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Automotive quality standard attained

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jul 15, 2004

Zetex Semiconductors has achieved corporate registration as an ISO/TS16949:2002 certified company, following audits conducted by Underwriters Laboratories.

Zetex Semiconductors has achieved corporate registration as an ISO/TS16949:2002 certified company, following audits conducted by Underwriters Laboratories.

Jointly developed by International Automotive Task Force (IATF) members and the International Standards Organisation (ISO), ISO/TS16949:2002 is recognised as the most comprehensive quality management standard for companies operating in the automotive industry supply chain.

The quality registration strengthens Zetex' position as a leading supplier of discrete and integrated analogue semiconductor devices to automotive system integrators and vehicle manufacturers alike.

A broad range of Zetex power management products including IntelliFET smart MOSFETs, current monitors and fan controller ICs are employed in a wide variety of automotive applications.

According to WSTS/Bosch, the global semiconductor demand in the automotive manufacturing sector is expected to rise from $13.7 billion in 2003 to $23.2 billion in 2008, representing a compound annual growth rate of 11.1%.

The research also indicates the growing importance of semiconductors to the sector.

As a percentage of the production cost of an average light vehicle, the semiconductor content is forecast to grow from 9.5% in 2004 to over 15% in 2010.

Zetex Group Quality Manager Paul Mitchell said: "In applying this rigorous quality standard to our design and manufacturing processes throughout the world, we are providing customers in all market sectors - not just automotive - with the assurance that we are following best practice quality procedures and producing the highest quality products".

He continued: "The quality registration has been achieved thanks to the concerted efforts and commitment of staff throughout the entire company".

"TS16949:2002 ensures that all aspects of the business take a common approach to continuous quality improvement".