Astronics Test Systems Announces New Semiconductor

EAST AURORA, N.Y., Nov. 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Astronics Test Systems, introduced its new breakthrough System-Level Test (SLT) platform that is expected to revolutionize the testing of high volume integrated semiconductor devices.  The new ATS 5034 System-Level Test (SLT) Platform improves production efficiency and greatly reduces the cost of test by processing up to 396 devices simultaneously.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/acd811d1-fd18-40fc-ba11-b36d52aa19bb

This new platform is ideal for testing the latest semiconductor devices for mobile, automotive, wearable and industrial applications.  The ATS 5034 SLT Platform can be tailored to meet precise production test requirements.  Customers will benefit from the dramatically reduced footprint of the ATS 5034 SLT Platform and the ability to test up to 5,000 units per hour (UPH).

“For the past 20 years, we’ve provided system-level and burn-in testers that have tested more than 9 billion semiconductor devices globally,” explained Jon Sinskie, Executive Vice President of Astronics Test Systems.  “The ATS 5034 SLT Platform is our newest tester, which for the first time offers an affordable method for semiconductor manufacturers to improve yields by implementing a 100% SLT test insertion in production.” 

Affordable 100% SLT through a Massively Parallel Platform

The new ATS 5034 SLT Platform tests integrated semiconductors in “mission mode” to verify performance of the semiconductor at the operating level.  Traditionally a difficult, expensive test insertion, the new ATS 5034 makes it simple for manufacturers to now transition to 100% SLT affordably.  An engineer can design a test sequence for a single site, and the ATS 5034 SLT Platform easily scales that sequence to hundreds of sites. 

“With the increasing complexity of today’s semiconductor devices and pressures to cost effectively hit aggressive time to market schedules, customers are looking for new ways to find defects that are missed during traditional ATE functional testing,” explained Anil Bhalla, Senior Marketing Manager for Astronics Test Systems.  “We’ve built a platform that enables customers to find these defects with SLT in a way that previously was not cost effective.”

Customizable and adaptable, this versatile modular platform satisfies a variety of manufacturing test functions including system characterization, validation, and qualification, system-level test and RMA/failure debug.  

Key features include:

• Testing of integrated semiconductor devices, such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, and embedded systems
• Test up to 396 devices simultaneously, at a rate of up to 5,000 UPH
• Support for popular package types: system on chip (SoC), module, and heterogeneous system in package (SiP)
• Turnkey automation with JEDEC trays input and outputs, including lot cascading
• Astronics’ ActivATE™ software, an easy-to-use test executive
• Extremely accurate thermal stress testing capability (+/- 1° C)
• Small factory footprint

Astronics can further customize this platform for various low, medium or high volume system-level test scenarios.  This platform also includes support from the Astronics program management organization, which oversees installation and maintenance at any global location.  Units are in production and shipping in the first quarter of 2017. 

For more information on semiconductor testing solutions from Astronics, visit AstronicsTestSystems.com.

About Astronics Corporation

Astronics Corporation is a leading supplier of advanced technologies and products to the global aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries.  Astronics’ products and services include advanced, high-performance electrical power generation, distribution and motion systems, lighting and safety systems, avionics products, aircraft structures, systems certification and automated test systems.  Astronics’ strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities, either internally or through acquisition, and using those capabilities to provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets and other markets where its technology can be beneficial.  Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Astronics has a reputation for high-quality designs, exceptional responsiveness, strong brand recognition and best-in-class manufacturing practices.  The Company routinely posts news and other important information on its website at www.astronics.com.  

For more information on Astronics and its products, visit www.astronics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “estimate” or other similar expressions.  Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what may be stated here include the state of the aerospace, defense, consumer electronics and semiconductor industries, the market acceptance of newly developed products, internal production capabilities, the timing of orders received, the status of customer certification processes and delivery schedules, the demand for and market acceptance of new or existing aircraft which contain the Company’s products, the need for new and advanced test and simulation equipment, customer preferences and other factors which are described in filings by Astronics with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information in this news release whether to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial conditions or prospects, or otherwise.

For more information, contact: Astronics Test Systems: Michelle Manson Phone: (949) 859-8999 Email: ATSpress@astronics.com