Welcome to the 'fab-tight' era, says Penn

Peter Clarke, EETimes
12/15/2010 8:24 AM EST

LONDON – Something has changed in the psyche of semiconductor manufacturers according to Malcolm Penn, founder and principal analyst with Future Horizons. They are no longer building wafer fabs in anticipation of demand. "Forget fab-lite, welcome to the fab-tight era," said Penn speaking at a one-day presentation on his forecast for 2011.

Penn presented what may seem like a relatively modest 6 percent growth figure for the chip market in 2011 but he feels that situation has changed. That change will drive good news for the foundries - and not so good news for everyone further down the supply chain.

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