SMYRNA, GA – UP Media Group today announced the addition of three leading suppliers as exhibitors for the third annual Virtual PCB, the industry’s only virtual trade show and conference for the PCB design, fabrication and assembly markets. The two-day worldwide event takes place March 2-4, 2010.

Top electronics design automation suppliers Altium Ltd. and EMA Design Automation have signed on for the event. Also exhibiting is Kyzen Corp., a leading supplier of cleaning products for SMT and semiconductor manufacturing.

A fully interactive, Web-based event, Virtual PCB (www.virtual-pcb.com) incorporates all the critical features of a live event, while allowing PCB design, fabrication and assembly equipment and materials buyers and sellers to interact online. Virtual PCB is supported by a proven software platform (provided by INEXPO), and will be accessible on-demand for two months beyond the two-day live event.

Features of the upcoming virtual event include custom exhibit booths, live attendee-attendee and attendee-exhibitor communication, live and on-demand equipment demonstrations, real-time technical presentations, open “chats” moderated by industry experts, and much more.

“We are thrilled to have these industry leaders as exhibitors,” said UP Media Group president Pete Waddell. “Even more telling, Altium and Kyzen are repeat exhibitors, demonstrating the value and return-on-investment of Virtual PCB.”

For more information about Virtual PCB, visit www.virtual-pcb.com or contact Alyson Skarbek at askarbek@upmediagroup.com.

SAN JOSE – The Semiconductor Industry Association today urged confirmation of Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke to a second term.

“Chairman Bernanke has exercised prudent stewardship during a time of severe economic turmoil,” said SIA president George Scalise, in a statement. “Throughout his tenure at the Fed, Chairman Bernanke has recognized the important role of America’s high-tech industries – and especially of the semiconductor industry – in driving economic growth and enhancing the productivity of American workers.

“Understanding the vital role of technology in the US economy is critical in shaping economic and fiscal policies that promote job growth and attract investment in research and capital-intensive industries. We urge the Senate to confirm Chairman Bernanke’s nomination.”

MUNICH – Siemens today reported its electronics assembly business’ fiscal first-quarter losses narrowed to €14 million from €27 million a year ago.