February 4, 2013
James Quinn, VP Sales & Marketing, Multitest
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James Quinn, VP Sales & Marketing, Multitest
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The amount
of chips used in end-user products is still rising and the complexity of the
chips is constantly increasing which requires new test and handling solutions.
Despite the overall uncertainty in the markets -- especially in the automobile
industry and its supply chain – the year 2012 was satisfactory -- however on low
levels. Given the more optimistic signs we observe in China, the U.S. and
Europe we are confident to see a better year 2013.
Electronics
will mainly be driven by consumer applications. The major trends here are
mobility - doing anything, anywhere at any time -- and the "sensorization" of
life which means you find sensors (MEMs) in almost any application and often
you find multiple sensors here. MEMS fusion is combining various stimuli into
one package. Furthermore, sensors are part of the "More than Moore" approaches.
They are miniaturized but also combined into into heterogeneous stacks of 3D
ICs together with memory and controllers.
Those
two trends will be a great opportunity for for the industry but also add
complexity. Develop cost-efficient production of sensors applying state-of-the
art production and packaging methods such as wafer thinning and 3D will be
crucial.
These
new methods also increase the requirements for semiconductor test. Especially,
3D integration is not a mature process and various strategies are currently
implemented. For this new technology no production and test standards are
available. Therefore early and intensive partnering with equipment suppliers to
develop successful solutions will bear a significant competitive advantage.
We
see that semiconductor companies are streamlining their supplier portfolio.
Their goal is to work with fewer suppliers and to get comprehensive turn-key
solutions. Based on our wide and unique product portfolio (test handlers,
contactors and load boards) we are able to offer our Plug & Yield™ program,
which provides fully integrated test solutions. Additionally, we have
established business partnerships within the industry to provide even more
comprehensive one-stop solutions in order to go "beyond Plug & Yield™".
We
are in continuous contact with our customers worldwide to discuss
state-of-the-art test solutions and we will continue to build on global
business partnerships to drive and support these new technologies.
James Quinn, VP Sales & Marketing
Multitest
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