Increase in Q2-2011 silicon wafer shipments

SAN JOSE, USA: Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments increased five percent during the second quarter 2011 when compared to first quarter 2011 area shipments according to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry.

Total silicon wafer area shipments were 2,392 million square inches during the most recent quarter, a five percent increase from the 2,287 million square inches shipped during the previous quarter. New quarterly total area shipments are one percent greater than second quarter 2010 shipments.

"Silicon shipments increased during the most recent quarter,” said Dr. Volker Braetsch, chairman of SEMI SMG and corporate vice president of Siltronic AG. “It is notable how well silicon suppliers were able to support the overall semiconductor industry in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami in Japan.”

Silicon wafers are the fundamental building material for semiconductors, which in turn, are vital components of virtually all electronics goods, including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer electronics. The highly engineered thin round disks are produced in various diameters (from one inch to 12 inches) and serve as the substrate material on which most semiconductor devices or "chips" are fabricated.