News Article
Partnership will focus on test cost reduction
FormFactor, Inc. has announced that Elpida Memory has agreed to a strategic relationship with FormFactor to help Elpida achieve annual reductions in its cost of test.
FormFactor, Inc. has announced that Elpida Memory has agreed to a strategic relationship with FormFactor to help Elpida achieve annual reductions in its cost of test. Elpida will collaborate with FormFactor to create a customized test solution roadmap that tackles a range of opportunities to reduce test costs and increase return on investment (ROI). The collaboration incorporates a new approach to testing--one that looks beyond probe cards as an isolated element in the test process and instead takes a holistic view that examines the entire test function and its place in the manufacturing process. Working closely from chip design to fabrication, and from wafer test to final test,Elpida can leverage FormFactor's advanced probing capabilities to optimize their entire test flow, improve throughput, optimize test resources, accelerate yield learning and reduce product cost. With semiconductor manufacturing becoming more challenging, test is playing an increasingly strategic role in ensuring the highest yield and quality for advanced ICs. "Our customers are under increasing pressure to reduce their cost of test and product costs, shorten their time to market, and cope with the growing complexity of testing requirements for their advanced products," stated Igor Khandros, chief executive officer of FormFactor. "The current approach of 'spot-market' engagement used by wafer test suppliers is not structured to help their customers effectively meet these challenges. FormFactor is aiming to redefine the supplier-customer relationship with a collaborative approach designed to continuously reduce their test costs year over year. We're pleased to have the opportunity to work with Elpida under this new framework and help them to achieve reductions in their cost of test as well as longer-term business objectives."
