"... Philadelphia Semiconductor Sector Index has performed so poorly, that the stocks in the sector could be poised for an uptick..."

National Semiconductor Corporation today introduced the first product in a new line of Boomer Class D audio amplifiers with integrated converter technology that eliminates the need for an external boost converter.

Xilinx is claiming its SXT platform allows performance of 352GMACs at 550MHz, while consuming 35 percent less dynamic power as compared to previous 90nm generation devices, and is the first DSP-optimized FPGA family to integrate serial transceivers.

Traditionally, security in handsets has been handled in software and the baseband processor, which are inherently vulnerable to system attacks. By providing security in the same physical package as the memory, Spansion offers stronger protection...

"...the company trims its guidance because of sluggish shipments to distributors...expects its third fiscal quarter revenues would fall by 14-15%..."

"...prices of NAND tumbling by a whopping 65% and prompting whispers that this once high-margin technology could soon become a nearly free commodity... after a banner year in 2005, NAND manufacturers last year saw worldwide product ASPs drop..."

"...PSC noted that a further 20,000 12” wafers expansion in Fab 12M are planned for the first half...."

"... plans to invest 350 billion yen ($2.9 billion) to more than triple its output capacity for advanced 300-millimetre wafers by 2010, triple its output capacity for advanced 300-millimetre wafers by 2010..."

The Austin, Texas, chipmaker's 4Q revenue was $1.62 billion, at the high end of its guided range of $1.54 billion and $1.62 billion.

The company said Jason Chiang, vice president and special assistant to the chief executive officer, will assume additional responsibilities of CFO until a successor is named.

Zoran said sales dropped 12 percent to $96.3 million from $109.3 million in the prior-year period. Analysts, on average, were looking for sales of $99.7 million, according to a poll by Thomson Financial.

Spansion reported a larger-than-expected loss for 4Q, as slackening demand for midrange cell phones weighed down its profit margins, but it said it will outgrow the market in 2007...