4G devices are still a prime priority in many countries even as 5G is picking up steam. And as if the existing problems weren’t enough, a new report says the 4G, 5G SoCs. And its components are facing a shortage in supply.
Digitimes report says that according to a few IC distribution sources, there is a good deal of demand for 4G, and 5G SoCs. This is a no-brainer but sources say that their supply is facing a shortage. One of the reasons is reportedly the shortage of PA components for both 4G and 5G models. Here, PA refers to Power Amplifiers that filters, amplifies network frequency while selecting a home network(local).
Also, as per the report, the main reason for the shortage of 4G SoCs is due to Huawei’s heavy stockpiling of IC components. The company had to do it in order to evade an impending shortage it could face after the reinforced restrictions of the US that took effect from September 15. The report adds that PA components are frequently present on IoT devices these days apart from Smartphones.
As a result, IDMs(Integrated Device Manufacturers) including Skyworks have extended the delivery time of FR. And PA components to 8-12 weeks. For the unware, Skyworks(Skywork Solutions Inc.,) is a US-based semiconductor company. It manufactures RF(Radio Frequency), and mobile communication systems. Coming back, if the report is true, the squeeze on supply will relax before 2020 ends.
However, despite a steady demand from China, the procurement figures of 5G SoCs will largely depend on the sale of 5G devices in the upcoming Double Eleven festival. And New Year Holidays in China. This is understandable considering 5G devices are wildly popular in China. And its 5G deployment is ahead of the rest of the world.
Although the IC distributors will have to adjust the inventories as per the fluctuating demand, they will reportedly flourish in Logic. And Analog IC shipments including memory chips for desktop and notebooks(laptops) as work from home situation still exists.
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