Fingerprint recognition will continue to be a major feature for smartphones next year, with optical and ultrasonic in-display sensors to be two main options for device vendors. Taiwan-based Goodix Technology is set to ramp up shipments for optical in-display fingerprint sensors and has reserved capacity support from TSMC. Facial recognition is another option. AMS, known for its sensors for smartphones' 3D facial recognition, believes that in the 5G era, non-mass market applications such as those for automotive, industrial and healthcare, will also provide significant opportunities for sensors. And 5G-driven demand for devices will also fuel growth for the upstream sectors, such as IC substrate suppliers. Taiwan-based IC substrate makers have already seen order visibility extend to 2020, and have stepped up capacity expansion.
Goodix to ramp up optical in-display fingerprint sensor shipments in 2020: Goodix Technology is set to ramp up shipments of its optical in-display fingerprint sensors in 2020, and has reportedly reserved sufficient 8-inch fab capacity from TSMC, according to industry sources.
AMS puts increased focus on non-mass market applications: Austrian sensor chipmaker AMS will move to enhance its focus on non-mass market applications including automotive, industrial and healthcare, according to Daniel Lee, country manager for Taiwan at AMS.
IC substrate suppliers see clear order visibility stretch into 2020: Taiwan-based IC substrate makers including Unimicron Technology, Nan Ya PCB and Kinsus Interconnect Technology have seen their shipments ramp up in most of fourth-quarter 2019 with clear order visibility extending into 2020, and they are stepping up capacity expansions to meet growing demand driven by 5G and IoT applications, according to industry sources.