FormFactor Unveils Next-Generation 300-mm Full-Wafer Test Solution for NAND Flash
October 28 2009 - 4:27PM
Marketwired
FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM) today unveiled the TouchMatrix(TM)
probe solution -- its latest-generation 300-mm full-wafer contact
probe card for NAND Flash devices. Built on a new, proprietary
architecture that leverages FormFactor's MicroSpring® MEMS contact
technology, the TouchMatrix solution offers chip manufacturers
superior product performance with a substantially reduced
production lead time. The TouchMatrix probe card is specifically
designed for today's cost sensitive test flows and enables testing
of Flash devices down to sub 32-nm process nodes, including those
integrating three-bit and four-bit memory cell architectures.
"While under enormous manufacturing cost pressures, Flash memory
manufacturers must test each device to ensure its functional
performance and quality," stated Adrian Wilson, general manager of
the Flash Business Unit at FormFactor. "Our Flash customers need
innovative solutions that can lower their cost of test and this was
the focus and goal of our TouchMatrix solution. Cost and
performance are equally important to them. Our TouchMatrix solution
provides superior electrical and probe contact performance, and its
new architecture also has the benefit of manufacturing efficiency,
which allows us to pass savings along to our customers."
Advanced MEMS Performance Supports Flash Technology Roadmaps
As Flash memory devices migrate to the 32-nm node and employ
smaller, multi-level cell architectures, increasing noise and
crosstalk can affect test signals, making the role of the
interconnect between the wafer and tester ever-more critical.
TouchMatrix cards utilize FormFactor's proprietary MicroSpring
technology which provides low noise and stable contact resistance
-- enabling reliable testing of smaller Flash device architectures
and ensuring high test yield. The MicroSpring contacts are
manufactured using semiconductor lithography processes, making them
highly scalable to Flash manufacturers' roadmaps as they migrate to
smaller device features. FormFactor's self-cleaning MEMS probe tips
also require less maintenance -- further extending test uptime and
improving test cell efficiency.
New Architecture Lowers Cost of Test and Improves Test
Efficiency
The TouchMatrix solution features an innovative architecture
that significantly improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces
the delivery lead time for the TouchMatrix probe card, allowing
customers greater flexibility in determining the type and volume of
product to ramp at a given time. The TouchMatrix architecture does
not require the full wafer map to initiate production, which means
manufacturing can begin as early as first silicon. Probe card
repair is also made easier since the card can be easily
disassembled and reassembled without planarity or x/y position
adjustments.
The TouchMatrix probe card is designed for improved thermal
performance that enables it to quickly reach and maintain test
temperatures -- improving throughput and extending uptime. The card
can also be enhanced with FormFactor's patented RapidSoak(TM)
technology to achieve near-zero soak time and superior scrub
performance.
FormFactor's TouchMatrix probe cards are now in qualification
testing at several Flash device manufacturers and are available for
shipping.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly
historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements
regarding our products and solutions, demand for our products and
future growth. These forward-looking statements are based on
current information and expectations that are inherently subject to
change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual
events or results might differ materially from those in any
forward-looking statement due to various factors, including, but
not limited to: the Company's ability to implement its new
architecture in the TouchMatrix solution and offer superior product
performance, manufacturing efficiency and reduced production lead
time, to meet Flash manufacturers' requirements around cost
sensitive test flows, to enable testing of Flash devices down to
sub 32-nm process nodes, including those integrating three-bit and
four-bit memory cell architectures, to lower customers' cost of
test, to enable customers implementing the TouchMatrix solution to
achieve superior electrical and probe contact performance, to
deliver low noise and stable contact resistance for testing smaller
Flash device architectures, to ensure higher test yield and
extended test uptime, to improve thermal performance and to achieve
near-zero soak time and superior scrub performance. Additional
information concerning factors that could cause actual events or
results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking
statement is contained in the company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 27, 2008 and Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended June 27, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), and subsequent SEC filings. Copies of the
company's SEC filings are available at
http://investors.formfactor.com/edgar.cfm. The company assumes no
obligation to update the information in this press release, to
revise any forward-looking statements or to update the reasons
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in
forward-looking statements.
About FormFactor
Founded in 1993, FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM) is the leader
in advanced wafer probe cards, which are used by semiconductor
manufacturers to electrically test ICs. The company's wafer sort,
burn-in and device performance testing products move IC testing
upstream from post-packaging to the wafer level, enabling
semiconductor manufacturers to lower their overall production
costs, improve yields, and bring next-generation devices to market.
FormFactor is headquartered in Livermore, California with
operations in Europe, Asia and North America. For more information,
visit the company's web site at www.formfactor.com.
FormFactor, TouchMatrix, MicroSpring and RapidSoak are
trademarks or registered trademarks of FormFactor, Inc.
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Investor Contact: Mike Magaro Investor Relations (925) 290-4321
Email Contact Trade Press Contact: David Viera Corporate
Communications (925) 290-4681 Email Contact
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