Powertech Technology (PTI), Walton Advanced Engineering (WAE) and Thailin Semiconductor are all expected to see a strong March, as the memory backend service providers have landed strong DDR3 memory testing orders for the month.

With the industry's transition to DDR3 speeding up, testing capacity has tightened, said the sources. PTI has seen order visibility extend to June-July, while Walton's current orders will keep its production lines running through April, the sources indicated.

Suppliers also face longer lead times for the delivery of high-speed testers for DDR3 memory, according to the sources. Lead time for high-speed testers has extended to 12 weeks from the previous 6-8 weeks.

PTI has revealed DDR3 will account for over 60% of its total DRAM chip shipments in March, compared to the present level of 50%. The company said at its most recent investors conference that revenues for the first quarter of 2010 may reach between the levels in the third and fourth quarters of 2009.

Market watchers have estimated PTI is likely to generate record consolidated revenues of NT$2.9-3 billion (US$91-94 million) in March, thanks to contributions from its China-based facility in Suzhou.

Walton has said DDR3 memory exceeded 30% of its overall DRAM shipments in January and February. The proportion will continue to climb and reach 35% in March.

Walton expects March revenues to remain similar to the NT$550 million booked in January, when it saw growth both sequentially and on year, according to the company. Monthly revenues may top NT$600 million in the second quarter, when it finishes installing new equipment.

Thailin, whose major DRAM customers include Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC), said it expects to see DDR3 account for 15% of its total DRAM sales in March.

By: DocMemory
Copyright © 2023 CST, Inc. All Rights Reserved