SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -- August 30, 1999 -- Teradyne, Inc. (NYSE:TER) released VICTORY Version 2.40 a complete toolset for boundary-scan test development and diagnostics at AUTOTESTCON '99. Release 2.40 has enhancements for test stability, supports PC-based test generation and execution, and provides enhancements to the Boundary-Scan Intelligent Diagnostics (BSID) module. The new enhancements improve test integration and create the most comprehensive development tool set available.

Improved Test Stability

Boundary-scan tests, such as Virtual Interconnect Test (VIT), may cause large numbers of nets to switch simultaneously. This switching can result in "ground bounce" on the tester which will lead to inconsistent test results. VICTORY 2.40 can create test patterns that automatically limit the number of nets that switch simultaneously, thus reducing the likelihood of inconsistent test results due to ground bounce.

PC-Based Test Generation and Execution

Running under Windows NT VICTORY's Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provides an easy to use test generation environment using a graphical process flow control model. Included with VICTORY 2.40 is a software driver to allow users to use the PC's parallel printer port (PPT) to apply Serial Vector Format (SVF) patterns. SVF is an industry standard pattern format that can also be used for the programming of In System Programmable (ISP) devices such as flash memories and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).

New Diagnostics Ideal for Reduced Access and Loss of Access Testing

VICTORY adds fault-dictionary capabilities to BSID for diagnosing the failures that Virtual Component and Cluster Test (VCCT) finds in non-scan device clusters. The fault-dictionary database and data formats used by BSID are based on Teradyne's LSRTAP [Editors: See IEEE Standard news release.] Users can now develop test pattern sets using LASAR and execute these patterns via the boundary scan virtual test channels and have the same fault dictionary diagnostics as those found using conventional parallel test pattern application.

The BSID module within VICTORY 2.40 also has the capability to diagnose Test Access Port Integrity Test (TAPIT) failures as part of boundary in-circuit test, Virtual Interconnect Test (VIT), and VCCT testing.

Leading military/aerospace manufacturers are using boundary-scan techniques for remote testing (i.e. satellites). The boundary-scan technique provides a comprehensive test without a physical test for mil/aero boards that have a protective coating.

Pricing and Availability

VICTORY Version 2.40 BICT and BSID are standard software within the Spectrum Manufacturing Test Platform. Additional tool suites are available and range from $12,000-$47,000 with quantity discounts available. Prices will vary outside North America. The software is currently shipping and is backed by Teradyne's world-wide service and support.

VICTORY is also available from the following value-added suppliers:

• Acculogic (1-888-PCB-TEST [722-8378])
• Asset-Intertech (1-972-437-2800 )
• Intellitech (1-603-868-7116)

About Teradyne

Teradyne is the world's largest manufacturer of automatic test equipment (ATE) for the electronics industry. Products include systems to test semiconductor devices, printed circuit assemblies, telephone lines, computerized telephone systems, internet and intranet networks, and software. The company is also a leading supplier of high-performance connection systems used in the manufacture of electronics. Teradyne's extensive service network supports customers through a worldwide service and application engineering network, with technical centers located throughout Asia, Europe and North America.

The Assembly Test Division, located in Boston and Walnut Creek, California, serves circuit-board test customers with comprehensive capabilities in test and inspection. These test instruments and systems are used in commercial environments and in military/aerospace applications where reliability, time-to-market, and in-line process test are key to success. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Teradyne reported sales of approximately $1.5 billion in 1998 and had 6,100 employees worldwide. The company's Web address is www.teradyne.com.

VICTORY is a trademark and LASAR is a tradename of Teradyne, Inc. All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners.