Jim Feldhan Identifies Key Markets for TSV Applications

Phoenix, Arizona December 13, 2011 - Today at the 3-D Architectures for Semiconductor Integration and Packaging event in Burlingame, CA, Jim Feldhan, President, Semico Research Corp. addressed the end market applications that are driving 3-D semiconductor packaging. Even as the semiconductor industry suffers from a slowdown, innovators continue to develop 3-D packaging options.

The macroeconomic conditions remain weak:
• Consumer spending is sluggish due to continued political and economic instability.
• Automotive is seeing a pickup in sales, but recovery is slow.
• Industrials are suffering from slowing orders.
• In the short term, there's no positive catalyst to change the economic stagnation.
It is no surprise therefore that Semico's 2011 revenue forecast is up only 0.34% over 2010.

With 2011 performing so slowly, we must look towards 2012 and what technologies will drive growth. 3-D technology is in the early adopter phase, and according to Mr. Feldhan, server memory, routers, base stations, and switching equipment will be the first markets to use 3-D packaging for increased performance and functionality. Growth will explode from 2015 - 2016, when 3D is expected to move to smartphones.

And keep in mind - 2.5D is not a stepping stone to 3D, it addresses the needs of certain applications.

So why look to 3D packaging for the future?
- Wider data buses memory and logic
- Faster system performance
- Higher system density
- Lower power consumption
- Lower latency
- Fast ROI from a Data Center perspective

3D Packaging is one of those exciting technologies still in infancy with high growth ahead of it. If you'd like to learn more about Semico's 3D research, contact Jim Feldhan at 602-997-0337 or jfeldhan@semico.com.

About Semico
We are a semiconductor marketing & consulting research company located in Phoenix, Arizona. Semico was founded in 1994 by a group of semiconductor industry experts. We have improved the validity of semiconductor product forecasts via technology roadmaps in end-use markets. Semico offers custom consulting, portfolio packages, individual market research studies and premier industry conferences.