Advantest Unveils New Pick-and-Place IC Handler to Improve Efficiency in High-Volume Semiconductor Manufacturing and Device Characterization

M4872 System is Designed with a Common Change Kit to Meet Customers’ Needs for Greater Flexibility and Higher Performance

TOKYO, Japan – December 5, 2016 – Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation (TSE: 6857) has introduced its M4872 pick-and-place handler to improve productivity in testing system-on-chip (SoC) devices in high-volume manufacturing (HVM) and device characterization pre-production environments.  This helps users to keep pace with the rapidly changing SoC market and quickly adapt to changes in device technology.

The new handler matches all of the leading-edge performance specifications of its predecessor, the M4871 handler, including throughput of up to 15,000 units per hour, in a footprint that is approximately 10 percent smaller. The portable M4872 handler has advanced vision-alignment capabilities and can accommodate an optional active thermal control system.

The vision alignment-equipped M4872 incorporates a common change kit, which saves time and money as well as helps to safeguard devices under test from potentially damaging package. Using a common change kit also significantly shortens time to market.  In total, the time it takes to change device types is reduced by more than 45 percent, enabling nearly twice the throughput of handlers that rely on standard change kits.

By using Advantest’s on-the-fly vision-alignment technology, devices under test can be precisely positioned, making the new handler ideally suited for testing fine-pitch ICs and devices with both top- and bottom-side contacts. The resulting improvements in test yields and cycle times contribute to higher overall productivity.

Note: All information supplied in this release is correct at the time of publication, but may be subject to change.