IDC: Semiconductor revenue to grow 9 percent in 2011

The semiconductor industry is on track for a solid performance in 2011, with 9 percent revenue growth from 2010, according to International Data Corp.

IDC is projecting decent growth for 2011 and then 6 percent annual growth rate through 2015.

Chip sales jumped 23 percent in 2010, compared to 2009.

By the numbers:

• PCs represent 40 percent of all chip revenue. Compound annual growth rates will be 7 percent for 2011 and 6 percent for 2010 and 2015. Growth will be driven by new platforms from Intel and AMD.
• Smartphone chip revenue will hit $80 billion in 2010, but will see pricing pressure in the years to come. IDC is projecting 2011 revenue growth rates of 9 percent for communications chips.
• Chips for media tablets, e-traders and TVs will offset weak growth for DVD players and game consoles. Consumer chip sales will see 2011 revenue growth of 10 percent.
• Industrial and automotive semiconductor revenue will have growth rates of 13 percent in 2011. Growth will be fueled by more auto sales and smart grid, machine-to-machine and automation projects.