Tire pressure monitoring systems will become the fastest growing automotive electronic system with volume over the next few years, creating a $1.7 billion market opportunity, according to Simon Schofield, senior analyst with Strategy Analytics’ Automotive Electronics Practice. The firm recently published "Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) Market Analysis."

"The next challenge is to perfect a batteryless design in order to reduce costs and avoid recycling issues including heavy metals directives," he said. “This will lead to greater sensor and semiconductor demand. TPMS will boost demand for silicon sensors and radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits from both niche and major sensor players.”

Beginning in October, and over the next two years, the Transportation Recall, Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act will require a monitoring system for all U.S. passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in the United States, which will indicate up to a 25% pressure variation from ideal measures as specified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This U.S. regulation is influencing other regions, creating further demand opportunities for safety systems around the world including Canada, Japan and Europe.