STMicroelectronics and Advantest Collaborate on Advanced Automated Test Cell for IC Testing
November 30 2020 - 9:00AM
STMicroelectronics and Advantest
Collaborate on Advanced Automated Test Cell for IC
Testing
- Custom designed system applies Industry 4.0 concepts to
minimize downtime and cost of ownership while improving automation,
quality, and yield in semiconductor testing operations
- Combines advanced test equipment, autonomous loading vehicles,
with full control and monitoring software for seamless operation
and improved performance
Tokyo, Japan and Geneva, Switzerland,
November 30, 2020 -- Leading semiconductor test equipment
supplier Advantest Corporation (TSE: 6857) and STMicroelectronics
(NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across
the spectrum of electronics applications, announced that they have
jointly developed an advanced, fully-automated final-test cell
system that improves overall equipment efficiency and quality in
semiconductor test and packaging operations. The pilot system has
been deployed at ST’s back-end fab in Muar, Malaysia.
The advanced test cell is comprised of Advantest’s T2000 SoC
test system and M4841 tri-temp automotive handler, equipped with a
fleet of Autonomous Robotic Vehicles (ARVs) programmed to move
trays of devices between the material repository and handler, all
under the control of an ST Test Cell Controller (STCC). The jointly
developed test cell incorporates a broad range of
predictive-maintenance and operational features that minimize
downtime, while ensuring full lot traceability and smart
re-testing.
The STCC software monitors and controls the tester and handler
while interfacing with ST’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES), a
real-time Industry 4.0 tracking system that manages work-in-process
and equipment activity across the factory floor. The combination of
test-cell hardware and software enables fully automated test
operations that apply machine learning and smart monitoring to
increase yields and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), while
cutting cost-of-ownership (COO).
The M4841 handler incorporates a comprehensive set of features,
including auto speed optimization, auto socket cleaning, a
belt-tension monitoring, an ESD protection, and multiple laser
sensors that detect errors and make autonomous corrections.
“We have numerous ongoing projects addressing automation,
analytics, and robotization across our global back-end operations,
all designed to make our manufacturing processes more efficient and
to meet the increasingly complex needs of our customers,” said
Fabio Gualandris, Executive Vice President, Head of
STMicroelectronics’ Back-End Manufacturing & Technology
organization. “The close collaboration with Advantest is a good
example of what can be achieved to support a network of fabs that
tests billions of chips a year.”
“Helping our customers achieve a fully ‘lights off’ automated
semiconductor test production floor is one of our strategic goals,”
said Yoshiaki Yoshida, Advantest President and CEO. “We are proud
to partner with ST on this venture, which enables them to achieve
their operational goals of employing ARVs and overhead transport to
strategically improve their test-floor efficiencies,” he continued.
“Advantest’s test cell is designed for this purpose, with our M4841
handler delivering an abundance of unique intelligent features that
give customers a significant advantage in an evolving semiconductor
supply chain.”
About STMicroelectronics At ST, we are 46,000
creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the
semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing
facilities. An independent device manufacturer, we work with our
100,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build
products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges
and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable
world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient
power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the
Internet of Things and 5G technology. Further information can be
found at www.st.com.
About Advantest
Advantest (TSE: 6857) is the leading manufacturer of automatic
test and measurement equipment used in the design and production of
semiconductors for applications including 5G communications, the
Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, artificial
intelligence (AI), machine learning, smart medical devices and
more. Its leading-edge systems and products are integrated into the
most advanced semiconductor production lines in the world. The
company also conducts R&D to address emerging testing
challenges applications, produces multi-vision metrology scanning
electron microscopes essential to photomask manufacturing, and
offers groundbreaking 3D imaging and analysis tools. Founded in
Tokyo in 1954, Advantest is a global company with facilities around
the world and an international commitment to sustainable practices
and social responsibility. More information is available at
www.advantest.com.
For Press Information Contact:
Michael MarkowitzDirector Technical Media Relations
STMicroelectronics Tel: +1 781 591 0354Email:
michael.markowitz@st.com
Tish Kelly-MickSenior Manager, Global Marketing
CommunicationsAdvantestTel: +1 408 307 5136Email:
tish.kelly-mick@advantest.com
- T4319F -- Nov 30 2020 -- ST_Advantest automated test cell_FINAL
FOR PUBLICATION
- T4319F -- Nov 30 2020 -- ST_Advantest automated test
cell_IMAGE
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