Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Tue, January 13, 2009 TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies, Hynix Create Long-Wire ZIF Probe Tips for DDR, GDDR Memory Validation
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) announced today that it collaborated with Hynix Semiconductor Inc., a worldwide supplier of advanced semiconductor memory products, to produce a high-bandwidth, high-performance long-wire ZIF (zero insertion force) probe tip optimized for [ DDR ] (double data rate) and GDDR (graphics double data rate) SDRAM validation. The [ long-wire ZIF tip ] allows engineers to make accurate measurements of high-speed signals when they probe signals located farther apart. These tips are used with Agilent's award-winning InfiniiMax and ZIF probing system, which offers improved usability and lower cost per solder attachment.
This probing option addresses one of the basic challenges of DDR design: It allows engineers to probe hard-to-reach locations on a DRAM chip while maintaining signal integrity. As the speed of DDR and GDDR SDRAM devices increases, and the design margins become smaller, the performance of the probing system becomes ever more critical. The long-wire ZIF tip addresses this probing challenge.
Another challenge with DDR and GDDR validation is the number of signals that need to be tested for JEDEC specifications. The design of the long-wire ZIP tip allows engineers to easily switch between the multiple signals they need to probe on a SDRAM device.
This product fulfills the complete compliance testing requirements for DDR memory designs.
"We liked the performance of Agilent's original ZIF tip accessories, but we wanted the tips to be longer and more flexible so we can access signals that are farther apart," said Kun-Sang Yoon, vice president of Hynix's Graphics Memory Application Team. "Agilent took our feedback and quickly came back with the probing solution that meets our needs. The long-wire ZIF tip accessories maintain high signal-integrity performance, allowing us to accurately measure our high-speed signals."
"We keep a strong pulse on the needs of our customers," said Scott Sampl, vice president and general manager of Agilent's oscilloscope product line. "Our experts work closely with industry leaders like Hynix and with the standards bodies. These relationships give us the ability to quickly respond to changes that will improve measurement efficiency and accuracy. We have the right tools -- from BGA probing technology to compliance software applications -- to help engineers validate their DDR and GDDR memory designs quickly."
Additional information about Agilent's N5451A InfiniiMax differential long-wire ZIF Tips is available at [ www.agilent.com/find/n5451a ].
Agilent's complete portfolio of [ oscilloscopes ] is available in a variety of form factors, from 20 MHz to 90 GHz, offering industry-leading specifications and powerful applications.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The U.S. list price for the N5451A InfiniiMax differential long-wire ZIF tips is $467 for a kit of 10 ZIF probe tip accessories. The probe accessory is available now.
About Hynix Semiconductor
Hynix is a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor memory products. It designs, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of DRAM and flash memories. Hynix memory products are an essential part of today´s leading-edge computing, consumer, communication and wireless products.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.8 billion in fiscal 2008. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at [ www.agilent.com ].
NOTE TO EDITORS: Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at [ www.agilent.com/go/news ].
