SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Each of the top-five IC product categories in terms of 2020 sales all have ties to computing or communication applications, says IC Insights. With estimated sales of $65.2 billion, DRAM tops the list with the greatest sales revenue this year, followed by NAND flash. Computer and cellphone processors also make the list, along with computer—special purpose logic.

DRAM has been the largest revenue-generating IC segment since 2017, even through the steep memory market downturn in 2019, says the research firm. DRAM is forecast to retain is place as the largest IC market in 2021 as well.

Computer CPUs are expected to place third in terms of revenue in 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic led to upgrades in computing systems as consumers and businesses transitioned to home-based online activities. In addition, an increase in shipments of data center servers to process and store this information also helped sales in the segment. Sales of higher-priced 5G processors in the second half of 2020 have been key to the rise in cellphone application MPU sales this year.

In terms of the strongest revenue growth percentage for 2020, NAND flash is expected to top the list with a sales surge of 25% this year. NAND flash sales were exceptionally strong in the first quarter, as strong demand from makers of data center servers led to a steep increase in the average selling price.  Prices for NAND flash continued to rise through the remainder of the year, but at a much more modest pace, resulting in a 25% increase in sales for this segment.

The advent of 5G processors that power new smartphones is expected to boost cellphone application MPU sales 24% this year. Most 5G processors are based on 5nm process technology, says IC Insights.  Faster and more technology-rich 5G smartphones also helped provide a strong increase to sales in other communications-related IC product segments.

The IC industry has been one of the most resilient markets this year, says IC Insights. Although causing a deep global recession in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic spurred an acceleration of the global digital transformation, resulting in 21 of 33 IC product categories that survived – and even thrived – with positive growth.  With the promise of a vaccine being developed and administered worldwide next year, a strong global GDP rebound and double-digit IC market increase are forecast for 2021.