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.

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ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – SonoLab, the applications laboratory division of Sonoscan, has recently developed analytical techniques that bring to 25 the number of acoustically detectable features and characteristics used to separate counterfeit plastic IC packages from genuine packages.

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HOUSTON – BPM Microsystems announced the retirement of Lyman Brown, executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 31. 

Founder Bill White will take over as president and CEO.  He launched the company in 1985 and ran it until 2003.

Brown began his career with BPM Microsystems in June 2003 as director of business development. He was promoted to executive vice president and COO in November the same year.