Microchip Technology selects new iCell Integrated Production Test Cell solution developed by Teradyne and Delta Design.

Teradyne (NYSE:TER) announced recently that Microchip Technology (NASDAQ:MCHP), a leading microcontroller device manufacturer, has selected the recently previewed iCell, a turnkey, optimized test cell solution for high-volume IC manufacturing.

iCell, developed by Teradyne and Delta Design, integrates high-performance test systems, advanced handler products and easy to use cell control software to maximize throughput and reduce the cost of test. Microchip will utilize iCell automation software and an optimized tester manipulator and docking system that enables the Integra J750 and Delta Design Castle handler to operate as a fully integrated cell. iCell Integration and Automation tools will ship to Microchip's facility in Bangkok, Thailand where there are multiple Integra J750s and Delta Design Castle handlers in production today.

John Adams, Integrated Test Cell Product Manager, at Teradyne, said, "Our customers demand every possible advantage to lower test costs. With iCell Integration and Automation Options, Microchip is expected to experience an improvement in test cell utilization and throughput by reducing cell changeover time and minimizing the lot process cycle time. The resulting increase in the number of devices that are tested in parallel enables improved tester capacity and eliminates the need to build new test facilities. We appreciate Microchip's confidence and support for our products as we continue to deliver high quality, low cost test solutions."

Mathew Bunker, Senior Project Manager, Microchip, said, "iCell represents the response from two key suppliers - Teradyne and Delta Design - to the economic challenges imposed on our business and offers us a roadmap for maximizing throughput and productivity for the future. Teradyne and Delta Design continue to deliver on their commitments based on the superior economics of the Integra J750 optimized with the Castle handler. We anticipate cost reductions and additional production throughput as a result of a fully integrated test cell solution."

Aimed at continuing to reduce the cost of test, iCell is an integrated solution developed jointly by Teradyne and Delta Design. The two companies approached the test process with an integrated manufacturing view and developed hardware and software to optimize how the test engineer integrates with the test cell. iCell reduces cycle time, maximizes throughput, and increases the number of devices that are tested in parallel. These benefits are combined with a single point-of-service for improved cell diagnostics and customer support to reduce test cell downtime. The increased convenience and lower cost of test of iCell translate into a higher level of customer satisfaction.

Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the popular PICmicro field-programmable RISC microcontrollers, which serve 8- and 16-bit embedded control applications, and a broad spectrum of high-performance linear and mixed-signal, power management and thermal management devices. The Company also offers complementary microperipheral products including interface devices; microID RFID devices; serial EEPROMs; and the patented KEELOQ security devices. This synergistic product portfolio targets thousands of applications and a growing demand for high-performance designs in the automotive, communications, computing, consumer and industrial control markets. The Company's quality systems are ISO 9001 (1994 version) and QS9000 (1998 version) certified. Microchip is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona with design facilities in Mountain View, California and Bangalore, India; semiconductor fabrication facilities in Tempe and Chandler, Arizona and Puyallup, Washington; and assembly and test operations near Bangkok, Thailand. Microchip employs approximately 3,100 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas.