The Internet of Things. This unusual phrase is used more and more as a way to refer to devices r­anging from cars and security systems to thermostats and appliances that all connect to the Internet and often ­allow consumers to interact with them remotely.

Products that play key roles in the Internet of Things could grow to provide trillions of dollars in revenue for companies ranging from small newcomers to giants such as Cisco Systems, General Electric and Google.

For investors, some of the best choices are stocks of companies in the semiconductor industry, specifically companies that specialize in ­“microcontrollers.” These chips control functions of devices in the Internet of Things. Example: A microcontroller interprets digital information sent from a smartphone app and tells a thermostat to crank up the heat.

Although many semiconductor companies make chips of various sorts for Internet of Things devices, there are just a few significant makers of microcontrollers. These include…

Microchip Technology (MCHP), which gets 65% of its revenue from microcontrollers. It has a leading position in less powerful chips used in smaller devices, and it has acquired other companies to add stronger ­microcontrollers to its product lineup.

Silicon Laboratories (SLAB) offers many types of chips, making it popular with device makers that want to buy from just one vendor. Its ­microcontrollers are used in a range of security and home automation devices and in wearable devices that monitor health and fitness.

Atmel Corp. (ATML), whose microcontrollers in cars enhance security against hackers, could be a takeover target. It hasn’t been as profitable as other chip makers, but it has been cutting costs, so earnings could grow quickly.

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