SAN DIEGO -- Qualcomm's chief executive won't rule out acquiring a chip fabrication plant or buying up large amounts of electronic components to overcome supply chain inventory problems.

Qualcomm is weighing different business arrangements with its suppliers and would consider “writing big checks,” Paul Jacobs told reporters yesterday.

While allowing that the company would rather buy parts from other vendors, Jacobs said, “If that’s what it took in the future, I wouldn’t say no. ... I wouldn’t rule it out completely.”

Qualcomm has noted ongoing supply constraints from such suppliers as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which are hampering the company's ability to maintain pace with customer orders.