Teradyne Introduces Silicon Signals Software for VX Test Simulation; Compares DUT Simulation with Actual Silicon Waveforms to Improve Product Development Process

Business Wire, Oct 29, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2001

Teradyne (NYSE: TER) will introduce Silicon Signals(TM) software, a new test simulation data analysis tool for VX Test Simulation software at the International Test Conference (Booth #1305) held here October 30 to November 1, 2001. Silicon Signals software brings together test simulation data generated during pre-silicon debug with waveforms of actual ATE results, and displays them for analysis. This unique view facilitates silicon characterization and helps Design and Test Development teams debug manufacturing problems early in the production phase.

"The value of simulation results doesn't end with first silicon," stated Tony Masella, Business Manager for VX Test Simulation products. "In fact, the value of test simulation is amplified when it is used again as reference data during the silicon characterization and production stages. As part of the VX software suite, Silicon Signals delivers an easy to use tool that lets customers compare actual testing results with simulation data."

Teradyne's combined experience in ATE and test simulation provided unique insight into the development of Silicon Signals software to solve two weaknesses in the existing product development process. First, comparing and reconciling early silicon performance with what was predicted by device simulation is a time consuming but critical task. Second, manufacturing problems may be hard to fix because it's difficult to gather Design, Test, and Manufacturing data and examine them collectively. Silicon Signals software helps solve these weaknesses by simplifying on-tester collection of device wavefoms. These waveforms are imported into VX's DataScope along with VX test simulation waveforms. DataScope becomes the central tool for viewing and analyzing the combined data sets.

Availability

Silicon Signals software will be available Q1 2002 as an enhancement to the VX Test Simulation software suite.

About VX Test Simulation Software

VX Test Simulation Software puts the power of simulation directly in the hands of the test engineer. Simulation of the test package is controlled by running the same test program that will be used on the test system during silicon characterization and manufacturing test. Debugging the entire test package -- pre-silicon -- dramatically improves time-to-market by ensuring the test program is working as soon as first silicon appears. VX software is an integral part of Teradyne's Tiger, Catalyst and A5 family test systems. VX for Saber and SpectreVX provide full mixed-signal test simulation. DigitalVX provides digital-only simulation for Verilog and VHDL circuits. More information about VX products can be accessed at www.teradyne.com/vx.> About Teradyne

Teradyne (NYSE: TER) is the world's largest supplier of automatic test equipment and is also a leading supplier of high performance interconnection systems. Manufacturers of semiconductors, circuit assemblies, and voice and broadband telephone networks use Teradyne's test products. Manufacturers of communications and computing systems central to building networking infrastructure use Teradyne's backplane assemblies and high-density connectors. The company had sales of $3.0 billion in 2000 and currently employs about 8000 people worldwide. For more information visit www.teradyne.com.

Silicon Signals (Patent Pending) is a trademark of Teradyne, Inc.