(30-07-2012, 11:59 PM)KopiKat Wrote: [ -> ]Boon,
Thanks for the link. Very informative, brings back a lot of fond memories and nightmares as I was in this industry for almost my entire working life...
I'd certainly like to hear your comments after you'd read the above report, pertaining to the industry and perhaps, how it relate to UMS.
KopiKat,
Thanks, there is quite a lot of interesting things to write about in this topic and due to time constraint, I may have to give my comments in parts. But before I do that, here is some questions for all to think about:
1) Who is the No:1 Fabless Semiconductor Company (or IC supplier) in the world ?
Answer: Qualcomm (
http://www.eeherald.com/section/news/nws201204152.html)
2) Who is the No: 1 pure-play semiconductor foundry in the world?
Answer : TSMC (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundry_model#2011)
Qualcomm is a Fabless Semiconductor Company.
TSMC is the contract manufacturer for Qualcomm.
Unlike Intel, an IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer) which handles semiconductor manufacturing in-house, Qaulcomm, a Fabless semiconductor company, outsource its production to a third party like TSMC.
TSMC is a client of Applied Material for semi-tools (semiconductor manufacturing equipment).
TSMC accounted for 10% of Applied’s net sales in fiscal 2011 - for products in multiple reportable segments.(this figure can be found in AM’s AR2011).
3) Why is there a shortage of 28nm Snapdragon S4 chip?
4) Why Qualcomm had to plan to launch 4 new lines for 28nm Snapdragon S4 chips?
5) There is an over-capacity issue in the semiconductor industry as claimed by many, but on the other hand, there is a shortage of 28nm Snapdragon S4 chips? Why there exists such a mismatch?
6) Is there a production overcapacity in of chips (IC or Integrated Circuit) that the market does not want?
7) Is there an under-capacity in the production of chips (IC) that the market wants?
8) Is there an under-investment in new technological capabilities (facilities/semi-tools etc) in producing semiconductor devices that the market demands?
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Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 chip shortage extending to 2013
Chip maker won't meet demands on 28nm chips
Qualcomm, whose Snapdragon processors are found in a wide variety of smartphones, will experience chip shortages that will extend into next year.
Supply issues are being traced back to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a contract chip maker that produces Qualcomm's widely used 28nm Snapdragon S4 system on a chip.
TSMC told Focus Taiwan that it expects manufacturing to start catching up in 2012's fourth quarter, with the ability to fully satisfy market demand again in 2013.
Shortage spells delays for new devices
Only TSMC's 28nm chip production will be effected by the shortage, which may also impact Nvidia, who also uses the contract manufacturer for its 28nm chips.
Production of smartphones based on the Snapdragon S4 chip will likely slow down with the shortage, effecting handsets like the HTC One X, HTC Evo 4G LTE, and could lead to a rocky start for the Samsung Galaxy S3.
After Qualcomm warned of chip shortages back in April, rumors started circulating that the Snapdragon S4-based Asus PadPhone will likely see a delay.
Last week, Qualcomm announced plans to launch four new lines of Snapdragon S4 chips, expanding its reach to HDTVs, notebooks and tablets. The firm hasn't commented on how the extended chip shortage will muddle those plans.
Qualcomm chairman Paul Jacobs tried to put up an optimistic front to the news, telling Reuters, "The goal is to get enough supply for everyone."
A lofty goal, to be sure, but with matters seemingly out of Qualcomm's control, the firm will likely have to seek out a new contract chip maker if there is any hope of achieving it.
http://www.techradar.com/news/computing-...13-1084987