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HP Unveils High-speed Memory Test System to Meet Huge Rambus-production Ramp-up; New HP 95000 HSM Series Tests 16 Devices in Parallel at 1.0GHz Data Rate
WASHINGTON (BUSINESS WIRE) - In a timely move that greatly enhances HP's portfolio of Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems, Hewlett-Packard Company today introduces the HP 95000 High Speed Memory (HSM) Series for production testing the new generation of high-bandwidth DRAMs. The HP 95000 HSM Series will be shown here in HP's booth, No. 2101, at the International Test Conference, being held through Oct. 22.
With 1.0GH/z data rates for generating both algorithmic patterns and random logic vectors, the HP 95000 HSM Series will test "at speed," high-performance memory ICs (integrated circuits), such as Rambus Inc.'s Direct RDRAM, with the flexibility to test both memory core and embedded logic in a single pass.
HP is introducing the HP 95000 HSM Series at this time to fully meet production-test demands for the RDRAM chips. Upon Intel's endorsement of the Rambus Direct RDRAM memory architecture, 14 leading DRAM manufacturers (representing more than 96 percent of worldwide DRAM production) have said they intend to ship Direct RDRAMs in volume in 1999. Leading computer companies such as Dell, Compaq and HP also have announced new PCs using the RDRAM as main memory.
Direct RDRAMs have data rates of up to 800Mbit/s, providing 1.6GB/s memory bandwidth for each single 16-bit-wide device. The HP 95000 HSM Series was designed for the speed and accuracy needed to test the fastest memory devices, such as Direct RDRAM, SLDRAM and Fast SRAM.
Today's announcement culminates years of collaboration among HP, Rambus and memory manufacturers. "Since 1991, HP test systems have been key to our ability to develop our next-generation interface technologies," said Allen Roberts, vice president, Memory and Technology Division, Rambus, Inc. "The new HP 95000 High Speed Memory Series enables our manufacturing partners to move Direct RDRAMs into volume production with a turnkey solution based on proven test technology."
One-pass or Two-pass Testing
"The HP 95000 High Speed Memory Series has the full functional capability to test Direct RDRAMs in a single pass," said John Scruggs, HP vice president and general manager of the Automated Test Group. "For many customers, however, a two-pass test strategy may be more efficient and cost-effective."
Customers can use the HP 95000 HSM Series for at-speed testing of the device interface logic and short-cycle core testing, while using lower-performance test systems for the more time-consuming, long-cycle tests of the chip's (DRAM) core. HP's intent is to provide manufacturers with the option of performing "one-pass" testing at anytime while allowing them to fully leverage current investments by continuing to use test systems already installed.
The HP 95000 HSM Series provides multisite testing of up to 16 devices in parallel with a "test cell" footprint less than half the size of other memory test systems -- significantly improving test throughput and reducing overall test costs.
Availability and Pricing
HP 95000 HSM Series test systems are shipping today and already have been installed at production sites of several memory manufacturers around the world. Pricing depends on configuration and can be obtained from local HP sales offices.
Information about HP's semiconductor test solutions can be found at hp.com.
About HP
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 127,200 employees and had revenue of $42.9 billion in its 1997 fiscal year.
Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at hp.com.
CAPTION: The HP 95000 high-speed memory series from Hewlett-Packard Company offers memory manufacturers x16 parallel production test system with 1GHz data rates.
NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Sales information may be obtained by calling 1-800-452-4844 ext. 6164. Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information.
Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.
If you choose to review this item, your readers will receive the quickest response to their inquiries by mailing them to Hewlett-Packard Company, Test and Measurement Organization, 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd., MS 54LAK, Santa Clara, Calif. 95052.
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