MediaTek has launched its next-generation 5G SoC family, Dimensity. The launch made a splash with high-ranking executives from many fellow semiconductor firms, including TSMC and ASE, attending. MediaTek, as one of the biggest IC designers worldwide, clearly has the support of a strong ecosystem. MediaTek says it will extend its 5G solutions to non-handset applications, but many in the semiconductor supply chain are eyeing strong business opportunities from 5G smartphones, which will see explosive shipment growth in the coming years. Meanwhile, the memory market can expect a 10% shortage for NOR flash supply in 2020, plus a price recovery.
MediaTek intros new-gen 5G SoC: MediaTek held a press conference on November 26 to introduce the new generation of its 5G SoC chips, with guests including TSMC VP Lora Ho, a number of high-ranking executives from major backend houses including ASE, SPIL and KYEC, and IC probing specialist CHPT.
Backend firms to gain from strong chip demand for midrange 5G handsets in 2020: As shipments of midrange 5G smartphones are expected to expand significantly in 2020, the resultant strong demand for chipsets will be a major revenue growth driver for Taiwan's backend supply chain, according to industry sources.
NOR flash supply likely to fall short of demand in 2020: The supply of NOR flash memory is likely to fall short of demand in 2020, with the gap estimated at up to 10%, according to industry sources.
