Valley chip makers continue to enjoy market recovery. (Semiconductor Industry Association; Motorola Inc., Intel Corp.; Sun Valley, Arizona) (Industry Overview)

After reaching an all-time high in February, U.S. semiconductor orders continue to break records, bucking the downward trend that has hit around April in past years.

Intel Corp. and Motorola Inc.'s Semiconductor Products Sector are among the Valley's prime beneficiaries of strong chip sales, and they too report significant increases for the second quarter.

The Semiconductor Industry Association's announcement that February orders topped $1.52 billion generated a modest wave of optimism from Valley chip makers early in the year. Despite a historical spike in order activity during the first quarter, the news was a rare positive note in an industry that has been in a …