The Strategy Analytics RF & Wireless Component service predicts slower growth ahead for CMOS silicon-on-sapphire RF switches in the report, “Peregrine Shipment Milestone Reflects Softer Handset Demand, RF Architecture Shifts.” CMOS silicon-on-sapphire RF switches are used in antenna switch modules for cellular handsets.

In September 2009, Peregrine Semiconductor announced that it had shipped its 500 millionth “UltraCMOS” (CMOS on silicon-on-sapphire) integrated circuit, an impressive accomplishment. Peregrine’s CMOS RF switches, which made up most of the shipped units, have displaced gallium arsenide (GaAs) switches in antenna switch modules.

“Strategy Analytics estimates that Peregrine Semiconductor shipped about 250 million RF switches in 2008, but will probably ship significantly fewer in 2009, as a consequence of the economic slowdown. In spite of the apparent drop in 2009, the future still looks positive for Peregrine, given the expected recovery in cell phone shipments and the increasing complexity of cellular front-ends driven by more radio bands,” according to Chris Taylor, Director of the RF and Wireless Components service at Strategy Analytics.