Ambient-Hot, Pick-and-Place Handler developed by Delta Design
POWAY, Calif., April 23, 2003 -- Cohu Inc. (NASDAQ:COHU) through its Delta Design unit announced today that United Test and Assembly Center Limited (UTAC), an independent provider of full turnkey semiconductor assembly and test, has selected its new pick-and-place test handler: the DELTA EDGE. The DELTA EDGE is currently available as an ambient and hot handler. Its innovative part flow contributes to an increase in test cell utilization and reduction in operator interaction with the handler. The horizontal test site area is compatible with most existing tester interfaces allowing easy integration of the handler into test floors. The DELTA EDGE is designed to help IC manufacturers in their drive to lower IC final manufacturing costs.
"Delta Design is pleased to have been selected by UTAC for their ambient-hot handling requirements. UTAC has been a development partner and beta site for this new flexible handler", stated Colin Scholefield, Senior Vice President at Delta Design. "The DELTA EDGE addresses the need to lower costs associated with handling parts in the test cell. We have developed a new platform that delivers a full range of handling features in a cost effective system. In addition, it offers users a path for growth as their handling requirements change in the future."
Y.H. Chok, Vice President of Test Operations at UTAC, said: "DELTA EDGE is one example of user-vendor collaboration that aims to improve industry-wide semiconductor test cost structure and productivity. In the last nine months, our test engineers have been partnering with Delta Design to verify and fine tune DELTA EDGE. The simplicity of the DELTA EDGE enables rapid conversion of the machine, which is crucial to success in the Semiconductor Test Business. Most importantly, beta test runs yielded at least a 30% increase above industry average handling speeds. We continue to work with our partner vendors to drive productivity improvements to set new benchmarks."
The DELTA EDGE minimizes pick and place operations resulting in improved reliability and is capable of testing 1 to 4 devices in a variety of test site configurations. The system offers ambient and hot test operation, with ample thermal soak to maintain high throughput for test at elevated temperatures. Horizontal docking from two directions, variable test site pitch and a 90-degree device rotation option, make the handler compatible with most users' existing load boards. Future plans include increased parallel test from 4 to 8 sites and full tri-temperature capability.
Certain matters discussed in this release concerning the Company's new product development are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or forecasted. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to convert new products under development into production on a timely basis, support product development and meet customer delivery and acceptance requirements for next generation equipment; the effect of competitive products; the concentration of revenues in a limited number of customers; and other risks addressed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the most recently filed Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this report.
Cohu, through its Delta Design subsidiary, is a leading supplier of test handling solutions used by the global semiconductor industry, as well as a supplier of closed circuit television, metal detection and microwave communications equipment.
United Test and Assembly Center Limited provides full turnkey solutions in assembly and testing of memory and mixed signal semiconductors. UTAC's "BM/W" strategy focuses on accelerating penetration into and expansion in the Broadband and Mobile/ Wireless communications industries. UTAC's customer base comprises leading and emerging global designers and manufacturers of semiconductors that power computing, communication, and consumer electronic appliances. UTAC is headquartered in Singapore, and is supported by a global sales and marketing network in Italy, Israel, Japan and the United States. For further information, visit www.utac.com.sg.
For press releases and other information of interest to investors, please visit Cohu's website at www.cohu.com. Contact: John Allen - Investor Relations (858) 848-8106; Sales (978) 486-1060 or visit www.deltad.com.