IMS and Schlumberger Team Up to Deliver Virtual Test Solution for Sun Microsystems' Next-Generation SPARC and ASIC Chips

Business Wire, Oct 12, 1998

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 1998--

New Test Simulation Software for Schlumberger ITS 9000IX Shortens

Time-to-Market, Improves Device Yields and Quality

Integrated Measurement Systems' (IMS) Virtual Test Division and Schlumberger Automated Test Equipment (ATE) today announced Digital VirtualTester(tm) -- test simulation software support for the multiple Schlumberger ITS 9000IX systems at Sun Microsystems.

Digital VirtualTester can now simulate ITS9000IX tests on an engineering workstation allowing Sun engineers to perform test debug on high-performance microprocessors and chips prior to first silicon, without the use of a production tester. The product will be used by Sun to verify and debug SPARC microprocessors, ASIC devices, chipsets and boards that enable businesses to harness and exploit the power of networked environments worldwide.

"IMS' easy-to-use Digital VirtualTester and the flexibility and expandable architecture of the Schlumberger ITS 9000IX' provide a solid combination for testing cutting-edge products," said Steve German, test technologist, Sun Microelectronics. "The goals of virtual test for the ITS 9000IX are to help us dramatically reduce our test development and debug times, and to help get our products to market even faster."

Digital VirtualTester uses test simulation to allow test engineers to begin test development during the design process, and typically reduces test debug times by 50 percent or more. The results are reduced test costs and shorter overall IC product development cycles. Digital VirtualTester is the first automated test productivity tool to allow test engineers to verify and debug IC test patterns and timing using a behavioral model of the automatic test equipment on an engineering workstation.

"IMS and Schlumberger partnered to provide our customers a strategic business advantage," said Jeff Pitman, vice president and general manager, Test Systems, Schlumberger ATE. "Leveraging the superior test capability of the ITS 9000IX with IMS virtual test technology, Sun is able to improve yields as well as the quality of its next-generation devices, bolstering its already strong leadership position."

Digital VirtualTester and the ITS9000IX give customers, such as Sun Microsystems, a complete IC test solution for more efficient and less costly test development and production test. Digital VirtualTester provides a fault-free virtual test environment that simplifies the test development process, reduces debug time, and improves overall design quality.

Price and Availability

The Digital VirtualTester software for the ITS 9000IX starts at $75,000 and is available immediately for UNIX and NT workstations.

About IMS

IMS (Nasdaq:IMSC) is the worldwide leader in engineering test stations and virtual test software solutions, providing cost-effective products and consulting services to improve design-to-test productivity. Information about IMS' Virtual Test Division and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.virtualtest.com. For more information, contact IMS at 9525 S.W. Gemini Drive, Beaverton, Oregon, 97008; or call 503/626-7117 or 800/879-7117.

Digital VirtualTester is a trademark of Integrated Measurement Systems, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

About Schlumberger ATE

Schlumberger ATE designs and manufactures the most comprehensive line of manufacturing equipment for the assembly, analysis and testing of semiconductor devices, including diagnostic systems, automation systems and automatic test equipment. It also provides measurement systems for front-end applications, as well as equipment to test complete electronic assemblies and systems for the telecommunications and automotive industries. A worldwide industry leader, ATE maintains the largest internationally installed base of automatic test equipment systems. Additional information is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.slb.com/ate.> Schlumberger Test & Transactions is comprised of Schlumberger ATE and Schlumberger Smart Cards & Terminals, leveraging the combined strengths of the two business units to provide leading-edge, cost-effective solutions to customers.

Schlumberger Test & Transactions is a business unit of Schlumberger Limited, a $10.65 billion global technology service company providing oilfield services, natural resources management, transactions-based technology and associated systems, and semiconductor test equipment.

About Sun

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer(tm)," has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW), to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $8.5 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.