Taiwan-based LCD driver IC makers, including Himax Technologies, Sitronix Technology and ILI Technology, have begun small-volume shipments of touch panel controller ICs targeting medium-size flat panels, according to industry sources.

Himax is shipping its capacitive touch controllers for use in 7-inch touch panels by Taiwan-based makers with its shipments to expand significantly in the first quarter of 2011, the sources noted.

Additionally, Himax indicated that it has delivered its controller chips for small-size touch panels to clients for verification.

Sitronix is rolling out 3.5-3.8-inch projected capacitive touch panel controllers for smartphone applications, as well as multi-touch controllers for 10.1-inch tablet PCs and 20-inch all-in-one PCs.

Ilitek currently focuses on small-size touch panel controllers targeting the handset sector in China.