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How Parylene Improves the Internet of Things
The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses the growing interactive capabilities of intelligent networks of processing systems. As these systems increasingly communicate with one another, they propel advanced smart automation across various industries, including:
- Aerospace and aeronautic communications
- Energy-harvesting devices
- Neural networks as adept and powerful as upper-echelon parallel computers
- Smart RFID memory applications and tags
- Ultra-low power instant-on microcontroller units (MCUs)
- Wearable medical devices
More practically, IoT products have already encompassed such everyday instruments as asset tracking devices, industrial; machine controls, personal fitness bands, thermostats and weather monitors. Wired or wireless, these products and systems are connected to each other and to their users through the IoT. IoT is poised to exert a progressively larger influence on global operations, potentially shaping the landscape across the coming century.
To demonstrate its impact on the IoT marketplace, 2021 global sales were valued at $384.7 billion, with projected numbers by 2029 to be around $2,465.3 billion. These figures reflect Internet users growing expectations of IoT functionality built-into equipment and web-enabled objects. The evidence is this regard is substantial:
- The number of cameras, embedded systems, industrial equipment, meters, sensors, and other connected devices on the Internet surpasses the count of individuals using computers, smartphones, and similar electronics for information technology.
- In 2022, global IoT sensors will be estimated around $11.5 billion, with a growth to $31.1 billion by 2028.
Among the performance and market standards that require further definition for IoT are those informing component protection. To be cost-effective, these systems must maintain maximal operating performance at very low power, and remain adaptable to a wide range of operating conditions. Printed circuit boards (PCBs), semiconductors and similar electrical components power the IoT and require durable yet often extremely flexible protection to function optimally. Conformal coatings play a vital role in safeguarding these components. With its diverse range of product applications, Parylene stands out as the most versatile among existing conformal coatings for IoT applications.
Parylene Applications for IoT
Enhanced design and efficient microcontrollers and sensors play pivotal roles in IoT systems and communications. Ensuring proper protection for these chips and devices is paramount, especially given their diminishing size that now includes microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). This demands specialized protection measures to guarantee optimal functionality. Parylene emerges as a crucial solution for manufacturers seeking to bolster the protection of their IoT devices, thereby enhancing the overall quality of their products.
Responsible for a growing number of critical functions, microcontrollers are important to the function of IoT products. Prevalent among their functions are managing user-interface displays as well as those for security, sensor-interface and processing and both wired and wireless connectivity. Most conformal coatings — acrylics, silicones, urethanes, potting compounds — do not provide the protection of Parylene for these purposes.
Parylene generates the most reliable protective covering for these components under the largest range of performance circumstances. Protection for IoT-related semiconductor products remains essential; global semiconductor revenue was around $527 billion in 2022, and expects to have a CAGR of 12+% through 2029. Specifically for IOT semiconductors, the market in 2021 was around $13.5 billion, with expected growth to $27.7 billion by 2026. That is a CAGR of 14.98%, which outpaces the broader semiconductor manufacturing market.
It should also be noted that, as the IoT expands its use and influence, microcontrollers, sensors and related assemblies will be increasingly used to drive public infrastructure applications. For instance, cities will become further connected, exemplified by smart electric grids, roads and street lights. In this regard, the trend toward municipal LED lighting helps both cities and citizens, because it cuts city energy costs by 30% or more. Parylene provides the greatest level of operational protection for these systems.
These applications play a key role in delivering essential public services on a large scale, demanding durable protection under harsh operating conditions. Parylene stands out as the ideal choice for providing the necessary conformal coating protection. Its thin yet reliable coverings are suitable for both MEMS applications and larger projects. In contrast to other materials with thick and uneven substrate coatings, Parylene’s flexible surface enhances its versatility for a broad spectrum of uses.
Other IoT venues will similarly continue to grow. Primary among them:
- Private industry will experience considerable IoT input, as the industrial Internet develops and implements Internet-driven factory, logistic, and medical systems’ applications.
- Connected homes and passenger cars will become more prevalent, as will wearable systems that connect to the Internet.
These changes are inevitable. IoT microcontrollers, semiconductors, sensors and related components greatly benefit from Parylene protection. The capability of Parylene to comprehensively cover all surfaces while preserving product functionality demonstrates its value for IoT applications.
References
- Internet of things [IOT] market size, share, growth trends, 2032. Internet of Things [IoT] Market Size, Share, Growth Trends, 2032. (n.d.). https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/internet-of-things-iot-market-100307
- IOT chip market – share, Size & industry manufacturers. IoT Chip Market – Share, Size & Industry Manufacturers. (n.d.). https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/iot-chip-market#:~:text=Market%20Overview,forecast%20period%2C%202021%20%2D2026.
- Reports, V. (2022, July 29). IOT sensor market will reach USD 31060 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 18.0% – valuates reports. PR Newswire: news distribution, targeting and monitoring. https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/iot-sensor-market-will-reach-usd-31060-million-by-2028-with-a-cagr-of-18-0-valuates-reports-806295268.html
- Semiconductor Market Size & Share: Industry growth [2029]. Semiconductor Market Size & Share | Industry Growth [2029]. (n.d.). https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/semiconductor-market-102365
