<DIV>Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) is a semiconductor wafer technology that produces higher performing, lower power devices than traditional bulk silicon techniques. SOI works by placing a thin, insulating layer, such as silicon oxide between a thin layer of silicon and the silicon substrate. This process helps reduce junction capacitance, resulting in higher speed and lower power consumption. SOI chips can be as much as 15 percent faster and use 20 percent less power than today’s silicon complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-based chips. Part one covers SOI transistors and circuits, manufacture and reliability and part two looks at applications such as memory, power devices and photonics.</div>