Traditional, new applications keep sector afloat
Hong Kong’s MOSFET industry will experience continued growth, driven by rising demand from conventional and novel adopters. Orders are steady, mostly from makers of consumer electronic devices. The last includes LCD TVs, gaming consoles, switching power supplies, and portable media and MP3 players. The component carries out mainly DC/DC conversion and signal/load switching for these products.
Mobile phones and networking equipment are another growth catalyst for the category. Mainland China’s nonbranded phone manufacturers may be under heavy pressure from the government but the phones’ popularity locally and in emerging overseas markets ensures steady demand for the transistor. The widespread deployment of 3G networks is likewise giving a boost to MOSFET-outfitted base stations and UPS systems.
The recovery in the computer sector and the emergence of tablet PCs also augur well for companies in the territory. Local assemblers and those in the Greater China region and Southeast Asia are among their customers for models installed on motherboards of computer devices.
The integration of MOSFETs in the driving circuits of energy-efficient lighting equipment is likewise on the rise. The finished products are used in residential, automotive, commercial and industrial applications.
There are about 10 Hong Kong suppliers in the line. Most are trading companies and distributors of transistors and ICs. A few are makers of electronic components that carry out trading for MOSFETs as an additional service. Some overseas suppliers and major brands have engineering and sales offices in the territory to support their customers in the area.
Having been in the industry for more than 20 years, Hong Kong enterprises can provide clients with technical advice in selecting the products that suit their requirements. As the models they offer are mostly the leading brands, suppliers are able to guarantee high quality and competitive prices.
Although there are no major homegrown makers in the line, institutions such as the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology carry out important research on the design of MOSFETs and other silicon devices regularly.
Enterprises offer an array of models to fulfill the requirements of most customers and accompanied by comprehensive data sheets. They can also release high-efficiency, low-voltage or downscaled units to enable product differentiation. Because of the importance of fast delivery time, they keep a stock of the most in-demand variants.
A provider of semiconductor components since 1984, Wing Shing Computer Components Co. (HK) Ltd offers Alpha and Omega power MOSFETs in DIP, SOP, TSOP and other packages. Its selection also includes various transistors and ICs from NXP, Infineon and other makers.
Another veteran in the industry is United Sources Industrial Enterprises, which supplies Intersil and other branded MOSFETs and semiconductors. The company has a warehouse that holds 28,000 types of electronic components.