Silicon Labs芯片，最近为啥缺了？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current shortage and price increase of specific chips from Silicon Labs, particularly in the context of the growing demand in the drone market, while also providing insights into the company's performance and strategic direction in the IoT sector [3][4][30]. Group 1: Chip Shortage and Demand - Several distributors have reported a slight shortage of certain Silicon Labs models, with demand gradually increasing since April 2023, leading to a price increase that stabilized until July [5][15]. - The main focus of this shortage is on the MCU chips used in drone electronic speed controllers (ESC), particularly the EFM8 BB5 and EFM8 BB2 series [5][12]. - The EFM8BB51F16G-C-QFN20R chip's price has doubled from approximately 3 yuan to around 6 yuan [5]. - The shortage is not widespread but concentrated in specific applications, particularly in the drone sector, with expectations for supply to gradually improve by September [13][16]. Group 2: Company Overview and Performance - Silicon Labs, founded in 1996, specializes in low-power wireless connectivity and relies on foundries like TSMC and SMIC for chip production [18]. - The company is projected to generate $584 million in revenue for 2024, with 67% from distribution channels and 33% from direct sales, and 90% of revenue coming from outside the U.S., with 15% from China [18]. - Revenue has declined from over $1 billion in 2022 to $584 million in 2024, with gross margins decreasing from 64.3% in 2022 to 53.4% in 2024 [18][20]. - The company has seen a recovery in performance, with a 90% revenue increase compared to the low point in Q4 2023, driven by improved customer orders and inventory levels [20][21]. Group 3: Strategic Focus on IoT - Silicon Labs has strategically shifted its focus to the IoT market, divesting from its infrastructure and automotive business in 2021 for $2.75 billion, which previously contributed 42.3% of its revenue [25]. - The global IoT chip market is projected to grow significantly, with a forecasted CAGR of 13.5% from 2025 to 2032, indicating a substantial opportunity for Silicon Labs [26][27]. - The company aims to capture a significant share of the $10 billion IoT market, positioning itself for growth in a rapidly expanding sector [25][27].