WRT Associates Announces New Report on Wireless Device Applications of Optoelectronics

March 24, 2008 — Phillip Wright

WRT Associates (www.wrtassoc.com) announces the availability of a new report entitled “Wireless Device Applications of Optoelectronics.” This report was authored by Phillip Wright, Ph.D., Chief Analyst and Managing Director at WRT Associates, LLC, and Consultant with the Optoelectronic Industry Development Association (OIDA). The Wireless Optoelectronics report package is being made available through WRT Associates, LLC with the cooperation of OIDA. The table of contents, lists of figures and tables, and an excerpt of the Wireless Optoelectronics report is available here: Excerpt Wireless Device Applications of Optoelectronics

The Wireless Optoelectronics report provides a detailed view and forecast of the role of optoelectronics components and modules in wireless devices including mobile phones that currently sell more than 1 billion units annually. The emergence of wireless connectivity in an increasing range of products including digital cameras, mp3 players, portable games, and more is increasing the market opportunity for optoelectronics in wireless devices. In high end wireless devices such as the Apple iPhone, the optoelectronics content can reach 20-30% of the total bill of materials cost. In many wireless devices, optoelectronics enable key features that are highly valued by consumers including large color displays, high resolution auto focus digital cameras, and colorful surface and keypad illumination. The report includes decadal market forecasts for optoelectronic component and module revenue including high brightness light emitting diodes (HBLEDs), image sensors, and wireless device displays by type. The Wireless Optoelectronics report also highlights new optoelectronic technologies and applications that will drive new features in wireless devices. The market roles of Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), flexible displays, 3D displays and micro projectors, and new optoelectronic enabled user interface devices are also covered in the report. The Wireless Optoelectronics report provides a comprehensive overview and forecast of market growth for optoelectronics in wireless devices and provides a timely heads-up on the evolution of new technologies that will drive the market ahead.

WRT Associates are making the Wireless Optoelectronics report available in a package with 2 hours of consultation with the author to discuss the contents of the report and related topics. Consulting conferences can be held by phone or at the customer’s site at added expense. The report will be delivered electronically in PDF file format and is available now for $1,695 by emailing info@wrtassoc.com or by calling +1-970-219-8800.

Posted in Announcements, Mobile Phones, Optoelectronics, Wireless Networking. No Comments »

Luminus Makes a Better Light Emitting Diode and Raises $72 Million Venture Capital Investment

March 20, 2008 — Phillip Wright

Luminus Devices, on March 17, announced that they have raised $72 Million in a new round of financing. The Luminus press release states: “The investor syndicate was led by Boston-based Braemar Energy Ventures and included a number of other funds, notably San Francisco-based CMEA Ventures and Washington, D.C.-based Paladin Capital Group, which are similarly focused on energy and environmentally friendly technologies. In addition, all of Luminus’ previous investors participated in the financing.”

Luminus has marketed their PhlatLight® light emitting diodes (LEDs) primarily as a long-lived replacement for projection display lamps, and as a “greener,” mercury free and more efficient, backlight for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and televisions. In announcing the recent added investment, Luminus has signaled that they will now also be targeting the general illumination market for efficient solid state lighting.

As we have discussed previously, LEDs for solid state lighting with efficacies greater than current fluorescent lighting are now being reported and will soon reach market. Some solid state lighting startups (e.g. Color Kinetics) have already reached the IPO stage, and some of the large lighting players including Philips have already begun acquiring smaller promising solid state lighting firms (Color Kinetics, Lumileds).

We expect additional startup funding as well as further acquisition activity in the solid state lighting space. The substantial new funding just received by Luminus brings the total VC investment in the company to $139 Million to date and brings attention to the question of a profitable exit strategy. As we watch the development of the solid state lighting industry, we expect to identify several good opportunities for investment as the industry unfolds.

Posted in Green Technology, Investment, Optoelectronics, Solid State Lighting. No Comments »