25th anniversary of V93000 SoC test platform

Introduced in July 1999, the V93000 transformed the semiconductor test industry with its innovative single scalable platform, featuring a test processor-per-pin architecture. This approach has persisted through four generations, demonstrating its longevity as evidenced by the first V93000 system installed, still operational at a customer site in Italy, alongside newer fourth-generation V93000 EXA Scale testers.

According to the Chip History Centre, the V93000 became a significant milestone upon its release, influencing many subsequent high-end SoC testers. Since Advantest acquired Verigy in 2011, it has continuously enhanced the V93000 platform, offering a variety of compatible tester configurations ranging from compact engineering systems to high-pin-count wafer sort and final test systems for high-volume manufacturing. The V93000 covers a wide array of applications, including high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, RF, automotive, and industrial sectors.

TechInsights Vice Chair and Senior Fellow G. Dan Hutcheson has long followed Advantest and the trajectory of the V93000 platform. “The V93000’s long life is an icon for the virtuous cycle that can be created when a team of tool designers thinks beyond the challenges of the day to develop an architecture that can evolve to address as-yet-unknown future challenges. In the case of the V90000, its long life has benefited both Advantest and its customers,” Hutcheson observed.

Advantest has consistently been recognised in TechInsights’ annual 10 BEST list for 36 years, reflecting the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation.

“Technology evolves at a lightning pace, so reaching the quarter-century mark is a milestone achievement that underscores the value of our single, scalable platform approach,” said Juergen Serrer, Senior Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer, Advantest. “Partnering with our customers to stay ahead of technology trends has enabled us to ensure that the V93000 platform stands ready, with state-of-the-art capabilities, to accommodate todays and tomorrow’s test challenges. We look forward to what the next 25 years have in store.”