New Solution Available for System-Level Testing of Advanced, High-Speed Semiconductor Memories for Mobile Applications

Advantest unveiled its new T5851 STM16G memory tester for evaluating high-speed protocol NAND flash memories including UFS3.0 universal flash storage and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe solid-state drives (SSD), both of which are expected to be in high demand for the LTE 5G communications market.

The mobile and automotive communication markets are booming.  It is estimated that soon almost all NAND memory in smart phones will use high-speed serial protocol interface controllers such as PCIe and UFS, the majority of which will require system-level testing (SLT).  In addition, shipments of UFS memories are expected to nearly triple in the next three years and surpass embedded multi-media cards (eMMC), the current market leader.  By 2021, more than 800 million total eMMC, UFS and NAND smart phone units will be shipped, according to the market research firm IHS Markit.

The new T5851 STM16G system’s multi-protocol architecture makes it suitable for testing all SSDs with ball grid arrays (BGA) or land grid arrays (LGA) in both engineering and high-volume production environments.  Using one common platform reduces deployment risks while the system’s modular upgradability enhances users’ return on investment.

The universal, extendable platform has the versatility to test multi-protocol NAND devices with speeds up to 16 Gbps. The system’s tester-per-DUT architecture supports the test flows required for fast SLT of up to 768 devices in parallel.

The configuration and performance of the T5851 STM16G can be optimized for any generation of devices. Advantest’s FutureSuite™ software ensures that the new tester can be easily integrated with all other members of the T5800 product family.

As additional benefits, the new memory tester can be combined with Advantest’s M6242 automated component handler to create a turnkey test cell, it has a liquid-cooling system for reliable thermal management and it delivers superior reliability.

Shipments to customers are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of calendar 2019.

In Vivo Skin Imaging Technology Developed to Aid in Early Diagnosis

 Advantest has developed a non-invasive method to achieve real-time 3D imaging of the vascular network and blood condition (oxygen saturation) of the living body, using a photoacoustic method to detect ultrasonic waves generated by laser irradiation. This method may be used for early diagnosis and monitoring of physical functions related to beauty and health.

As part of the “Innovative Visualization Technology to Lead to Creation of a New Growth Industry” project operated by Advantest’s Takayuki Yagi under the auspices of the Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies Program (ImPACT), a program of Japan’s Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, an R&D group led by Professor Yoshifumi Saijo of Tohoku University and Noriyuki Masuda of Advantest has succeeded in developing in vivo skin imaging technology (1) that can simultaneously generate dual-wavelength photoacoustic images and ultrasound images.

Photoacoustic imaging is a method of imaging the interior of a living body by irradiating light into the body and measuring ultrasonic waves generated from blood or tissues that selectively absorb light energy. It is attracting interest as a new noninvasive imaging method suitable for measuring small blood vessels in the skin, which is difficult with conventional imaging techniques.

However, when using only photoacoustic imaging, even if microvessels in the skin measuring several tens of microns or less in diameter are imaged, it is impossible to ascertain which region of each layer in the skin they are in. In addition, it is possible to photoacoustically measure the oxygen saturation level of blood vessels (3) by using light sources of multiple wavelengths, but the movement of living bodies affects measurement results, so the use of this method has hitherto been limited to research applications such as animal experiments.

The newly developed in vivo imaging technology utilizes a focused ultrasonic sensor that can detect multiple ultrasonic signals. Thus, photoacoustic waves and ultrasonic waves can be measured with the same sensor, while signals are generated on two alternating wavelengths, allowing the detection of ultrasonic waves that image the microvascular network in the dermis as well as blood oxygen saturation (Fig. 1). A 6 mm square area of 2 mm depth can be imaged in about 4 minutes. Also, using the acquired data, mapping of oxygen saturation and the superposition of photoacoustic images and ultrasound images is possible.

Biopsy studies have proved that signs of skin aging such as spots and wrinkles are related to microvessels in the skin. The newly developed photoacoustic imaging method is expected to be used for monitoring of photoaging of the skin as well as other applications.

Figure 1: Example of forearm skin imaging.

Blue indicates lower oxygen saturation of blood vessels, red higher.

Read more about this novel and promising research technology

The Duality of Machine Learning

By Judy Davies, Vice President of Global Marketing Communications, Advantest America

The term “binary,” with which we in the semiconductor industry are quite familiar, refers to more than the 1s and 0s found in binary code. It implies a balance, a duality that is present throughout the industry. This duality is found in our human makeup, as well. We use both intellect and feeling in living our lives, as we identify challenges and determine solutions.

If artificial intelligence and machine-learning systems are to truly think as humans do, it would seem that moving beyond purely digital computations will be essential. This means finding a way to teach machines to combine left-brained (analytical, data-based) with right-brained (intuitive, perception-based) thinking – i.e., the true duality of the human brain.

The work of John von Neumann has come to represent the left-brained approach. Beginning in the 1920s, von Neumann applied his genius in mathematics across a wide spectrum of projects. These included working on the Manhattan Project to construct the first atomic bomb; creating the landmark von Neumann architecture for digital computers that store both programs and data; and developing the field of game theory, which many high-stakes poker players use today to deduce future outcomes and win tens of millions of dollars.

The right-brained approach can also be described as emotional intellect. It represents more analog or interpretive thinking that takes into account human feelings and attempts to inform actions that are difficult to quantify. As an example, whereas von Neumann’s game theory is used to arrive at decisions through logical reasoning, poker players also gather information about their opponents by reading their body language and demeanor at the table. This is the right brain at work.

Neuromorphic computing involves making machines that more closely replicate the way the way the human brain works. Rather than being limited to solely digital processing, neuromorphic chips assimilate analog information, which is then interpreted for shades of meaning. This forges a path to creating neural networks that are aligned with how we think.

Already present in our lives is what can be viewed as a precursor to neuromorphic computing. When we visit an online retailer’s site, our interest in the products viewed and/or purchased is catalogued, grouped with the interests of other buyers, compared with those buyers’ previous purchases, and used to pitch us on buying other products that people within that demographic have bought. Pop-up ads, emails and texts claiming “You may also be interested in …” demonstrate how computing power is being applied to get into consumers’ heads and not just understand but influence their spending patterns.

Similarly, machine learning can be applied when it comes to guiding consumers’ future actions. Databases are being used both to predict our needs and to stock local inventories accordingly, ensuring that our local store or distributor will know as soon as we exhaust our supply of a particular item and will be able to offer same-day delivery of a replacement.

Factoring in product reviews from other members of our demographic group would allow retailers to draw high-probability conclusions about both our level of satisfaction with products we’re currently using and the likelihood that we may be willing to switch to a similar product from a different supplier. This educated guesswork will be based on “reading” your emotional decision-making processes. With this ability to predict future behavior, poker-player computers are assured continued dominance.

The state of the art in neuromorphic computing does not yet involve precisely predicting all of our next moves. The world of the Steven Spielberg movie “Minority Report” – in which savant-like “pre-cogs” can predict future crimes before they occur, enabling law enforcement to arrest criminals-to-be in advance – does not yet exist. But it’s intriguing to consider, and to wonder if we may actually get there at some point.

Would bringing the duality of digital processing and emotional intellect to fruition be highly beneficial, enabling digital assistants like Alexa and Siri to more accurately anticipate our desires? Or would it bring us a step closer to having our lives actually be run by the machines in our lives? One thing seems sure: If and when full-blown neuromorphic computing becomes a reality, it will definitely be put to use.