Microcontroller Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Type:

Based on the type, the market is segmented into 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit, and others.

Trends in the Type:

• There is an increasing trend towards utilization of 32-bit MCUs in consumer electronics products such as mobile phones for image processing and others.
• Increasing utilization of 64-bit for supercomputers for processing data and instructions in chunks of 64 bits.

32-bit accounted for the largest revenue in the total market in 2024 and it is anticipated to register a significant CAGR growth during the forecast period.

• 32 bit MCU is a compact integrated circuit that processes data and executes with less instructions to perform a function due to its wider data bus.
• Further, 32 bit operating systems are smaller in size and offer fast performance, which can be ideal for systems with limited storage space.
• Additionally, 32-bit computers process more data per clock cycle and performs large calculations more efficiently.
• Moreover, 32-bit MCUs allow systems to perform edge computing applications, FFT calculations, image processing, and high-quality audio or video.
• For instance, Renesas launched 5V RX660 32-Bit MCUs for industrial applications and home appliances with superior noise tolerance.
• Thus, the rising innovations related to 32-bit MCUs are driving the microcontroller market trends.

By Memory:

Based on the memory, the market is segmented into embedded and external memory.

Trends in the Memory:

• There is an increasing trend towards utilization of embedded MCUs in automobile systems for storing firmware.
• Rising adoption of external memory sources for providing extra memory for executing complex and large programs.

Embedded segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the total microcontroller market share in 2024.

• Embedded memory refers to on-chip storage such as ROM (Read Only Memory) which mainly stores programs as read-only data and RAM (Random Access Memory) which can read and write data.
• Further, embedded memory is used for engine control algorithms, storing firmware, and sensor data in automobile systems.
• Moreover, embedded memory in MCUs offers fast access to data and instructions, allowing for smooth functionality and quick response times.
• For instance, in February 2024, Renesas launched Embedded MRAM Macro, which includes 10.8-megabit (Mbit) embedded MRAM memory cell array.
• Thus, the rising advancements in embedded memory are driving the microcontroller market size.

External memory is anticipated to register a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

• External memory MCU refers to an embedded system which has a microcontroller unit that does not have all the functional blocks presented on a chip.
• Further, in MCUs, external memory devices such as ROM and RAM are used for providing additional memory space for executing complex and larger programs. Additionally, external memory helps in storing more data and performing more complex operations.
• For instance, Toshiba launched Arm Cortex-M4 controller for motor applications and IoT of consumer products with external interrupt of 32 pin.
• Thus, the rising advancements in MCUs with external memory for performing high performance tasks and storing large volume of data’s are driving the market.

By Application:

Based on the application, the market is segmented into home appliances, automobile systems, medical devices, consumer electronics, IoT devices, and others.

Trends in the Application:

• Rising utilization of MCUs in medical devices including insulin pumps, pacemakers, and diagnostic equipment.
• Increasing adoption of controllers in high-tech refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers and dryers, and others.

Consumer electronics segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the total microcontroller market share in 2024.

• In consumer electronics, MCUs are used for saving the programs and controlling the functionality of products.
• Further, MCUs are used in various consumer electronic products such as tablets, smartphones, computers, scanners, and other portable devices.
• For instance, STMicroelectronics offers MCUs for consumer electronics product in its product offerings. It offers various benefits including high performance and complex operations.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the rising utilization of MCUs for consumer electronics products are driving the microcontroller market.

IoT devices is anticipated to register a substantial CAGR growth during the forecast period.

• In IoT devices, MCUs are used for defining the properties and functions of the IoT end product.
• Further, MCUs is a small CPU which is integrated into IoT devices for various benefits including less power usage for performing wide range of tasks.
• Moreover, there are various controllers such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP8266 used for IoT application.
• For instance, April 2023, Inventek Systems launched IoT platform with advanced U575, controller for module’s firmware and managing communication between host device and the module.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the rising advancements in IoT devices for managing and performing operations are driving the microcontroller market.

By End-User:

Based on the end-user, the market is segmented into automotive, healthcare, electronics, IT & telecommunication, aerospace & defense, and others

Trends in the End-User:

• Rising utilization of AVR and PIC MCUs in aerospace and defense industries for performing various complex operations.
• Increasing adoption of MCUs in healthcare devices that requires high levels of reliability and safety.

Electronics segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 41.72% in the total market in 2024.

• MCUs are programmable digital processor which are used in electronic devices and products with analog or digital input/output.
• Further, lightweight microcontrollers are used in electronic devices due to its various benefits including high energy efficiency and flexibility for different embedded systems.
• Moreover, MCUs are used in various electronic systems for reading data from a sensor, controlling the speed of a motor, or display information on a screen.
• For instance, in April 2024, Renesas launched RA0 MCU Series based on the Arm Cortex-M23 processor for low cost consumer electronic products.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the rising advancements in MCUs for utilization in electronics sector are driving the microcontroller market.

Automotive segment is anticipated to register a substantial CAGR growth during the forecast period.

• In automotive, MCUs are used in various automobile subsystems from engine controlling to operating lower-level functions, and more.
• Further, in electric vehicles, MCUs are used in distributing electricity to various vehicle components, including the exhaust system clean, and lowering fuel usage, and others.
• For instance, Renesas offers in-vehicle MCUs in its product offerings. It is used for various applications including battery control system, EPS control system, hybrid motor control, and others.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the rising utilization of MCUs in motor vehicles are driving the microcontroller market trends.