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Amkor Technology Places $26 Million Order with Credence Systems
Credence and Amkor Demonstrate Industry's First Analog Strip Test Solution
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2000--Credence Systems Corporation (Nasdaq:CMOS - news), a leading manufacturer of automatic test equipment (ATE) for the worldwide semiconductor industry, today announced a $26 million order from Amkor Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMKR - news) for a total of 25 new test systems, including Quartet(TM) Series, SC(TM) Series, Kalos(TM) Series, RFx(TM) and the new ASL 2000(TM) test systems. Additionally, Amkor and Credence have worked together to develop a new strip test solution, which is now in production using the ASL 1000(TM) tester and an MCT Tapestry(TM) handler. Strip testing lowers manufacturing costs by providing advanced package-handling solutions.
``By working closely with Credence we have been able to lower our test costs by reducing cycle time, improving yields and minimizing index time,'' said Tim Gosnell, manager of integration engineering and manufacturing at Amkor ATP, Philippines. ``This new and innovative technique allows massive parallelism, and has allowed us to achieve throughput in excess of three million devices per test cell per week.''
Essentially any chip that can be parallel tested at wafer sort can be tested using the matrix strip handling technique. This ``end-of-line'' processing uses standard lead-frame strips to integrate massive parallel assembly and testing. Using this new approach, Amkor has successfully reduced capital cost, floor space requirements, and index time significantly, while improving quality and cycle time indices. The companies will soon implement the strip solution on the new Credence ASL 2000 tester.
``Credence has proven to be a strategic test partner to Amkor, and this order solidifies our relationship with the company,'' said Joe Holt, vice president, worldwide test, Amkor. ``Credence provides a high level of production test at a reduced cost, and its testers are preferred by many of our major customers.''
Amkor is the world's largest provider of contract microelectronics manufacturing and test services. The new Credence test systems will be installed in Amkor's facilities in the Philippines and Korea over the next couple of months. Amkor has purchased these testers in an effort to support capacity growth expansion in the Internet and wireless communications markets.
``We are pleased that Amkor has chosen Credence test systems for its capacity expansion in Asia,'' said Graham Siddall, president and CEO of Credence Systems. ``The development of our new strip test solution with Amkor demonstrates successful technology collaboration between the two companies and we look forward to continuing this partnership and exploring new and exciting opportunities.''
About Amkor Technology
Amkor Technology, Inc. is the world's largest provider of contract microelectronics manufacturing solutions. The company offers semiconductor companies and electronics OEMs a complete set of microelectronic design and manufacturing services, including deep sub-micron wafer fabrication; wafer probe, characterization and reliability testing; IC packaging design and assembly; multi-chip module design and assembly; and final testing.
More information on Amkor is available from the company's SEC filings and on Amkor's web site: www.amkor.com. Amkor Technology, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol AMKR.
About Credence
Credence Systems Corporation is a leader in the manufacture of automatic test equipment (ATE) for the global semiconductor industry. Credence offers a wide range of products with test capabilities for digital, mixed-signal, and memory semiconductors.
Utilizing its patented CMOS technologies, Credence products are designed to meet the strict time-to-market and cost of ownership requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Fremont, California, the company maintains advanced production and design facilities in Hillsboro, Oregon. Credence, an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CMOS. More information is available at credence.com.
Note to Editors: Credence, Credence Systems, Quartet Series, SC Series, KALOS Series, ASL Series, and RFx are trademarks of Credence Systems Corporation. Other trademarks that may be mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.
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Contact:
Credence Systems Corporation
Connie Graybeal, 510/623-4774
connie_graybeal@credence.com
or
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Sandy Fewkes, 408/737-0285
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