Feb 19, 2008 The technology is a hybrid between two established test methodologies in today's electronic manufacturing test environment: Boundary Scan and VTEP vectorless testing. The result is an extremely powerful tool that combines the standardized, limited access, digital stimulus capability of Boundary Scan with the industry-leading vectorless simplicity of VTEP. Agilent has a proven track record of technological leadership in both of these arenas, spanning more than two decades.
This technology has profound implications on cost and quality. Manufacturers of PCBAs now have the option to design circuit boards with less electrical test access, thus saving on fixture cost and reducing test resources. Also, fewer probes in the test fixtures mean reduced strain on the PCBAs.
"Industry trends are pointing to shorter design cycles with each new generation of products incorporating more features and more advanced technology," said Adrian Cheong, ICT marketing manager with Agilent's Measurement Systems Division. "We are standing at the threshold where conventional in-circuit test methods can no longer keep up with these technology advances.
"Agilent is committed to delivering real solutions that can meet the cost pressures of today's manufacturing environment. This technology builds on previous Agilent innovations in ICT such as VTEP v2.0, Bead Probe Technology, and our 1149.6 capability. Our customers depend on Agilent innovation to meet the test challenges of today's PCBAs."
Further Information and Availability
Agilent customers with valid software upgrade contracts for the i3070 and VTEP-equipped fixtures will get to enjoy this new technology by purchasing an additional software license and a fully VTEP-compatible fixture hardware upgrade. Pricing for the license will include attractive bundles for new and current Agilent boundary-scan customers. Pricing for the VTEP fixture hardware upgrade will be similar to existing Agilent VTEP fixture hardware products.
Limited shipments of the product will begin on March 7, 2008. Full availability will be in the second half of 2008. It will be officially introduced at two major test and inspection tradeshows: Apex 2008, April 1-3 in Las Vegas, Nev.; and Nepcon Shanghai 2008, April 8-11.
More information about Agilent's Medalist VTEP v2.0 vectorless test suite is available at http://www.agilent.com/see/vtep.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.4 billion in fiscal 2007. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at http://www.agilent.com.
