The semiconductor industry’s future brightened.

The Semiconductor Industry Assn. said new orders for computer chips reached $535.1 million for the three months ended Nov. 31, a 12% gain from the previous three months, and November’s ratio of orders to shipments reached the healthiest level since September, 1984. The ratio showed that for every $100 in outgoing shipments, the industry received $90 in new orders. While still unsatisfactory for the industry, it compares to $82 a month earlier and $64 at the low point of the industry’s slump in December, 1984. “Increased bookings are being seen in most integrated-circuit product categories,” said Thomas D. Hinkelman, president of the trade group. “Such activity is an indication that business is continuing to improve in the U.S. market.”