The EXA3000 maximizes yields of complex, deep sub-micron designs, and its throughput and test coverage can efficiently test a wide range of high-volume SoC devices. Supporting a "single-platform" test philosophy from design through high-volume production, the scalable system architecture minimizes upgrade costs for future test requirements.

The EXA3000 can offer up to +/-75 picoseconds edge-placement accuracy, 800-megabits-per-second data rates and a -120-dB analog noise floor to generate higher product yields when testing high-speed datacom ASICs.

Scalable levels of price-performance are available to suit the differing needs of high-volume SoC device manufacturers. Test houses and contract manufacturers can configure a range of compatible systems to meet all of their SoC test requirements. All systems feature a high throughput architecture that provides true and parallel multi-site test on both digital and analog pins to lower the overall cost of test.

"The SoC market is developing rapidly, and growing complexity brings many test challenges. Manufacturers are looking for scalability in equipment to meet the constantly upgraded demands of the latest SoC devices," said Doug Cutsforth, vice president and general manager of Schlumberger SoC Systems. "They are also looking for the operational efficiency that the EXA3000 series delivers through its common platform that addresses all SOC test needs from design verification through high volume production."

According to Dataquest, the SLI market, commonly known as the SoC market, is expected to grow from more than $9.1 billion in 1998 to more than $43 billion by 2003.

"The SOC market is growing rapidly in many directions simultaneously," said analyst Mary Olsson of Dataquest. "However, it is clear that complexity and performance needs will only increase, putting new demands on test. Semiconductor manufacturers are looking at flexible options to meet current and future needs."

Schlumberger engineered the EXA3000 with extensibility for the growing demands for SOC devices by implementing an optimized architecture for scalable performance. The EXA3000 series facilitates a common platform approach in all stages of new device development, from design validation through to high volume production. In addition, the EXA3000 is compatible with an installed base of over 300 Schlumberger SoC systems.

The new system has twice the levels of system integration compared to predecessor models, increasing reliability and shrinking the system footprint. Built with the patented Sequencer Per Pin (SPP) architecture, optimized ASAP test tools, and more efficient data pipelining for mixed-signal measurements, the EXA3000 reduces test times up to 30% when applications are converted from previous generation systems.

To provide the flexibility for testing a wide range of SoC and datacom devices, the Schlumberger EXA 3000 can be fitted with over 100 mixed signal test options. These include RF for integrated wireless devices and a broadband analog channel to meet the needs of emerging HDTV, ADSL and high-performance DVD applications.

Schlumberger provides local technical support in major semiconductor manufacturing regions worldwide. In addition, Saber (Schlumberger Advanced Business Engineering Resources) provides comprehensive technical, operational and business management services to speed time to market and optimize SOC operations.

The company said it has received several pre-introduction orders from major semiconductor manufacturers and test houses.