LTX-Credence today announced that Nordic Semiconductor, which specializes in ultralow power (ULP) 2.4-GHz transceivers, notably for the Bluetooth Smart and wearables segments, has selected Xcerra’s LTX-Credence Diamondx for high-volume production test of Nordic’s Internet of Things (IoT) products. Nordic will use the Diamondx in combination with the NighthawkCT instrument for low cost RF test of connectivity devices.
The combination of Diamondx and NighthawkCT was specifically designed to offer a new level of test capability for applications driven by the IoT. This new level of capability provides RF connectivity performance testing, as well as, a significantly reduced cost of testing RF enabled devices used in IoT applications.
“We are delighted to once again see LTX-Credence come out of this type of benchmarking exercise with the best overall fit for our testing needs,” noted Ole-Fredrik Morken, supply chain director at Nordic Semiconductor, who added, “While our strategy in this arena is mainly driven by a requirement for highest possible throughput per test cell, we also value a long-term relationship with LTX-Credence and their consistent focus on providing best-in-class test solutions for our product segment. We are currently running high volume production on Diamondx systems at multiple OSATs in Asia.”
Frank Berntsen, chief scientist at Nordic, commented, “After analyzing the data we determined that the Diamondx and NighthawkCT configuration features a superior combination of instrument performance [and] infrastructure speed and allows for a significant increase in parallel test. This is critically important for us as the application of Bluetooth Smart and emerging technologies for all types of IoT and wearables will further fuel Nordic’s growth, driving the need for high volume, low cost test solutions.”
Steve Wigley, vice president of the semiconductor tester group at Xcerra, commented, “The combination of the Diamondx and NighthawkCT leverages the superior cost structure of the Diamondx for RF connectivity performance testing. The selection of Diamondx and NighthawkCT for high volume production test by a key IoT player such as Nordic validates that our test solutions are well aligned to the needs of these fast growing applications.”
See related article “LTX-Credence Pursues Low Test Cost for RF Connectivity Devices.”