Lite-On Semiconductor aims to grow PWM IC sales proportion

Tag : LCD Inverter
Staff reporter, Wuxi; Esther Lam, DIGITIMES [Monday 21 July 2008]

Lite-On Semiconductor aims to increase semiconductor sales at theexpense of CMOS image sensors and compact camera modules (CCMs).Among all semiconductor components, Lite-On anticipates powermanagement (PWM) ICs to become a key sales driver, according tocompany general manager CC Chen.
Sales breakdown by product line in 2008 is expected to besemiconductors 60% and camera-related devices 40%, Chen said.Driven by profitability concerns, Lite-On aims to grow the salescontribution from semiconductors to 80% in three years. Whereas forthe CMOS image sensor and CCM segments, growth is expected to slowdown as these markets are mature and competition is keen, he said.
Among all semiconductor components, Chen noted that Lite-On isoptimistic about PWM ICs. He anticipated sales contribution fromPWM IC production is to grow from approximately NT$330 million(US$10.9 million) as recorded in 2007, to NT$600 million in 2008.He highlighted that sales contribution from opto-electronicscustomers is expected to grow from the present NT$60 million toNT$70-80 million during late 2008. Overall sales contribution fromPWM ICs is set to expand further in 2009, he projected.
In order to further strengthen its R&D power, Chen said Lite-Ondoes not rule out the possibility of consolidating with peers,especially those based in Taiwan. Currently Lite-On has about 30-40engineers in its analog IC R&D team. Chen added that currentlyabout 70% of Lite-On's process nodes were self developed. Thecompany's PWM IC solutions are able to support a maximum voltage of600W.
Chen highlighted that Lite-On is able to provide customers withcomplete PWM IC solutions, especially for LCD inverter powersupplies and LED driver IC combos. In addition to its parentcompany Lite-On Technology, industry sources noted that TPVTechnology (AOC branded products) and Delta Electronics are alsokey customers of Lite-On. Great Wall Computer and Hisense Group arealso engaged in design-in with the company, they added.