Samsung recalls SD cards due to defective controller IC

Samsung Electronics recalled a batch of secure digital (SD) cards from downstream packaging and testing houses due to defective controller IC, according to a Digitimes report. Market sources said that Samsung uses its own controller ICs for its SD cards.

The company started supplying SD cards in finished goods form to memory module makers from December 2006. Samsung admitted it recalled the SD cards but denied using its own controller IC, the report said.

The report also stated that Samsung has not ramped its production of controller ICs in volume; however, once shipments of SD cards grow significantly, the company will secure controller ICs from its in-house business. While this may pose a threat at Taiwan IC design players, sources said that with the South Korean company facing the challenge of defective controller ICs, Taiwan design houses can expect orders to return to them.