SCOTTSDALE, AZ – IP set-top box unit shipments will surpass 21 million in 2011, up 14% year-over-year, says In-Stat.

Motorola remained the market share leader in 2010, with 21% of the market. North American IP STB unit shipments will increase 48% in 2012, and in 2013, Western Europe will account for 46% of worldwide IP STB revenues, the firm says.

In-Stat cited gains in subscribers by major telecommunications providers and replacement orders. Future demand will likely come from a migration to a server/client architecture, where a primary media gateway/server shares content with client boxes distributed throughout the home.

GLENVIEW, IL -- Illinois Tool Works' Power Systems and Electronics business unit reported year-over-year sales growth of 16% for the three months ended Aug. 31.

STAMFORD, CT — Semiconductor inventories are again on the rise and are headed toward "worrisome" levels," precipitating a correction in late 2011, Gartner warned yesterday.

WATERTOWN, SD – OEM Worldwide today announced a four-year $11 million expansion that could add up to 150 new jobs.

The electronics contract manufacturer has completed its first phase, a 50,000 sq. ft. expansion to its facility here. Future plans include upgrading and replacing the company’s automated printed circuit board assembly equipment.

OEM specializes in high-mix, low-to-medium volume PCB assemblies and higher-level assembly for precision products in medical, communications and industrial applications.

The firm anticipates expanding into military/aerospace and smart grid markets, and will add 150 new jobs.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – After a big 2010, printed circuit board production in the Americas is expected to grow 2.5% in 2011, IPC said.

IPC based its forecast on a sample of 40 North American PCB manufacturers with an aggregate $2.3 billion in total sales, accounting for approximately 55% of the North American market.

Last year, North American rigid PCB sales rose 18%, while flexible PCB sales grew 16%. Production increased 6.9% in North America.

NEW YORK – A new study of nearly 1,200 high-tech companies sheds new light on the likely rationale for big, recently announced deals, including Google’s bid to acquire Motorola Mobility Holdings, AT&T’s offer to acquire T-Mobile USA, and Hewlett-Packard’s potential divestiture of its PC business.

Canton, SD – Contract manufacturer Legacy Electronics has begun production at its 40,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant here.

In June the firm completed Phase 1 of the move from San Clemente, CA, including installation, calibration, and qualification of the Canton electronics component production line.

The firm has openings for manufacturing and test technicians, quality inspectors and rework technicians. Local applicants can send resumes and cover letters to applyinsouthdakota@legacyelectronics.com.

Founded in 1993, Legacy Electronics holds several patents and trademarks, including those for its Canopy chip-stacking process technology, and its Multiple Device Canopy (MDC) for embedded computing and high-density VLP modules.

SAN JOSE – Zero Defects International has acquired a new facility here to meet growing demand for PCB test equipment.

ARLINGTON, VA -- The Consumer Electronics Association issued a statement applauding US President Barack Obama for signing the America Invents Act into law.

STAMFORD, CT -- A leading research firm has lowered its 2011-12 outlook for worldwide semiconductor growth, citing overinventory and slowing demand.

DENVER -- The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has charged two executives of a Denver-based electronics recycling firm with multiple counts of illegal e-waste exportation.

SAN JOSE – The 90-day average bookings at North America-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers fell nearly 35% year-over-year in August amid uncertainties over demand.