Component Trends: Some Memory Allocation

Memory components continue to be the most volatile segment in the supply chain in October, according to Avnet’s most recent Market & Technology Trends report. Similar to prior months, both memory prices and lead times continue to increase. Across the market, overall memory availability is running 6 weeks to allocation, according to Avnet.

DDR-3 SDRAM is on allocation, the distributor reports. I DDR-3 remains the design sweet spot from 1 to 4 Gb. Prevailing support is for the DDR3L / 1.35 V option which retains 1.5 V compatibility. Allocation and delivery constraints will continue, according to Avnet, and suppliers recommend 90 days of backlog should be in place.

Mobile or LP DRAM are also on allocation. ILPDDR and LPDDR2 are in strong demand, so vendors are increasing production on LPDDR2 products, Avnet reports. Buyers should expect seasonal demand to increase in the second half of 2014. LPDDR2 parts should be chosen carefully, according to the distributor, as not all configurations and packages are well supported. For example, support for LPDDR2 with industrial temperature range is limited and designers should exercise caution. Additionally, Micron is exiting lower density LP-SDRAM devices, but buyers can look to ISSI for replacements.

Avnet notes some trends in emerging memory markets: MRAM, FRAM and NVSRAM are niche or emerging non-volatile memory types, as NAND and NOR don’t meet all application needs. NVRAM is a non-volatile SRAM for high speed storage. Following Cypress' acquisition of Ramtron, Avnet has access to all Cypress FRAM products.

Prices for discrete and logic components also increased in October; however, Avnet reports leading suppliers of these products are ramping up capacity.

Although there are no extreme swings in the IP&E market, Avnet is reporting that some relays are on allocation. Overall, lead times have extended to 12 to 20 weeks. Demand continues to grow for smaller, higher current relays such as smaller sized PCB-mount types for use in automotive applications. Solid-state relays continue to outgrow EMR relays, the distributor said.

Although pricing and lead time trends in aluminum capacitors continue to be stable, Avnet is warning for some manufacturers, the capacity for SMT 'lytics has been maxed out due to very high demand. However, there are multiple manufacturers building aluminums and lead times can vary. Standard lead times are 12-18 weeks, although some manufacturers may extend out as far as 28 weeks, which may include 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.