Producing Rohde & Schwarz ASICs

Rohde & Schwarz is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of information and communications technology products for professional users. Initially focusing on RF engineering and RF applications in test and measurement, radio communications, and broadcasting, the company has continually expanded its fields of activity over the past decades and has become one of Germany’s largest manufacturers of IT security products.

Known for its high-quality products, Rohde & Schwarz is one of the leading suppliers of high-end test instrumentation equipment for electronics manufacturers. The company focuses on cutting-edge products that enable its customers to test their products using the most state-of-the-art test technologies.

Challenges

Rohde & Schwarz has a strong in-house R&D group that designs its ICs, which are critical for the success of its products. To ensure it remains focused on its core competencies, Rohde & Schwarz wanted a reliable external vendor that could fully own its end-to-end ASIC engineering and manufacturing activities – from wafer procurement through package design, test development, qualification and logistics.

Rohde & Schwarz objectives

Solution

Rohde & Schwarz selected Presto Engineering as a one-stop shop vendor to handle the full spectrum of ASIC productization, test engineering and supply chain logistics. The two companies have been collaborating closely now for 10 years on both R&D and management levels, with Presto

providing test engineering services and managing the entire supply chain of several ASIC projects in parallel. This includes design for testability (DFT), wafer procurement and tests, packaging design, final tests, qualification, and supply chain logistics.

Design for testability (DFT)

Rohde & Schwarz ASIC designers engage Presto test engineers from early design stages to plan testing strategies and coverage, develop hardware and software for test boards, and overall – ensure high test coverage and quality of ICs. According to Bastian Nagel, Senior Director Mixed Signal ASIC Development at Rohde & Schwarz, this practice “validates the expected performance and the testability of the design and prevents extra costs.”

Packaging

Due to the high-performance requirements of Rohde & Schwarz ASICs, packaging is often as critical as the silicon itself. Presto engineers use electrical and thermal simulations to help identify and select the optimal packaging, adhesives and wiring technologies for each project, and ensure top electrical signal quality.

Production Testing

All ASIC production testing is done in-house within Presto Engineering’s extensive test facility, including wafer testing, final testing, and qualification tests. This ‘all-under-one-roof’ service supports the efficient management of Rohde & Schwarz’ complex projects. When failures or yield issues are detected, troubleshooting is immediately triggered. Because all activities take place in a single location, Presto’s multi-disciplinary teams can identify and fix problems within a short time frame.

“The Presto Engineering team has the experience, focus, and ‘get-things-done’ attitude, that allows us to deliver parts within the agreed-upon time frame,” says Bastian Nagel.

Communications

Presto Engineering’s European facilities facilitate efficient communications and ensure the IP protection. Using communication matrix and monthly project status, various steps in the supply chain are jointly managed and discussed in detail including technical issues related to wafer tests, test lists and equipment, quality-related activities, and commercial terms. This close collaboration supports the successful execution of tight project plans, with multiple processes performed in parallel to ensure on-time delivery.