The just released 2010 McClean Report from the market research company estimates that all but four of some 28 IC product categories are forecast to show positive growth in 2010. This follows a four-year stretch during which the number of IC product categories that reported positive growth declined each year, with 2009 showing only four of 28 segments with positive growth, according to the company’s data.

"From 2006 through 2009, there was a steady decline in the number of IC products with annual growth," Brian Matas, VP of market research at the company, said in a statement on the report.

According to IC Insights data, in 2006, 23 of 30 IC product segments enjoyed positive growth. "Even during the relatively strong year for the IC market in 2007, the number of IC products that had positive growth was only half (15 of 30)," Matas said. “The dire economic climate in late 2008 and 2009 resulted in many more declining segments.”

Read more in the Feburary 16, 2010 EDN