Cohu Inc.

Core Business: Enabling Semiconductor Manufacturing Excellence

Cohu's core business revolves around providing the essential equipment and services that semiconductor manufacturers (Integrated Device Manufacturers - IDMs), Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) providers, and to some extent, Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) companies, rely on for their back-end production processes. These processes occur after wafer fabrication and involve testing individual dies and packaged ICs, as well as inspecting them for defects. Cohu's solutions are designed to optimize yield, reduce the cost of test, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) for its customers.

Comprehensive Product and Service Portfolio

Cohu offers a diverse range of products and services tailored to meet the evolving demands of the semiconductor industry:

1. Semiconductor Test Systems (Automatic Test Equipment - ATE): Cohu develops and manufactures ATE solutions designed to test a wide variety of semiconductor devices. These systems perform electrical tests to verify that each IC functions according to its specifications. * SoC (System-on-Chip) Testers: Platforms like the Diamondx are optimized for testing complex SoCs used in mobility, consumer electronics, automotive, IoT, and industrial applications. They offer high parallelism and configurability. * Power and Analog Testers: The PAx platform, for instance, is designed for testing power management ICs (PMICs), analog ICs, and discrete power devices critical for automotive, industrial, and consumer power applications. * RF Testers: Solutions for testing radio frequency (RF) devices such as transceivers, power amplifiers, and front-end modules used in smartphones, 5G infrastructure, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other connectivity applications. * Display Driver IC (DDI) Testers: Specialized ATE for testing the ICs that control pixels on various display types. * Microcontroller (MCU) Testers: Cost-effective solutions for testing a wide range of microcontrollers. * LED Testers: Equipment for testing Light Emitting Diodes.

2. Test Handlers (Automation): Test handlers are automated systems that precisely pick up semiconductor devices, transport them to the test site (often under specific temperature conditions), interface them with the ATE, and then sort them based on test results. * Gravity Handlers: Such as the Delta-Series (e.g., Delta Summit, Delta CAST, Delta MATRiX), which use gravity to feed singulated devices for testing, suitable for a wide range of package types. * Pick-and-Place Handlers: Including the MATRiX and KITA series, these handlers offer high precision and flexibility for testing various package types, including BGA, QFP, QFN, and WLCSP, often at high parallelism and across a wide temperature range. * Turret Handlers: Designed for very high-speed handling of discrete components and small IC packages. * Thermal Handlers: Many of Cohu's handlers offer tri-temperature capabilities, enabling testing at hot, ambient, and cold temperatures (e.g., -55?C to +175?C) to simulate real-world operating conditions. * MEMS Test Modules: Integrated modules for handlers that enable the testing of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices by providing the necessary physical stimuli (e.g., pressure, motion, sound).

3. Interface Solutions: These are critical components that create the electrical pathway between the ATE and the device under test (DUT). * Test Contactors: High-performance contactors that ensure reliable electrical contact with the DUT. Cohu offers a variety of technologies, including spring probes (e.g., cViper, xWave), cantilever types (e.g., cDragon), Kelvin contactors for precise measurements, and solutions for wafer-level chip-scale packages (WLCSP) and fine-pitch devices. * Probe Heads and Probe Pins: For wafer probing applications, providing the interface between the tester and the individual dies on a wafer. This includes products from their legacy Everett Charles Technologies (ECT) brand. * Device Dedication Kits (DDKs): Custom kits that adapt the handler and tester interface for specific device packages.

4. Inspection and Metrology Systems: Cohu provides advanced vision inspection and metrology systems to detect defects and ensure the physical integrity of semiconductor devices at various stages. * Wafer-Level Inspection: Systems for inspecting bumps, redistribution layers (RDL), and other features or defects on semiconductor wafers. * Die and Package Inspection: 2D and 3D vision systems for inspecting leads (coplanarity, bent leads), surface defects, ball grid arrays (BGAs), land grid arrays (LGAs), package markings, and overall package dimensions. * Tape and Reel Inspection: Automated systems to inspect devices after they have been placed into tape and reel packaging. * Advanced Metrology: High-precision measurement capabilities for critical dimensions, ensuring devices meet stringent physical specifications.

5. Data Analytics Software: * DI-Core Data Intelligence System: This platform provides powerful data analytics capabilities for semiconductor manufacturing. It collects and analyzes data from test and inspection equipment in real-time, using AI and machine learning to provide actionable insights. Benefits include yield optimization, predictive maintenance, improved quality control, and enhanced process understanding.

6. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Test Solutions: Cohu continues to offer solutions for testing bare and loaded printed circuit boards, including test fixtures, interconnects, and related services, ensuring the integrity of PCBs used in various electronic systems.

Global Services and Support

Cohu backs its extensive product portfolio with a global network of service and support professionals. Their offerings include: * Field Service Engineering: On-site installation, maintenance, repair, and system upgrades. * Technical Support: Remote and on-site troubleshooting and assistance. * Spare Parts and Consumables: A global logistics network for timely delivery of spare parts and critical consumables (like contactors and probe pins). * Application Engineering: Collaboration with customers to develop and optimize test programs, handler recipes, and interface solutions for specific devices and applications. * Training Programs: Comprehensive training for customers on the operation and maintenance of Cohu equipment.

Key Technologies and Differentiators

Cohu distinguishes itself through: * Comprehensive Portfolio: Offering an end-to-end suite of solutions for back-end semiconductor test, handling, interface, and inspection. * Advanced Automation: High-speed, precise handling solutions that maximize throughput. * Thermal Management Expertise: Leading solutions for testing devices across a wide range of temperatures, crucial for automotive and other demanding applications. * Precision Contacting Technology: Innovative contactor and probe solutions for reliable testing of high-density, fine-pitch, and sensitive devices. * Integrated Vision and Metrology: Combining electrical test with advanced inspection capabilities. * AI and Data Analytics: Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning in its DI-Core platform and inspection systems to provide actionable insights and improve manufacturing processes. * Focus on Cost of Test (CoT): Developing solutions that help customers reduce their overall cost of testing while maintaining high quality. * Strong Market Focus: Targeting high-growth segments such as automotive (ADAS, EV), 5G mobility, IoT, industrial automation, and data center/AI.

Target Markets and Customers

Cohu serves a global customer base that includes: * Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs): Companies that design, manufacture, and sell their own semiconductor devices. * Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) Providers: Companies that provide third-party assembly and testing services to fabless companies and IDMs. * Fabless Semiconductor Companies: While Cohu doesn't sell directly to all fabless companies, their equipment is critical for the OSATs and test houses that serve them. * Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Providers: For PCB test solutions.

Cohu's equipment is used to test and inspect semiconductors that go into virtually every type of electronic device, including smartphones, automotive systems (ECUs, sensors, infotainment), computers, servers, networking equipment, consumer electronics, industrial machinery, medical devices, and IoT products.

Through continuous innovation and strategic acquisitions, Cohu, Inc. has solidified its position as a vital partner to the global semiconductor industry, providing the critical equipment and services necessary to bring reliable and high-performance electronic devices to market.