Qualcomm appears to have found a solution to its Snapdragon S4 chipset supply issue. With Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) unable to meet demand until 2013, it has reached out to Samsung and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) to manufacture additional 28nm chipsets for it.
According to the Taiwan Economic News, UMC will manufacture some 3,000 to 5,000 wafers a month, amounting to between 20 and 30% of TSMC’s volume. Production is set to start in the fourth quarter.
The report adds that Samsung has also been contracted as an additional manufacturer. No details were given about this deal though.
Despite adding these two new partners, Snapdragon S4 are likely to remain in tight supply for now as both partners will need time to ramp up production. Demand is also likely to increase later in the year with the launch of new Windows Phone devices. Snapdragon S4 chipsets could also make their way into some upcoming Windows RT tablets.
Qualcomm has not confirmed the report.
Read more: Taiwan Economic News