Macronix International Company (MXIC) expects the growth in outsourcing of its Mask ROM production will help an observed tight NOR flash supply.

Executives from Macronix indicated that a subcontractor started producing Mask ROM from August. Macronix expects the outsourced amount will be several thousand wafers per month in the third quarter and will ramp up to 10,000-1,500 wafers in the fourth quarter. The subcontractor is producing on 0.11-micron. Macronix itself has already completed development of 512Mb and 1Gb chips on 75nm.

As NOR flash capacity has been suppressed by Mask ROM production before, growing output by subcontracting may also help ease capacity for NOR flash. Mainstream technology nodes for NOR flash production is 0.13- and 0.15-micron while 0.11-micron development is still underway.

Macronix guides that shipments will grow by 15-20% on quarter in the third quarter and average selling prices (ASPs) are also expected to grow by 5% during the period. Gross margin is expected to rise to 38-40% with overall utilization rate staying above 95%.

By: DocMemory
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