VIA Labs has obtained certification for its USB 3.0 Host controller IC from USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum), the third Taiwan-based IC design house to obtain the certification next to ASMedia Technology and Etron Technology, according to industry sources in Taiwan.
VIA Labs' certification is for 4-port Host controller ICs, while the other two Taiwan-based fellow companies had 2-port models passing USB-IF certification, the sources indicated. Since the mainstream architecture for PCs is expected to shift from two ports in 2011 to four ports in 2012, VIA Labs has been poised for the market potential in 2012, the sources pointed out.
VIA Labs has already tapped the China market, and obtaining USB 3.0 Host certification will reinforce its marketing strength there.
Taiwan-based makers of USB 3.0 Host controller ICs have so far obtained orders from motherboard vendors, while Japan-based Renesas Electronics has dominated the market segment for use in notebook and tablet PCs, the sources pointed out.