MicroProbe Named Top Supplier of Advanced Non-Memory Probe Cards Worldwide by VLSIresearch

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - May 3, 2012) - MicroProbe today was named as the top supplier of advanced non-memory [system-on-chip] probe cards for 2011 by leading market research firm, VLSIresearch. In the annual survey of semiconductor probe card suppliers, MicroProbe also retained its position as the fourth largest player in the combined group of memory and non-memory vendors. With a year-over-year revenue gain of 47 percent, the company stands out again as the fastest growing supplier among the top-five probe card vendors. The growth helped widen MicroProbe's lead over its nearest advanced non-memory competitor by almost 70 percent, further solidifying the company's top position in the fastest-growing segment of the probe card space.

According to VLSIresearch's report titled "The Probe Card Market - 2011 Survey Results and Forecast Update," worldwide sales of semiconductor probe cards grew by 17 percent last year to exceed $1.2 billion. The trajectory for advanced non-memory probe cards was steeper. Sales in this emerging category soared by 32 percent in 2011, and are projected to surpass $500 million by 2015. The next wave of smart phones and tablets is likely to drive demand for system-on-chip [SoC] devices even higher -- a trend that bodes well for suppliers of advanced non-memory probe cards like MicroProbe.

CEO Mike Slessor attributes MicroProbe's continued growth to accelerating consumer demand for new user experiences from mobile devices. "This means the computation and power-optimization performance in mobile SoCs have never been higher -- even while consumer markets demand relentless cost reductions. With their rigorous new test requirements, such feature-rich, cost-sensitive SoCs have turned probe cards from a simple product into a key enabler of today's consumer mobile world. Consequently, our probe card solutions have become an integral part of our customers' value chain. We're pleased to see the market momentum reflected in VLSIresearch's respected survey," said Slessor.

"2011 was another strong year for MicroProbe so it's no surprise to see them land again in the top-five vendor list," said Risto Puhakka, President at VLSIresearch. "The rapid emergence and growth of mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and now Ultrabooks, has placed great demands for the supply chains of these devices. MicroProbe has been quick to anticipate and adapt to the rigors of testing today's mobile ICs. As a result, they're one of a select few vendors with the capabilities, technology, cost points and global support to serve that growing market."

About MicroProbe
MicroProbe is the world's number one provider of advanced system-on-chip (SoC) 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 VLSIresearch
VLSIresearch 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. VLSIresearch's primary databases and reports cover the semiconductor, flat panel display, PV cell and module manufacturing, and associated high technology industries. VLSIresearch was founded in 1976. The VLSIresearch report, "The Probe Card Market - 2011 Survey Results & Forecast Update" is available now at www.vlsiresearch.com.