Agilent Technologies Introduces Non-volatile Memory Test System; New System Facilitates Test on MP3 Players, PDAs and Other Popular Products.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 2000

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), driven by increased consumer demand for MP3 players, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and wireless communications devices, announced today it has introduced the fastest version of its Versatest series of non-volatile memory (NVM) test systems designed to speed these products to market.

"Demand for Flash memory is growing at a remarkable pace, thanks in large part to the popularity of consumer electronics from wireless communications devices to digital cameras," said John Scruggs, senior vice-president and general manager of Agilent's Automated Test Group. "The new V4400, with its flexible architecture, really addresses manufacturers' needs for increased throughput at a reduced cost."

Featuring Agilent's innovative Tester-per-Site, architecture the V4400 NVM Test System offers higher throughput, accuracy, increased parallelism and advanced capabilities to reduce the overall cost of test.

The Agilent Versatest Series Model V4400 is a general purpose wafer-sort and final test system aimed at discrete non-volatile memory devices, embedded non-volatile memory cores with logic, and specialty memories. It has the flexibility to test discrete, burst mode or embedded flash devices, in order to meet current and future needs. Further, its improved design allows for the testing of a wider range of products, including complex memory devices. Compatible with all other Versatest Series Memory Test Systems, Model V4400 is backed by Agilent's worldwide support network and applications expertise in Flash memory testing.

The revolutionary technology in Agilent's V4400 allows for lower costs by testing up to 36 NOR devices in parallel and up to 144 NAND devices in parallel. The 36-site V4400 offers 64 pins per site for a total pin count of 2,304 -- the most of any single-head test system on the market. True 100MHz (200MHz in MUX mode) and all main electronics for 36 sites are located in a single, compact test head, reducing the amount of test floor space needed.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 46,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 1999, Agilent had net revenue of more than $8.3 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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