TRADE NEWS: DSP Group Chooses Agilent Technologies 93000 SOC Series Test System for Its High-Volume DSP Devices

Business Wire,  Sept 17, 2002  

Tags: Agilent Technologies Inc.

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Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2002

Flexible Architecture Optimizes Cost Performance of Test

by More Than 50 Percent

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced that DSP Group Inc. (Nasdaq:DSPG) has purchased an Agilent 93000 SOC Series test system to develop test programs for a variety of its digital signal processor (DSP) chips, which are used in consumer products such as cordless phones, broadband communication and VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) devices. DSPG selected the Agilent 93000 based on the system's ability to optimize testing costs by more than 50 percent.

"We chose the Agilent 93000 test system for our Herzelia, Israel facility for its flexible architecture, which is capable of testing analog and digital in a single platform, thereby enabling us to develop new test programs that will significantly improve our testing cost performance," said Dima Friedman, foundry manager at DSP Group. "In addition, Agilent's Israeli support team has been instrumental in helping us to maximize our per-test cost advantage for developing advanced, high-quality products while at the same time optimizing our test performance."

In 2002, DSPG introduced its first 2.4 GHz single handset chip set, as well as its new 2.4 GHz multi-handset chip set for the high-growth, high-volume, high-frequency cordless telephony markets. DSP Group is positioning itself as a leader in the development of technological solutions with rich, high-end feature capabilities for this 2.4 GHz emerging consumer market.

Once DSP Group creates an efficient test program using its in-house Agilent 93000, it can use the system's large, installed base among Asian semiconductor test houses to extend the substantial cost-of-test reduction provided by the Agilent 93000 throughout its volume manufacturing process.

"The Agilent 93000's unique test-processor-per-pin architecture and multi-site test capabilities were key in optimizing DSPG's test cost performance," said Isaac Siton, general manager of Agilent Israel.

Each tester pin on the Agilent 93000 has a dedicated test processor, which enables each pin to be configured independently. The result is a test platform that is able to simultaneously support a full range of test technologies including analog, high-speed digital, RF, embedded memory and scan, BIST-control, functional, and digital source and capture. With this single, scalable SOC platform, the testing mix can quickly be adjusted to support the full spectrum of testing requirements for present and future needs. All of this leads to a lower cost of test and faster time to market for SOC designs.

This architecture also enables the Agilent 93000 to test multiple devices simultaneously -- a technique known as multi-site test. Testing multiple devices increases device throughput, which contributes to an overall reduction in testing costs. DSP Group is using a dual-site test methodology to increase throughput on the Agilent 93000.

About the Agilent 93000 SOC Series

The Agilent 93000 SOC Series is the industry's fastest-growing, lowest cost single, scalable platform with over 400 installed systems. The Agilent 93000 SOC Series is designed to meet both the demanding performance and cost challenges of SOC testing. Models are configured to span the widest range of applications that may require ultra-high-speed digital data rates, up to 10 Gbps, and the broadest range of mixed-signal and RF capabilities. With this range of capabilities, the 93000 SOC Series is the first choice for SCMs and the workhorse for high-volume manufacturing. For more information visit: www.agilent.com/see/semitestnews.

About DSP Group

DSP Group, Inc. is a global leader in the development and marketing of high-performance, cost-effective, licensable digital signal processing cores. Its family of DSP cores provides solutions for low-power, cost-driven applications, such as cellular, broadband communication, VoIP, multimedia, advanced telecommunication systems, disk drive controllers and many other types of embedded control applications. By combining its DSP core technologies with its proprietary, advanced speech-processing algorithms -- DSP Group also delivers a wide range of enabling, application specific ICs for full-featured integrated telephony products and applications, including 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz wireless technologies. DSP Group maintains an international presence with offices located around the globe. For more information, visit the company's website at www.dspg.com.

DSP Group, Inc. Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that qualify as "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements made by DSP Group relating to the ability of Agilent 93000 to reduce testing costs and allow DSP Group to strengthen its competitive position in the fabless semiconductor industry. These forward-looking statements by DSP Group are based on current expectations and DSP Group assumes no obligation to update this information. In addition, the events described in these forward-looking statements may not actually arise. DSP Group's actual results could differ materially from those described in this press release as a result of various factors, including, the actual ability of Agilent 93000 to reduce testing costs. These factors and other factors which may effect future operating results or stock price of DSP Group are discussed under "RISK FACTORS" in its reports on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, both of which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is also available on DSP Group's Web site (www.dspg.com) under Investor Relations.