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Robert LaGuerra states that differing factors around the world are driving this growth for automotive-specific semiconductors. For example, in Europe and Asia, smaller engines are the norm and there is a defined need to match their performance with those of larger displacement engines. To maximize the performance of these smaller engines, advanced engine management technologies including displacement on demand, variable valve timing and direct fuel injection are being aggressively rolled out in these regions.
The same is happening in the U.S., although this is predominantly due to rising fuel costs and CAFE standards. More specifically, new government legislation mandates that automakers must implement advanced airbag safety systems and tire pressure monitoring systems into future car lines.
LaGuerra cautions, "Automotive processors are proliferating, but in some applications adding too many components that are intended to make the car more reliable, may actually reduce reliability." He adds that in some situations, the industry will actually look to simplify things using fewer, heavier-duty processors.
Abstracts of 200-300 words are due to conference coordinator Kristin Nafstad (kristin@smta.org) by March 1. Written papers are not required.
SAN JOSE - Flextronics posted record GAAP net income of $98.7 million, up 361%, for its third quarter. The EMS firm also topped previous records for revenues, reporting sales of $4.3 billion, up 3% over last year.
The company recorded restructuring charges of $30.7 million during the quarter, primarily related to closures and consolidations. Excluding one-time items, net income rose 24% to $116.3 million.
The company reaffirmed previous revenue guidance of $3.8 billion to $4.2 billion for the March quarter, and $4.1 billion to $4.5 billion in the June quarter. The company told analysts that end-markets are solid.
VANCOUVER, Jan. 24 -- Nam Tai Electronics, facing a sharp uptick in orders, will recruit over 1000 more workers this quarter for its manufacturing sites in Shenzhen. The addition will bring the total number of employees to 6,600 by the end of March.
The company has also upgraded its chip on board technology to include gold wire
ball bonding for manufacturing CMOS image sensor modules at megapixel quality. CMOS image
sensor modules are used 3G camera phones
"There is a growing demand for CMOS image sensor modules with better image quality," said Joseph Li, chief executive, in a press release. "With our ongoing advancement of our manufacturing capabilities, we believe that Nam Tai is well positioned to respond to the demand from the fast growing electronic manufacturing industry, especially the optical device area, and to capture more business opportunities arising in this area."
LG Electronics will hold just under 50%, and Nortel will have 50% plus one share.
The venture, temporarily named LG-Nortel Networks, will focus on developing equipment for 3G wireless networks based on W-CDMA technology, according to press reports.
Nortel is the larger shareholder for the purposes of accounting, the companies said.
The EMS maker reported a net income of $132,000 on revenue of $6.5 million a year ago.
In a press release, Barry Gilbert, chairman and CEO, said, "Although
our profit was modest, we have made substantial progress in rebuilding
the Company. Last year we were trying to deal with the loss of
Motorola. We needed to reduce our costs and refocus our sales
activities, and will continue to do so as required. Some of the
programs we have put into place are starting to take hold."
IEC began a lean-manufacturing program late last year and expects gross margins to improve as revenue increases.
Also, Donald Doody has joined the company as vice president of operations. He was formerly with Plexus Corp.
