Leading mobile processor manufacturer Qualcomm Inc., has engaged South Korean mobile phone manufacturer Samsung to supply it with 28nm process chips for its new Snapdragon S4 processors, according to a report by China Economic News Service.

Qualcomm Inc. has also reached out to Taiwanese semiconductor company United Microelectronics Corporation in a bid to fill the supply gap of 28nm chips for Snapdragon S4 processors. The processor is in heavy demand these days, thanks to an exponential increase in sales and manufacturing of smartphones all across the world.

CNES reports:

According to Qualcomm Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Paul Jacobs, 28nm process shortage will remain lingering because of excessive demands and low supply triggered by complicated technology involved.

Qualcomm currently sources the 28mn process capacity from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). It is reported that due to supply constraints from TSMC, around 20-30% volume will now be sourced from UMC and production will begin later this year. However, Qualcomm’s contract details regarding Samsung remain undisclosed.

The demand for the S4 processors is so high that Jacobs did not even rule out the possibility of Qualcomm setting up its own manufactory to offset the limited supply of 28nm chips. One of the most recent smartphones using the new Snapdragon S4 processor includes – HTC One XL 4G.

Source: CENS via EETimes | GSMArena