Two-day event in conjunction with NMI to explore future semiconductor technology demands

Edinburgh, UK, 21st February 2008 – Wolfson Microelectronics, is both Platinum Sponsor and host to the National Microelectronics Institute (NMI) annual Failure Analysis, Characterisation and Reliability (FACR) conference at its offices in Edinburgh on 5th and 6th March 2008.

Building on previous events, this year’s conference has been extended to two days and includes a networking dinner, a half-day tutorial and table top exhibition from key service providers to complement the proceedings. The first day of the conference discusses the requirements and techniques necessary to support the increasing number of technology choices on offer and is headlined ‘Failure analysis: the challenges of technology diversity and evolution’. The second day, ‘Quality options: Dealing with advanced nodes, products and applications’ deals with quality strategy with specific emphasis on test, characterisation and failure analysis - this session includes a half-day tutorial by Professor Andrew Richardson of Lancaster University on design-for-test (DfT).

John Moor, Director of Marketing at NMI comments: “Upholding quality standards is a mandatory requirement to successfully compete in semiconductor markets. The diversity and increasing complexity of integrated circuits create many challenges for companies, whilst the emergence of new markets, the evolution of technologies, new customer requirements and the expected cost reductions challenge the status quo. The annual FACR meeting is an enormously beneficial event that helps our members address their concerns in this area and we are excited to work with Wolfson to find solutions.”

Natalie Beal, V.P. of Quality at Wolfson comments: “We’re delighted to be hosting NMI’s annual FACR conference. The demands on the quality and reliability of today’s microelectronics products require robust best practice methodology, advanced and breakthrough techniques and a cohesive service supply chain, aligned with the business needs. This meeting will focus on the technical challenges from both the supplier and user perspective and examine industry’s readiness to face future technology demands.”

Event:   Failure Analysis, Characterisation and Reliability 
Date:    5th & 6th March 2008 
Venue: Building 2, Wolfson Microelectronics, Westfield House, 26 Westfield Road, Edinburgh 

For more information: http://www.nmi.org.uk/events/FACR2008_05032008.htm
Cost: Tickets are free to NMI members and invited guests


About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a leading global provider of high performance, mixed signal semiconductors to the consumer electronics market.

Wolfson is known for its high performance audio and ultra low power consumption, its devices are at the heart of many high profile consumer electronics products, including mobile phones, mp3 players, flat panel TVs and in-car infotainment systems. Wolfson technology enables exciting new end-user experiences by connecting the digital world to the human senses.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Wolfson has sales and engineering offices in the USA, Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and India.

Wolfson Microelectronics plc is listed on the London stock exchange. (LSE: WLF.L)

For more information about Wolfson Microelectronics, please visit:
www.wolfsonmicro.com
or sign up for Wolfson eNews at: www.wolfsonmicro.com/enews

About NMI
The National Microelectronics Institute is the semiconductor trade body of the UK and Ireland. NMI’s mission is to build and support a strong semiconductor community and act as both facilitator and catalyst for sector development. NMI is a not-for-profit organisation funded by its members and includes fabless semiconductor manufacturers, intellectual property providers, contract design services, integrated device manufacturers, semiconductor foundries, vendors, service providers, research and academic institutions.


Key work streams include:
- Encouraging innovation, communication and business collaboration through sector networks
- Supply chain efficiencies through benchmarking and best practice
- Information provision
- Representation to government, policy makers and regulators
- Skills development, education and training


Contacts
Anne Connolly
Wolfson Microelectronics plc 
Tel: +44 (0) 131 272 7000
Email: anne.connolly@wolfsonmicro.com

Chris King 
EML
Tel: +44 (0) 208 408 8000
Email: wolfson@eml.com