Semiconductor Test and Measurement

Amkor Technology Inc. August Technology Corporation Credence Systems Corporation FEI Company Intest Corporation

JMAR Technologies, Inc. Kesm Industries Berhad KLS-Tencor Corporation Lasertec Corporation LogicVision, Inc.

Micro Component Technology, Inc. Minato Electronics Inc. Teradyne, Inc.

Guide to Semiconductor Test and Measurement

Ensure optimal performance with the highest quality testers for semiconductor test and measurement
By Christine Pollock

Finding semiconductor test services and test measurement products needn’t be the proverbial needle in a haystack. The performance of semiconductors is critical to the work output for your business, so you want to ensure your testing is accurate. By definition, a semiconductor is a material possessing electrical conductivity that works as an intermediate between conductors and insulators. The semiconductor insulates at very low temperatures and has considerable conductivity at room temperature.

There are a numerous variables involved with testing semiconductors. A test must measure variables such as source power, temperature, and humidity. Other variables include end-of-line wafer acceptance in transistors, diodes, capacitors, resistors and gate delay, while also assessing density, electro migration and more. It is important to employ premium semiconductor testing services that can handle the numerous components. Points to consider in your search include:

1. Work with a member of the Semiconductor Test Consortium for your semiconductor testing.

2. Ensure that your professional semiconductor test engineer has the proper test equipment to meet your specialized needs.

3. Hire a professional semiconductor test engineer.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase from manufacturers associated with the Semiconductor Test Consortium In 2003, members of the semiconductor industry and the ATE development community collaborated on a venture aiming to drive the development of ATE standards in the testing process. The members called the venture the Semiconductor Test Consortium (STC). Distributors and manufacturers who are part of the STC use their own semiconductor test equipment and have in-depth knowledge for obtaining accurate results and troubleshooting.

I recommend:  FormFactor, Inc. joined the STC in 2006. They develop a wafer test product called the Wafer Fabrication Process Flow, which enables semiconductor manufacturers to optimize the manufacturing process. Pintail Technologies joined the STC in 2005. They offer an improved test process, analysis and instrumentation and claim to maximize the process of testing with expert training.

Replace parts and ensure safety with your own semiconductor test equipment Stocking distributors sells the parts you need for semiconductors and testing.

I recommend:  IC Digital Electronics Inc. is an independent stocking distributor of electronic components and computer peripherals, including semiconductors. They have a large network of reliable suppliers located around the world, enabling them to acquire hard-to-find and obsolete components. 4 Star Electronics, Inc. is a certified stocking distributor that specializes in obsolete & hard-to-find semiconductors, including semiconductors no longer in production.

Ensure accurate semiconductor test measurement with proper equipment Consult with the specialist testing your semiconductors to see what their testing process entails. Some companies provide small-scope tests that cover only a portion of the variables.

I recommend:  Keithley Instruments Inc. offers several types of semiconductor tests ranging from Parametric to Reliability. If you are looking for very detailed results, consider GuideTech, which has patented Continuous Time Interval Analyzer technology, offering increased accuracy and test coverage. They offer solutions that integrate into any ATE platform.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Make sure you unplug equipment and discharge capacitors before using semiconductor testers.