Partner story | Salland Engineering at Semicon08
Salland Engineering: Pioneering Production Testing in the Semicon 08 Project
Based in Zwolle, Netherlands, Salland Engineering has been a leading innovator in semiconductor test technology and engineering for over 30 years. Known for combining instruments, test applications, and supply chain services, Salland delivers complete testing solutions to global semiconductor leaders. By designing high-performance Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), developing test applications, and offering advanced testing services, Salland has established itself as an essential partner for fast silicon bring-up, New Product Introduction (NPI), and large-scale production support.
In the NXTGEN Hightech Semicon 08 project, Salland brings its expertise to the field of photonic integrated circuits (PICs), developing pioneering test solutions that bridge a critical gap in PIC production.
Project background:
Metrology Equipment for critical scaling of PIC Production
Within this project, two machines are being developed to test integrated photonic chips with the aim of becoming a global leader in visual and prober test equipment for integrated photonics as part of the consortium. Three generations of machines are being developed in which fundamental research is transformed into working machines.
Pivotal role in Semicon08
Salland Engineering’s role in the Semicon 08 project centers on creating a Test Rack, also known as the PTX, for high-volume production testing of PICs. This system will serve as the testing component within IMS’s PTP (Sirius) system, using a blend of existing optical instruments and Salland’s custom-built modules. These include a 16-channel Source Measurement Unit (SMU), a PXI-formfactor Utility board, and an Optical Switch Matrix, providing essential flexibility for configuring test setups.
Beyond hardware development, Salland is designing comprehensive test cell control software, enabling the control of external equipment, managing test recipes, and generating detailed test reports. This software ensures compatibility with wafer probers and aligns with the needs of PIC designers and foundries, making it a crucial element for efficient, production-level PIC testing.
Expectations and future impact
Salland Engineering sees the NXTGEN Hightech initiative as an invaluable platform for collaboration and learning. Working alongside other high-tech measurement and testing experts within the Semicon 08 project, Salland anticipates that the project will spur innovative product development and foster a stronger network of knowledge-sharing within the Dutch tech ecosystem.
Added value and industry integration
Salland’s contributions to the Semicon 08 project extend beyond mere technical specifications. The company leverages its deep experience in ATE to design solutions with a focus on production readiness, time optimization, parallel and multichannel testing, and robust data analysis capabilities. These insights, drawn from decades of work in high-volume semiconductor testing, are instrumental in creating a PIC tester that is both flexible and scalable. By bringing statistical data collection and multichannel testing to PIC production, Salland’s innovations promise to elevate PIC testing capabilities to meet the rigorous demands of high-tech manufacturing.
Ongoing contributions and future plans
In the MEKOPP project, Salland has already delivered a demonstration measurement system (the Test Rack) to the system integrator and is currently refining the requirements for the system as PIC market demands evolve. By 2030, Salland aims to complete the final version of the 16-channel SMU, which will be a cornerstone instrument for the electrical testing of PICs. The company remains committed to advancing its test solutions based on industry feedback, continually enhancing the capabilities of its test systems for the next generation of photonics technology.
Conclusion
As the only company in the Netherlands with extensive experience in bringing ATE solutions to high-volume PIC testing, Salland Engineering is uniquely positioned to lead the way in production-level PIC testing and characterization. Through the Semicon 08 project, Salland’s innovative approach to multichannel, high-speed testing is setting new standards for photonic testing solutions. By combining hardware development with software expertise and operational insights, Salland Engineering is not only advancing the scalability of PIC production but also helping to shape the future of automated testing within the photonics industry. high-resolution imaging solutions in high-tech manufacturing.
As the project unfolds, Settels remains dedicated to supporting the advancement of the photonics ecosystem and paving the way for the future of automated inspection in this rapidly evolving field.