Image Source: Prosoundnetwork.com
On October 20, 2020, Suntsu Electronics, Inc. was notified of a semiconductor factory fire at AKM’s Nobeoka, Japan plant. AKM produces IC’s for many TCXO products utilized by all major Frequency Control device manufacturers across the globe [1] [2].
The full impact of this fire is not currently known, but initial estimates put the AKM factory back online in 6-9 months [3]. Many Frequency Control suppliers are not taking orders on TCXO’s, and customers are facing critical line stoppages and supply gap outs. To name a few, we have heard from customers having trouble with Epson, KDS, and NDK products.
Suntsu has multiple solutions available for anyone impacted by the AKM fire:
CMOS TCXO
If you are using a CMOS TCXO, we have NO interruption to supply and are currently supporting products with 8-week lead times.
Clipped Sine Wave TCXO
If you are using Clipped Sine Wave TCXO’s we have a solution with NO interruption to the supply chain and 8-week lead times. Our solution is a digital compensation TCXO and is available in 3.2×2.5mm and larger packages.
TCXO in a GPS Application
If you are using a TCXO in a GPS application, we have a solution that requires some light engineering re-design but can have you up and running at a lower total cost than your current solution.
Update: The AKM Nobeoka fire (October 2020) triggered a multi-year TCXO shortage. AKM rebuilt over the following ~18 months, and the market recovered by late 2022 as AKM restored capacity and suppliers like Epson expanded in-house IC production.
References
[1] Converge. “Supply Chain Disruption News: AKM Factory Fire” Available at: https://www.converge.com/resources/news/supply-chain-disruption-news-akm-factory-fire/
[2] Rutronik. “Quartz Crystals, Oscillators, and Real-Time Clocks – Delivery Capability Thanks to own Quartz Crystal Production” Available at: https://www.rutronik.com/article/quartz-crystals-oscillators-and-real-time-clocks-delivery-capability-thanks-to-own-quartz-crystal-production
[3] SiliconExpert. “AKM Factory Fire Delays Expected” Available at: https://www.siliconexpert.com/blog/akm-factory-fire-delays-expected/