Credence Systems and Electroglas developing new hardware, software interfaces linking advanced testers, probers.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 1994--Two leaders in advanced semiconductor test technology have designed a new set of hardware and software interfaces that supply a comprehensive turnkey test solution incorporating sophisticated wafer probers and cost-efficient ATE.

Credence Systems Corp., which designs and manufactures the SC 212 digital test system, is working in a comprehensive alliance with Electroglas Inc., developers of the semiconductor industry's most advanced probers.

The new hardware and software interfaces have been developed to provide a complete turnkey test capability based on Credence's SC 212 and Electroglas' Horizon 4080X Automatic Wafer Prober. By resolving potential problems before new test products are introduced to the manufacturing floor, semiconductor manufacturers can apply an integrated system that communicates efficiently, is easy to install, and requires virtually no engineering resources.

The Credence-Electroglas hardware and software interfaces have been designed with consultation from IC manufacturers that are customers of both companies, according to Andrei Berar, product marketing manager for Electroglas' Interface Products.

"Our objective has been to resolve communications interface issues between the Horizon series and the SC 212 tester, so the system can be implemented much faster and consume far fewer engineering resources on the test floor than typical systems," he said. "We have achieved this high level of integration with the help of our customers in order to meet their requirements, including eliminating lead times and maximizing system uptime and efficiency."

The interfaces build on the CMOS architecture of the SC 212, which shrinks the distance between the DIE under test and the system's pin electronics, permitting performance test at probe (PTAP). The IC manufacturers now using the SC 212 consistently report yield increases from between one and five percent at final test, compared with competitive ATE, according to David Durham, the SC Series product marketing manager.

"The hardware and software interfaces developed by Credence and Electroglas optimize performance test at probe," said Durham. "We are saving customers significant time to market by eliminating tasks they typically must perform when installing new test capabilities, so users can eliminate long lead times, and generate higher yields immediately."

The SC 212 system is designed for high-speed, high-volume digital IC testing and is proven in both wafer probe and production test applications at a wide range of manufacturers. Based on Credence's patented CMOS technology, the SC 212 provides a total capacity of 304 pins. The high levels of integration that characterize the system provide superior mean time between failure (MTBF) rates.

The Horizon 4080X is a member of Electroglas' family of automatic wafer probers, featuring advanced alignment automation and OCR capabilities that maximize productivity along with linear motor and high-speed robotic material handling system for maximum throughput.

Credence Systems Corp. is a leading manufacturer of automatic test equipment (ATE) that serves a broad spectrum of the worldwide semiconductor industry's testing needs. Credence's wide range of product offerings include test capabilities for digital and mixed-signal semiconductors.

Credence utilizes its patented CMOS technologies to design products that provide a lower total cost of ownership while meeting the increasingly demanding performance requirements of today's ATE market. The company is headquartered in Fremont, with manufacturing in Beaverton, Ore. Credence is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol CMOS.

Electroglas Inc. is a world leader in the development and manufacture of fully automatic wafer probing systems. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with field support and sales offices worldwide, Electroglas specializes in the development, manufacture and distribution of state-of-the-art probing solutions for the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers. Founded in 1960, Electroglas is listed on the NASDAQ stock market under the trading symbol EGLS.

-0-

Note to Editors: Credence Systems and SC 212 are trademarks of Credence Systems Corp. Horizon 4080X is a registered trademark of Electroglas Inc. All other products or company names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Credence Systems Corp.

             Dave Durham or Woody Spedden, 510/657-7400
             Electroglas Inc.
             Yolanda Ruiz, 408/727-6500
             IRPA
             Dick Davies, 415/777-4161