Widespread use of electronic components dictates the need for universal standardization and product certification

The growth and market penetration of integrated circuits can only be described as phenomenal. Worldwide sales of integrated circuits in 1969 totalled a little over 500-million US dollars when applications outside of the computer world were just beginning to become apparent. At present, most estimates put the worldwide total for 1977 at $3,5 billion, a sevenfold increase, while 1980 shipments are forecast to increase to $5,4 billion. Moreover, it is estimated that in 1979, integrated circuits will account for over 60 per cent of the total semiconductor market.