Flexible NPower architecture breaks new ground in ATE scalability - the right performance at the right time at the right price
SAN JOSE, Calif. - NPTest, a leading supplier of IC validation, characterization and test systems and services, introduced today Sapphire NP, the automated test equipment (ATE) based on its all new NPower open architecture and XTOS (eXtendable Test Operating System) software. Engineered from every perspective to reduce cost, Sapphire NP supports the capabilities needed for the wide range of SOC test demands from design to production. The launch of Sapphire NP caps more than 400 man-years of development focused toward low cost innovation. The result is a breakthrough in Cost of Test.
"More than an incremental evolution, Sapphire NP is a radical departure -- the disruptive technology -- that the industry has been waiting for," stated Ashok Belani, CEO, NPTest. "Sapphire NP allows us to continue leading the industry in characterizing high performance devices. In addition, its unique architecture and programming environment enable the implementation of low cost production strategies -- on the same platform. Unlike traditional 'big iron', however, it does this without burdening the user with the overhead cost of a bulky system infrastructure. This will dramatically change the fundamental ATE landscape."
"Sapphire NP takes platform scalability and re-usability to a new dimension," stated Jean-Luc Pelissier, vice president Test Systems, NPTest. "With the 4-D Scalable NPower architecture, users choose the level of price:performance and functionality they need. With instruments optimized from DC to multi-Gigahertz -- digital and analog -- structural and functional, Sapphire NP is ideally suited for a new device tomorrow, next month or ten years from now."
"Our evaluation thus far has shown that Sapphire NP offers unique flexibility through efficient hardware reconfiguration and its powerful XTOS software," stated Sridhar Vajapey, director, Processor/ASIC Productization & Test, Sun Microsystems. "At the same time it has the potential of offering the performance -- speeds and pin count -- we expect will be needed for our next generation microprocessors and chipsets."
Designed with simplicity and cost efficiency in mind, the NPower architecture is highly integrated, providing a small footprint system with self-encapsulated instruments designed for specific test applications. The NPower Isochronous Fabric Interface, which enables advanced communications and precise synchronization between instruments, sets another industry speed record enhancing system performance in any configuration. Like ASAP software 15 years ago, XTOS software continues to set the standard for new and unprecedented, powerful test tools that are simply easy to use. They use industry standard STIL, Java and XML so that test engineers can easily link to EDA tools, providing the long-sought path to feed test data directly back into design models. The result is a significant shrinking of design debug time and unparalleled interactivity. A host of test tools are available for test program generation and deployment to production. PC and Windows-based, the tools support a large number of applications and are easily customizable.
Pelissier added, "The feature set and flexibility of Sapphire NP address the needs of both Integrated Device Manufacturers and Fabless companies in an unprecedented manner. I believe it will foster fundamental changes in the operational model of test subcontractors struggling with premature ATE obsolescence."
NPTest has received multiple orders of Sapphire NP for deliveries from now through mid-2004. Demonstrations of Sapphire NP are available through private events scheduled at NPTest San Jose headquarters during Semicon West. Find out more by visiting NPTest in Booth #11614 at Semicon West, July 16-18, in the San Jose Convention Center.
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About NPTest
NPTest, a global supplier of validation, characterization and test systems and services to the semiconductor industry, enables companies to bring their IC products to market faster at lower cost. Used by leading integrated device manufacturers, foundries, fabless companies and subcontractors, NPTest products and SABER product engineering services focus on the development and production of advanced devices used in computers, high-speed data communications and complex consumer electronics. NPTest is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Schlumberger Limited headquartered in San Jose, California. Additional information is available at nptest.com.
For further information, contact:
Mary Jo Colton
NPTest, Inc.
Tel: 408-586-6474
mcolton@nptest.com
© Press Release 2006
