3D sensing component demand set to boom
Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) component demand for 3D sensing modules is set to boom in 2019 and 2020, as more non-Apple smartphone vendors will be adopting the solutions in their devices, according to industry sources.
Apple's adoption of VCSEL-based 3D sensing modules in its new iPhone series is expected to prompt other smartphone vendors to follow suit, the sources indicated. Suppliers of VCSEL components are generally optimistic about demand coming from the Android camp, as well as demand for other applications, the sources said.
Win Semiconductors, for example, has seen its US-based clients get involved in the development of VCSEL-based 3D sensing devices for non-smartphone devices, the sources continued. The pure-play gallium arsenide (GaAs) foundry has reportedly cut into the supply chain for the most recent iPhones by providing Lumemtum VCSEL components for 3D sensing modules.
Win Semi has declined to comment on the report.
In other news, Win Semi reported consolidated revenues of NT$1.32 billion (US$42.6 million) for September 2018, down 2.3% sequentially and 18.2% on year. Revenues totaled NT$4.06 billion for the third quarter of 2018, down 11.2% on quarter and 7.7% from a year earlier. However, the company saw its cumulative 2018 revenues through September increase nearly 14% from a year ago to NT$13.09 billion.