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Advantest's PMUX02: Revolutionizing Power Device Testing

Eli GrantTuesday, Nov 19, 2024 3:14 am ET
2min read
Advantest Corporation, a leading semiconductor test equipment supplier, has recently announced the launch of its advanced PMUX02 Power Multiplexer, designed specifically for the V93000 EXA Scale System-on-Chip (SoC) test platform. This innovative device aims to enhance multi-site testing capabilities for power and analog devices, particularly in sectors like battery management systems (BMS), automotive applications, and power management integrated circuits (ICs). The PMUX02 features 22 switches, nearly double the capacity of its predecessor, and supports an extended voltage range of ±160 volts. This increased switch density and voltage capability cater to the growing demand for high-pin-count, mixed-signal devices in the EV and automotive sectors.

The PMUX02 Power MUX offers unprecedented capabilities for multi-site testing of power and analog devices, including battery management systems (BMS), automotive, and power management ICs. With 22 switches—nearly double the switch density of its predecessor—and an extended voltage range of ± 160 volts (V), PMUX02 will help streamline and reduce the cost-of-test for these high-pin-count, mixed-signal devices. The device is fully compatible with the earlier PMUX01 model, ensuring a streamlined transition for existing customers. Advantest's PMUX02 is also integrated into the SmarTest 8 control software, utilizing advanced routing tools essential for agile application development.

The increased switch density and voltage range of PMUX02 cater to the needs of high-pin-count, mixed-signal devices in the EV and automotive sectors. As EVs adopt more cells per module, BMS must operate at higher voltages, while complex automotive ICs require more parallel sites for increased throughput. PMUX02's denser relay array and system bus communication eliminate I2C driver circuitry, freeing up valuable loadboard space. This enables testing of more parallel sites and reduces the need for additional, expensive instrument cards, streamlining the cost-of-test for these high-pin-count devices.



The PMUX02 Power MUX promises to streamline and reduce the cost-of-test for high-pin-count, mixed-signal devices in sectors like battery management systems (BMS) and power management ICs. By enabling more parallel sites and allowing testers to share instrument channels across multiple locations, it enhances loadboard density and increases throughput. This results in a more cost-effective and efficient testing process, particularly for the growing electric vehicle (EV) market, where BMS operate at higher voltages and require more complex testing.

The compatibility of Advantest's PMUX02 Power MUX with existing loadboards and software environments significantly facilitates customer adoption and upgrade paths in the EV and automotive sectors. By enabling customers to utilize the same loadboards for their applications, PMUX02 allows for a streamlined transition, mitigating costs and promoting customer retention. Additionally, its integration into Advantest's SmarTest 8 control software environment, utilizing the same powerful routing tools as PMUX01, ensures agile application development. This compatibility and seamless upgrade path enable customers to harness the power of the PMUX02 for BMS and power management IC projects without overhauling their entire testing infrastructure, making it an attractive investment for companies in the EV and automotive sectors.

In conclusion, Advantest's PMUX02 Power MUX represents a significant advancement in power device testing, catering to the growing demand for high-pin-count, mixed-signal devices in the EV and automotive sectors. Its increased switch density, extended voltage range, and compatibility with existing loadboards and software environments make it an attractive investment for companies seeking to optimize their testing processes and reduce costs. As the EV market continues to grow, the PMUX02's ability to streamline and reduce the cost-of-test for high-pin-count devices will be increasingly valuable, driving adoption and innovation in the sector.
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