Market Analysis of Popular Analog and Power ICs: Which Models Remain in Short Supply?
In 2024 and continuing into 2025, the global electronic component supply chain is undergoing a complex transformation. While certain areas such as general-purpose logic ICs have seen a normalization in lead times and pricing, analog and power management integrated circuits (ICs) remain hot commodities. For procurement professionals and electronics manufacturers, understanding the dynamics behind these shortages is critical for planning and risk mitigation.
Why Are Analog and Power ICs Still in Short Supply?
Unlike digital ICs, analog and power devices are typically produced on mature process nodes — such as 180nm or even 350nm — which are manufactured in older fabs. While these nodes are less glamorous than the cutting-edge technologies used for CPUs or memory chips, they are essential for automotive systems, industrial automation, medical devices, and consumer electronics. However, since fewer foundries are investing in expanding capacity at these legacy nodes, production remains constrained despite soaring demand.
Furthermore, analog and power ICs often have longer development and validation cycles, especially in high-reliability industries like automotive and aerospace. This makes design-switching more challenging and discourages customers from rapidly adopting alternative components, even when shortages occur.
Popular IC Families Facing Ongoing Constraints
Based on current procurement trends and distributor-level data, the following categories of analog and power ICs remain under pressure:
1. Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps)
Key parts from Texas Instruments (e.g., TLV9002, LM324 series), Analog Devices (ADA4077, AD8605), and STMicroelectronics continue to face intermittent shortages, particularly those qualified for automotive and industrial use. Multi-channel op-amps with low offset voltage and low power consumption are especially affected due to their widespread application.
2. Low Dropout Regulators (LDOs)
The demand for efficient power supply design in battery-powered devices keeps LDOs in high demand. ICs like the MIC5365 (Microchip), TPS7A47 (TI), and LD39020 (STMicro) are examples where lead times have remained lengthy, sometimes exceeding 30 weeks.
3. DC-DC Converters
Highly integrated switching regulators, such as buck or boost converters, are another pain point. Notably, parts like TI’s TPS62125, MPS MP1584, and ON Semiconductor’s NCP3065 continue to be on allocation. Design engineers value these parts for their compactness and ease of use, leading to consistent design wins and limited second-sourcing options.
4. Battery Management ICs
With the proliferation of wearable devices, EVs, and portable tools, battery fuel gauge ICs and battery protection ICs are experiencing strong demand. Products such as BQ40Z50 (TI), MAX17055 (Analog Devices/Maxim), and S-8254A (ABLIC) are commonly reported as difficult to source.
5. Gate Drivers and Power MOSFET Controllers
These ICs are essential for powertrain electrification and motor control systems. Devices like IR2101 (Infineon), FAN7393 (onsemi), and DRV8701 (TI) often suffer from extended lead times and fluctuating availability.
Supply Chain Factors at Play
Several macro factors continue to shape this landscape:
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Geopolitical tensions: Trade restrictions on China and Taiwan have led to supply chain bifurcation and hoarding behavior.
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Fab prioritization: Major foundries like TSMC and GlobalFoundries prioritize newer-node production due to higher margins, further squeezing legacy node output.
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Automotive rebound: As car production ramps up post-COVID, demand for AEC-Q100-qualified analog ICs has surged, stretching the already limited supply.
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Decentralized inventory: OEMs and EMS providers increasingly bypass traditional distributors and engage in direct purchasing or consignment deals, which distorts visibility.
What Can Procurement Professionals Do?
Proactive sourcing strategies are essential to navigate these challenges:
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Diversify the BOM early: Even small changes in specification tolerance can open doors to second-source components.
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Collaborate with distributors: Build strategic partnerships with authorized distributors that offer demand forecasting, bonded inventory, and allocation programs, like ICHOME.
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Consider pre-owned or excess inventory: Certified excess component marketplaces can sometimes fill gaps, but quality control must be prioritized.
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Engage with manufacturers: Long-term supply agreements or NCNR (non-cancelable, non-returnable) orders can help secure pipeline access to key parts.
Conclusion
While memory and microcontroller markets have started to stabilize, analog and power ICs remain in an extended cycle of tight supply, driven by structural capacity limits and long product life cycles. For component buyers and design engineers, staying updated on availability trends, investing in design flexibility, and leveraging trusted distributor relationships are vital to weather this prolonged supply challenge.
