Handsets, especially multifunction smartphones that enable users to surf the web, enable social media communication technologies, play music and take photographs are a significant driver of Application Specific Standard Product (ASSP) and Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) devices. ASSP/ASIC devices, however, can be found in an extremely broad range of end products, from automobiles to medical devices.

The ASSP and ASIC market segments represent the single largest market for semiconductor test equipment . An ASSP is a semiconductor device that is dedicated for a specific application and sold to more than one user. An ASIC, similarly has a specific application but is designed and built for a specific company.

ASSP/ASIC devices cover a very broad range of end applications and in many different markets and can include a wide range of communication, processing and display technology. They can be pure analog devices, pure digital devices and everything in between, including RF.

The diversity of end applications is directly translated to the test requirements, as some devices may require high performance digital, some may require precision RF, some may require embedded memory, some may require high power, and some a combination of all of the above. Some of the devices may run in very high volume and other devices could be considered low volume/high mix.

The test solution decision is likely to take into account several issues: the need for multi-site test capability, the level of performance of the various instruments in the tester, and, of course, the cost. Semiconductor companies above all are constantly seeking ways to reduce the cost of test. This is as important for ASSP/ASIC devices as it is for any other semiconductor device.

At LTX-Credence we offer several products for testing ASSP/ASIC products so that we can match our innovative technology to your production needs ensuring we provide you with a solution that delivers the overall lowest cost of test.