Schlumberger Announces the ITS 9000KX System for VLSI Test Market

Schlumberger Automated Test Equipment (ATE; San Jose, CA) introduced the ITS 9000KX, a high performance VLSI test system for the testing of next generation microprocessors and high-end logic devices.

The advantages of the ITS 9000KX include +/-10 picosecond timing measurement accuracy and up to +/-35 picosecond typical edge placement accuracy over 4,096 timing sets. This accuracy is delivered right to the DUT (device under test) by the TruSocket to-the-socket calibration package. Tester flexibility is ensured by the ITS 9000KX system's capability to simultaneously generate two independent waveforms on different sets of pins and by DUT power delivery up to 150A. This capability is specially optimized for the transient currents that high performance CMOS devices demand. The system can be packaged in 512 and 1024 pin configurations and supports a broad set of options. In particular, the UltraChannel provides data rates in excess of 1.0Gb/s.

As new logic devices are introduced with the levels of performance predicted by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors, significant test challenges must be successfully addressed. For example, mainstream MPU clock rates are now exceeding 500 MHz, with chip sets and graphics accelerators quickly approaching these frequencies. At these device speeds, critical IC set-up and hold times are shrinking to a few hundred picoseconds, while stringent device screening grows in importance as manufacturers demand IC quality in the 100 defects per million (DPM) level and better. Only functional at-speed test, with its documented ability to detect unmodeled defects, can guarantee this level of shipment quality.

"In order to achieve the highest levels of device yield, new generations of microprocessors and high-end logic devices require test equipment that is accurate to a fraction of the device specification," states Jackie Tubis, president of Schlumberger ATE. "The ITS 9000KX is the most cost-effective solution over the long term, since its performance capabilities and scalable architecture cover the projected test needs of multiple future generations of devices."

According to Risto Puhakka, VP, Operations, VLSI Research Inc, Schlumberger ATE has 37% of the advanced logic test market. "As the established market leader in VLSI device test, Schlumberger has made its mark as a provider of equipment that consistently delivers the highest levels of accuracy and speed," says Puhakka. "With each new generation of logic device, these at-speed test capabilities become ever more critical to ensuring device quality, improving test yield and increasing production throughput."

"Since the ITS 9000KX is built on the same common platform as all Schlumberger test systems, it can be integrated into a total test solution for the most cost-effective, seamless transition from design characterization to thermal characterization and straight to production," Tubis says. She notes that the ITS 9000KX is designed to be fully integrated with the company's ETC 1000 and IHS 1000tx thermal control systems to deliver unique Power Balancing technology for absolute junction temperature control and speed bin yield improvement.

Multiple system orders have been received for the ITS 9000KX, and initial shipments of the system have begun for use in next generation microprocessor and high speed bus applications.

Schlumberger Test & Transactions is comprised of Schlumberger ATE and Schlumberger Smart Cards & Terminals. Schlumberger Test & Transactions is a business unit of Schlumberger Limited.

Schlumberger Test & Transactions, 1601 Technology Drive, San Jose CA 95110-1397. Phone: 408-453-0123; Fax: 408-437-1976.