Apple has approached Siliconware Precision Industries Co Ltd (SPIL) about becoming a supplier of system-in-package (SiP) technology for the Apple Watch and for fingerprint recognition chips, an online media source based in Taiwan, according to United Daily News, an online media source base din Taiwan.
SPIL focuses on semiconductor packaging and testing services for personal computers, communications, consumer integrated circuits markets. SiP involves a number of integrated circuits enclosed in a single package. It performs all or most of the functions of an electronic system, and is typically used inside a mobile phone, digital music player, and the like.
The SiP inside the Apple Watch is the Apple S1. It includes a custom ARM processor, RAM, storage, NFC radio controller, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module, touchscreen controllers and other components.
Citing unnamed sources, United Daily News (as noted by BrightWire.com, a global investment newswire) says Apple has also asked SPIL to evaluate production capacity and to prepare to take orders for the packaging of A10 chip (the next generation of Apple’s custom A-series chips). Te sources also said that Hon Hai and SPIL’s share exchange and strategic alliance were forged by Apple, which is eager to diversify away from a single supplier. Currently, ASE is Apple’s major SiP supplier.
