HP VLSI Test Systems Selected by First International Computer Inc. for its Test Services Business
One HP 83000 test system is installed at Taiwan-based FICTA Technology, Inc., which focuses on testing advanced packages, logic/mixed-signal products and RAM modules. The second HP 83000 system is in use at First Semiconductor Technology (FST) in Silicon Valley, CA, a new test house that provides test programming services and small-scale test-production services to North American customers, primarily semiconductor design houses.
"We discovered that many cutting-edge design houses needed the HP 83000 system's high-performance, at-speed testing capabilities," said Ho-Ming Tong, president, First International Computer's Semiconductor Division. "Others were already using the HP 83000 system for at-speed device characterization and wanted to use the same platform for production test. Still others needed an automated test platform capable of testing logic, analog and memory on a single chip."
According to FIC, the HP 83000 test systems play a critical role in the company's efforts to expand its test-services business while keeping test costs low to compete on price with other test services providers. After researching the market, the FIC's Semiconductor Division said that it found that many semiconductor companies, including other assembly and test companies, were seeking excess test capacity on the HP 83000 VLSI test system.
"As global competition heats up, test-services companies are looking for ways to differentiate themselves while remaining price-competitive," said John Scruggs, vice president and general manager of HP's Automated Test Group. "We're gratified that our reasonably priced test solution is helping FIC expand its test-services business."
The HP 83000 systems were selected based on their ability to meet the need for at-speed and system-on-a-chip testing at lower costs. According to Tong, the HP 83000 system's small footprint saves on costly clean-room space, contributing to reduced test costs. The system's reliability is also a factor in keeping test costs low and maximizing test-system utilization.
To further reduce test costs, FIC's Semiconductor Division takes advantage of HP's cost-efficient "pay-per-use" program. Pay-per-use allows FIC to purchase a highly configured HP 83000 test system for the price of a base system and then use high-end capabilities such as higher digital test speed or more test nodes on an as-needed basis. FIC said that another factor in its selection of the HP 83000 test platform was HP's ability to provide local test-programming support in both Taiwan and California, speeding time to market for FIC's customers.
Edited by Paul O'Shea