First mixed signal subsystem on a card for high-density VXI-C sized functional test

ANAHEIM, CA -À September 19, 2000 -À Teradyne, Inc. (NYSE:TER) has introduced the Ai7-Series Analog Test Subsystem for advanced mixed-signal functional testing. The Ai7-Series provides high-throughput testing for complex mixed signal modules, boards and boxes using a tester-per-pin analog testing architecture. A breakthrough in hardware design, each of the Ai-710's 32 analog channels contain 6 independent instruments resulting in 192 test instruments for a single VXI C-sized slot, the highest density available in VXI today. Announcement of the new Ai7-Series Analog Test Subsystem Instrument was made here at Autotestcon, a defense industry test trade show and conference focused on future sustainment of military and aerospace.

The Ai7-Series is the industry's first mixed signal subsystem in a VXI format designed for real time signal simulation required at functional test. This innovative and highly integrated analog testing subsystem architecture provides tester per pin resources and a matrix free test system design. With a VXIplug&play software driver and hardware that is compliant with VXI interface standards, Ai7-Series instruments are easily integrated with other instruments in VXI-based test systems.

"The Ai7-Series provides VXI system integrators with the ability to develop test equipment for advanced mixed-signal testing using Teradyne's new tester-per-pin analog subsystem architecture. The Ai7-Series is the only commercially available product to offer a set of independent instruments for each one of the fully functional I/O channels. This innovative hardware design helps to eliminate multiplexing and switching," according to Steve Fairbanks, Ai7-Series Product Manager, Teradyne. "The role of real-time functional test is becoming increasingly important. The Ai7 provides a unique functional test capability in a compact C-size format with the advantages of a standard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) architecture," continued Fairbanks.

The Ai-710 is the first member of the Ai7-Series family of mixed signal test instruments. Each channel consists of 6 independent test resources that are simultaneously available, all the time, providing stimulus and measurement capabilities. This provides the developer the ultimate flexibility in creating a test program that emulates the "as used" configuration, reducing no fault found conditions that are common between levels of test.

Pricing and Availability

North American pricing for the Ai7-Series starts at $32,000. Product will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2001.

About Teradyne

Teradyne is the world's leading automated testing company for the electronics, communications, and software industries. Its products and services address the test requirements of a broad range of semiconductors, electronic assemblies, telephone access networks and software applications. Teradyne supports its customers via a global service and applications engineering network, with technical centers located throughout the United States, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Teradyne reported sales of approximately $1.8 billion in 1999 and currently has about 8,000 employees worldwide. Teradyne's World Wide Web address is www.teradyne.com.

The Assembly Test Division, located in North Reading, Massachusetts and Walnut Creek, California, serves electronic manufacturers 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.