Cohu Announces Orders for New MEMS Microphone Tester

Rhea-AI Summary

Cohu, Inc. announced the selection of its Sense+ system with µ-sense by a leading U.S. fabless semiconductor manufacturer for testing high-fidelity microphones. The company's latest product, the µ-sense tester, provides precision measurements up to 78 dB signal-to-noise-ratio, eliminating the need for anechoic rooms. Cohu's MEMS test solutions cater to the growing MEMS microphone sensor market projected to reach $6.2 billion annually. The integration of µ-sense with Sense+ automation platform enhances accuracy, sensitivity, and high-speed production for testing next-gen microphones.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The announcement by Cohu, Inc. about their Sense+ system with µ-sense being selected by a leading U.S. fabless semiconductor manufacturer is indicative of the company's competitive edge in the MEMS microphone sensor market. This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.5% over the next seven years, which suggests a substantial increase in demand for testing solutions like those offered by Cohu. The ability to test up to 96 devices in parallel with high precision measurements positions Cohu advantageously within the industry, potentially increasing its market share and impacting its financial performance positively.

From a market perspective, the adoption of advanced MEMS sensors in various applications, such as automotive ADAS, consumer wearables, mobile products, industrial automation and IoT, further expands Cohu's addressable market. As manufacturers increase production to meet rising demand, Cohu's testing solutions could become more integral to their operations, leading to a possible increase in sales and recurring revenue for Cohu. This could be reflected in the company's future financial statements, making it an area of interest for investors monitoring the semiconductor equipment sector.

Financial Analyst

Cohu's announcement may have a positive impact on the company's financials, as securing a contract with a leading fabless semiconductor manufacturer for their new product, the µ-sense microphone tester, could lead to an increase in revenue. The integration of this tester with Cohu's Sense+ automation platform can be seen as a strategic move to enhance product offerings and streamline production processes for high-fidelity microphones. This operational efficiency could translate into margin improvements and cost savings for Cohu, as the µ-sense tester eliminates the need for anechoic rooms or chambers, which are typically expensive to build and maintain.

Investors and analysts should monitor Cohu's future earnings reports for increases in revenue and margins that may result from this deal. Additionally, the projected market growth for MEMS microphone sensors presents an opportunity for Cohu to capitalize on a growing market, potentially leading to sustained long-term growth. It will be important to assess how this aligns with Cohu's overall business strategy and the potential for it to contribute to the company's earnings growth over the projected period.

Technology Analyst

The technical implications of Cohu's µ-sense microphone tester are significant for the semiconductor industry. The device's ability to deliver precision measurements up to 78 dB signal-to-noise ratio without requiring anechoic rooms represents a technological advancement in MEMS sensor testing. This innovation not only offers cost savings but also increases throughput, a critical factor in high-volume manufacturing environments.

Moreover, the focus on high-fidelity microphones and high-accuracy combo-sensors reflects the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry, where precision and miniaturization are increasingly important. Cohu's position as a leader in MEMS sensor test solutions could be further solidified by this development, potentially leading to increased R&D investments and partnerships with other semiconductor manufacturers. As the technology progresses, Cohu's capability to adapt and meet the changing needs of the industry will be pivotal in maintaining its competitive advantage.

POWAY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cohu, Inc. (NASDAQ: COHU), a global supplier of equipment and services optimizing semiconductor manufacturing yield and productivity, today announced that a leading U.S. fabless semiconductor manufacturer has selected Sense+ system with µ-sense for testing their next generation high-fidelity microphones.

The µ-sense microphone tester is Cohu’s latest product in our MEMS test solution portfolio, and when combined with the Sense+ automation platform, it delivers state-of-the-art testing of high-fidelity microphones with up to 96 devices under test in parallel. The µ-sense tester provides precision measurements up to 78 dB signal-to-noise-ratio enabled by its unique patented technology. The µ-sense tester eliminates the need for anechoic rooms or chambers on the production floor, delivering cost-effective, high-throughput manufacturing for next generation high-fidelity microphones.

According to industry analysts, the MEMS microphone sensor market is projected to grow 14.5% annually over the next seven years reaching an estimated revenue of $6.2 billion. Cohu’s MEMS test solutions enable customers to test the new generation of high-accuracy, combo-sensors used in automotive ADAS, consumer wearables, mobile products, industrial automation and IoT (Internet of Things).

“We are excited to continue to evolve and expand our product offerings for testing MEMS devices, and this milestone reinforces the company’s position as a leader in semiconductor MEMS sensor test,” commented Luis Müller, Cohu President and CEO. “The integration of the µ-sense tester with our Sense+ automation platform offers customers a step function improvement in accuracy, sensitivity and high-speed production for testing next generation microphones.”

About Cohu:

Cohu (NASDAQ: COHU) is a global technology leader supplying test, automation, inspection and metrology products and services to the semiconductor industry. Cohu’s differentiated and broad product portfolio enables optimized yield and productivity, accelerating customers’ manufacturing time-to-market. Additional information can be found at www.Cohu.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this release and accompanying materials may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding expectations related to our testing solutions, systems and platforms; Cohu’s outlook for adoption of its products; market growth rates; and any other statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions; and/or include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend;” and/or other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Any third-party industry analyst forecasts quoted are for reference only and Cohu does not adopt or affirm any such forecasts.

Actual results and future business conditions could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: new product investments and product enhancements which may not be commercially successful; the semiconductor industry is seasonal, cyclical, volatile and unpredictable; recent erosion in mobile, automotive and industrial market sales; our ability to manage and deliver high quality products and services; failure of sole source contract manufacturer or our ability to manage third-party raw material, component and/or service providers; ongoing inflationary pressures on material and operational costs coupled with rising interest rates; economic recession; the semiconductor industry is intensely competitive, subject to rapid technological changes, and experiences consolidation of key customers for semiconductor test equipment; a limited number of customers account for a substantial percentage of net sales; significant exports to foreign countries with economic and political instability and competition from a number of Asia-based manufacturers; our relationships with customers may deteriorate; loss of key personnel; risks of using artificial intelligence within Cohu’s product developments and business; reliance on foreign locations and geopolitical instability in such locations critical to Cohu and its customers; natural disasters, war and climate-related changes, including related economic impacts; levels of debt; access to sufficient capital on reasonable or favorable terms; foreign operations and related currency fluctuations; required or desired accounting charges and the cost or effectiveness of accounting controls; instability of financial institutions where we maintain cash deposits and potential loss of uninsured cash deposits; significant goodwill and other intangibles as percentage of our total assets; increasingly restrictive trade and export regulations impacting our ability to sell products, specifically within China; risks associated with acquisitions, investments and divestitures such as integration and synergies; constraints related to corporate governance structures; share repurchases and related impacts; financial or operating results that are below forecast or credit rating changes impacting our stock price or financing ability; law/regulatory changes and including environmental or tax law changes; significant volatility in our stock price; the risk of cybersecurity breaches; enforcing or defending intellectual property claims or other litigation.

These and other risks and uncertainties are discussed more fully in Cohu’s filings with the SEC, including our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and the other filings made by Cohu with the SEC from time to time, which are available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as required by applicable law, Cohu does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For press releases and other information of interest to investors, please visit Cohu’s website at www.cohu.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240215869819/en/

Investor Contact:

Cohu, Inc.

Jeffrey D. Jones, 858-848-8106

Investor Relations

Source: Cohu, Inc

FAQ

What product did Cohu announce for testing high-fidelity microphones?

Cohu announced the µ-sense system for testing high-fidelity microphones.

What is the projected annual growth rate of the MEMS microphone sensor market?

The MEMS microphone sensor market is projected to grow at a rate of 14.5% annually.

What does the integration of µ-sense with Sense+ automation platform offer?

The integration offers a step function improvement in accuracy, sensitivity, and high-speed production for testing next generation microphones.

Which industries benefit from Cohu's MEMS test solutions?

Cohu's MEMS test solutions benefit industries like automotive ADAS, consumer wearables, mobile products, industrial automation, and IoT.