Taiwan-based MCU specialists have enjoyed an influx of short lead-time orders for healthcare applications, mainly ear thermometers, since February, and are ramping up wafer starts at their 8-inch foundry partners, according to industry sources.
The short lead-time orders come mainly from China, the sources noted. Demand for ear thermometers, as well as temperature measuring instruments, and other thermal imaging and temperature-detection equipment, has been rising rapidly amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Taiwan-based MCU suppliers, including Holtek Semiconductor and Sonix Technology, are expected to see their sales pick up substantially starting March or April, with the visibility of orders for healthcare applications being stretched this year, the sources indicated.
Holtek and Sonix are both expected to see their MCU shipments for healthcare applications jump in 2020, when both companies are set to post impressive sales results, the sources said.
As short lead-time orders yield higher gross margins, Holtek, Sonix and other MCU players' profit outlook this year also appears to be optimistic, the sources continued.
