BEAVERTON, OR--(Marketwire - Dec 19, 2012) - Cascade Microtech, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ CSCD ]), a leading expert at enabling precision measurements of integrated circuits at the wafer level, today announced the results of its Innovation Awards Ceremony honoring the company's inventors, authors and innovators held on Thursday, December 6^th in Dresden, Germany.

Cascade Microtech has a rich history of innovation, bringing many 'firsts' to the test and measurement industry such as the first microwave on-wafer probe, the first GHz RF-capable probe card, the first on-wafer power device characterization system, the first integrated 1/f noise measurement system, the first multi-channel configurable quadrant probe capable of automated testing over temperature, and the first production power test system, to name a few.

All of these exciting industry 'firsts' were achieved with the dedication of employees who are both creative and willing to take risks, and within the innovative culture of a company working closely with Customers on the leading edge of on-wafer technology. These authors and inventors play a major role enabling both the growth and the success of the company. This year Cascade Microtech celebrated the achievements of 42 inventors and authors in the United States, and 32 inventors and authors in Europe, Asia and Japan with events in Dresden, Germany and Portland, Oregon, where it recently was ranked by the Portland Business Journal as #10 of the 'Top Metro Patent Holders'.

"We are recognizing an elite group, the people who support the foundation of Cascade Microtech's innovative core," said Steve Harris, Executive Vice President, Cascade Microtech. "Their work sustains our image and our reputation, which are recognized around the world. They exemplify our position as the premier experts in on-wafer measurements. Most importantly, they support our passion for innovation focused on solving Customer problems."

"Cascade Microtech's innovators are the lifeblood of the company," said Michael Burger, President and CEO, Cascade Microtech, Inc. "They are the people who accept challenges, tirelessly look for solutions, and courageously explore new horizons, all with a focus on helping our Customers make better measurements. I'm truly proud of their accomplishments, and humbled by their passion and dedication."

About Cascade Microtech, Inc.
Cascade Microtech, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ CSCD ]) is a worldwide leader in precision contact, electrical measurement and test of integrated circuits (ICs), optical devices and other small structures. For technology businesses and scientific institutions that need to evaluate small structures, Cascade Microtech delivers access to electrical data from wafers, ICs, IC packages, circuit boards and modules, MEMS, 3D TSV, LED devices and more. Cascade Microtech's leading-edge stations, probes, probe cards and integrated systems deliver precision accuracy and superior performance both in the lab and during production manufacturing of high-speed and high-density semiconductor chips. For more information visit [ www.cascademicrotech.com ].