Taiwan-based LCD driver IC designers Novatek Microelectronics, Himax Technologies, Orise Technology, Sitronix Technology and ILI Technology are all expected to see sequential revenue growth in the first quarter on strong demand from the China market, according to market sources. Supply of large-size driver ICs is especially tight, the sources added.

Sales during the Lunar New Year holidays in China grew compared to the same period of 2009, with the consumer electronics and telecommunication segments seeing the strongest growth, the sources said. LCD driver IC makers' revenues in the first quarter are being driven mainly by sales of notebooks, 32- to 46-inch LCD TVs and smartphones, added the sources.