There may be a shortage in NOR flash supply throughout 2010, according to Fu Chiang-Sung, general manager of IC distributor Professional Computer Technology (PCT).

Orders for NOR flash products have increased significantly driven by notebook sales, tightening the supply but also helping to stabilize the average selling prices (ASPs) in 2010, Fu indicated.

PCT has estimated a 5-10% sequential growth in its first-quarter revenues on strong NOR flash demand. The company currently has an inventory turnover of 2-3 weeks.

NOR flash products accounted for 55% of PCT's total revenues in 2009. Of the NOR flash revenues, 40% came from Silicon Storage Technology (SST)'s 32Mb and below applications for the notebook and PC markets; 55% from Bluetooth and MP3 player products; and 5% from handset applications, according to the company.

Fu added that supply of 4Mb products has also been tightened by the increase of LCD TV demand from China.