Microprobe Ranked as Number One Supplier of Advanced Non-Memory Probe Cards Worldwide by VLSI Research

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - May 23, 2011) - In its newest survey of the world's top suppliers of semiconductor probe cards, leading market research firm VLSI Research Inc ranked MicroProbe as the number one supplier of advanced non-memory probe cards. MicroProbe also moved from fifth to fourth place in the overall probe card [memory and non-memory] vendor ranking. Among the top 5 probe card suppliers, MicroProbe stands out as the fastest-growing company by revenue and the only one that has charted successive revenue gains since 2007.

According to the VLSI report "The Probe Card Market - 2010 Market Results & Forecast Update," the semiconductor probe card market grew by 40 percent last year to surpass $1.0 billion. The growth of advanced non-memory probe cards was even higher, clocking in at 59 percent to reach nearly $300 million. The growth in this segment -- MicroProbe's sweet spot -- is being driven by the proliferation of mobile devices and the advanced probe cards required for these applications. VLSI Research expects the pace to continue, with the overall probe card market predicted to reach $1.5 billion by 2015.

MicroProbe CEO Mike Slessor said, "Our multi-year focus on advanced system-on-a-chip (SoC) probe cards has allowed us to solve the key customer technical and economic challenges in this large and fast-growing space, and we're pleased to lead this segment in VLSI Research's respected survey. With the proliferation of consumer mobile devices and the advanced SoC semiconductors powering those devices, the migration from legacy probe cards to our advanced solutions is brisk. The steady adoption of our application-specific vertical MEMS solutions clearly indicates that these products are helping our customers meet their technical challenges, while also lowering their overall cost of test."

"Once again this year, MicroProbe is taking advantage of the growth opportunities with the right product mix," said Risto Puhakka, President at VLSI Research Inc. "The company's 66 percent year-over-year revenue increase substantially out-paced the overall probe card market momentum which says much about the strategy and execution of the team. Plus, they play in the fastest-growing segment of the probe card market which positions them well to maintain the trajectory."

About MicroProbe
MicroProbe is the world's number one provider of advanced non-memory probe cards to global semiconductor manufacturers. The company's products and technologies lower the overall cost of test by delivering higher yield and throughput, and better quality die. Headquartered in California, MicroProbe maintains a network of manufacturing, sales and support operations worldwide. The company is privately held with investors that include Flywheel Ventures, Intel Capital and Gemini Investors. For more information about MicroProbe, please visit the company website at www.microprobe.com.

About VLSI Research Inc
VLSI Research Inc is the leading provider of market research and economic analysis on the technical, business and economic aspects within semiconductor, nanotechnology and related industries. The company is known for its unparalleled accuracy, innovation in market research, and its sharply focused insight into the rapidly changing landscapes of the industries covered. VLSI Research's primary databases and reports cover the semiconductor, flat panel display, PV cell and module manufacturing, and associated high technology industries. VLSI Research was founded in 1976. The VLSI Research report, "The Probe Card Market - 2010 Market Results & Forecast Update," is available now at www.vlsiresearch.com.