demand for smartphones and technical advancements in image sensors drive the market share. The consumer electronics sector has benefited from the increased use of image sensor-equipped smartphone cameras. The growing trend of mobile device shooting is a major factor for smartphone manufacturers using natural image sensors. Digital single-lens reflex cameras, computers, and smartphones are a few CMOS image sensor gadgets. The adoption rate of CMOS technology is high due to the growing need for devices that can capture high-definition images in several industries. The size of the image sensor also influences security camera demand since it affects the camera's view of a certain lens and light sensitivity. Most security camera systems use CMOS image sensors for faster speed and reduced power consumption. This factor has led to an increase in demand for the CMOS image sensor market.

Enhanced resolution and miniaturization are boosting the CMOS image sensor market share. Recent technological developments provide enhanced resolution on compact sensors, resulting in better image quality and easier integration into smaller devices. Another factor elevating the global market growth is the rapid use of robotics and industrial automation. Specialized and high-precision CIS sensors are gaining traction because of the growing application of robotic automation in logistics and manufacturing. Sony and Samsung are the two leading companies driving the technological growth in the market.

Global CMOS Image Sensor Market Restraints:

Changing consumer tastes is restricting the growth of the CMOS image sensor market. There is an increase in the popularity of high-resolution and specialized sensors in smartphone cameras. Customers want high megapixel counts, wide-angle lenses, telephoto capabilities, and depth sensors in their mobile or other devices. This change requires more sophisticated sensor development and integration than the normal single-lens system, which raises the complexity and expense for manufacturers. Being dominated by a few companies has made it difficult for small companies to enter the market. Players like Sony, Samsung, Canon, Omni Vision, etc., hold a major market share. Also, intellectual property cases on sensor technology and design have risen due to market competitiveness, which often results in expensive legal fights and delays in product releases.

High maintenance and installation expenses derail the CMOS image sensor market from the growth path. These sensors are expensive due to high installation and maintenance costs, making it difficult for manufacturers to provide competitively priced components. In addition to this, they also frequently had fill factor constraints when used in large front-side illuminated arrays because of the requirement for in-pixel circuitry and guard rings to prevent premature edge breakdown. Therefore, widespread adoption could be hampered, particularly in photon-starved applications.

Impact of COVID-19 on the global CMOS image sensor market:

COVID-19 recognized the requirement for improvements in areas like medical imaging, remote sensing & monitoring, and touchless interfaces. The demand for medical imaging tools for virus detection and monitoring, thermal imaging, drone-based surveillance, and touchless technologies like gesture and facial recognition has grown. In addition, manufacturing activities and raw materials supply affected the availability of these sensors for the automotive, security, surveillance, and smartphone companies in the CMOS image sensor market. However, despite initial interruptions, the pandemic has increased digitization and acceptance of technologies such as online learning and remote work. This has created new opportunities for CIS in webcams, laptops, and other linked devices.

REPORT COVERAGE:

This research report on the global CMOS image sensor market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on wafer size, technology type, application, technology, & region.

Global CMOS Image Sensor Market – By Wafer Size:

• 200mm
• 300mm
• Others

The 300mm segment is predicted to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period of the CMOS image sensor market. Cost-effectiveness, higher resolution performance, and technological advancements drive the market forward. More sensors can be made per run on larger wafers, which results in economies of scale and cheaper costs per unit. The development of sensors with improved low-light performance, dynamic range, and resolution is made possible by 300mm wafers.

Global CMOS Image Sensor Market – By Technology Type:

• Backside-Illuminated (BSI)
• Frontside-illuminated (FSI)
• Three-Dimensional (3D)

The backside-illuminated (BSI) segment is expected to lead this category. , BSI sensors revolutionized sensor design, which benefited from greater advantages in small-pixel designs and low light conditions by positioning matrix and wiring behind light-sensitive photocathode layers. This technology enables chip designers to design vertical structures with a back-illuminated pixel imaging chip stacked on multiple processing layers. Additionally, 3D stacked sensors could remain cost-effective by providing the CMOS image sensors with additional functionality that a single-plane structure could never provide.

Global CMOS Image Sensor Market – By Specification:

• Image Processing Type
• Spectrum
• Array Type

The array-type segment is anticipated to be the largest market share because of growth in the stacked and back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. Stacked CMOS arrays now dominate the industry. However, developments in HPUs, NIR/ToF technologies, and back-illuminated sensors create a dynamic environment where the top position depends on application needs and technological improvements.

Global CMOS Image Sensor Market – By Application:

• Aerospace & Defence
• Automotive
• Consumer Electronics
• Healthcare
• Security & Surveillance
• Industrial
• Entertainment
• Enterprise Computations

The consumer electronics segment holds the biggest share in this category due to the increasing use of CMOS image sensors. This sector continues to evolve with various innovations and products, driving large investments and creativity. The consumer electronics market is expanding significantly due to a swift increase in cameras, video cameras, smartphones, and surveillance devices. Developing CMOS image sensors leads to more integration capabilities, cost savings, and higher performance levels.

Global CMOS Image Sensor Market – By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest global image sensor market during the forecast period. Companies in China, Japan, South Korea, and other nearby areas are leading the image sensor industry, which has helped increase the demand for consumer electronics, automobiles, security, and surveillance applications. China leads the image sensor market due to its expanding economy and rising electronics industry.

Latin America's CMOS image sensor market will likely have steady growth opportunities.

Europe's CMOS image sensor market is deemed to showcase a potential growth rate in the coming years. Nations like Germany and the Netherlands have robust research institutes and superior semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, elevating the CMOS image sensor market. European governments presented many grants and initiatives to encourage technological advancement and innovation in the semiconductor sector, focusing on CIS sensors. However, limited large-scale fabrication is holding it back from producing cost-effective sensors in larger numbers.

North America is estimated to expand further at an exponential rate in the coming years. Leading tech businesses like Intel, Micron Technology, and Qualcomm are based there, and the region is home to strong R&D ecosystems with cutting-edge semiconductor fabrications and solid intellectual property protection. It is driven primarily by consumer's increasing demand for better photography and evolving imaging features. The business funding and investment ecosystem is highly developed, making it simple for new businesses and individuals developing cutting-edge sensor technology to acquire resources.

Middle East and Africa's CMOS image sensor market is projected to grow faster during the forecast period. The countries in the region are shifting away from being an oil-based economy towards digitalization and technological advancements. To encourage technological advancement and bring in global capital in the semiconductor sector, especially in CMOS sensors, the UAE and Israel are implementing their national plans.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS:

The major players in the CMOS Image Sensor Market are Sony Corporation, Canon Inc., ON Semiconductor Corporation, Sharp Corporation, Samsung Electronics Company Ltd, STMicroelectronics NV, Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC, Omni Vision Technologies, Inc., Panasonic Corporation, SK Hynix, Inc., Teledyne Technologies, Olympus Corp, Hamamatsu Photonics, PixArt Imaging Inc., and E2V Technologies PLC.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET:

• In November 2023, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, a leading player in the image sensors market, launched its latest IMX900, which is a 3.2 MPixel, 2064 x 1552 resolution stacked CMOS image sensor. IMX900 helps in machine vision applications like robot picking and barcode interpretations.
• In September 2023, Sony Semiconductor Solutions updated about its upcoming IMX735, which is a CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras. With the latest pixel count capacity of 17.42 effective megapixels, IMX735 enhances object sensing and recognition during autonomous driving.
• In January 2023, Canon Inc. introduced its new backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that can offer a dynamic range of 148 decibels. This advanced range is anticipated to improve the performance of the monitoring cameras in low light conditions like night driving vehicles and stadium entrances.