ni.com is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance.

Some services may be unavailable at this time. Please contact us for help or try again later.

What Is the Semiconductor Test System (STS)?

The three different NI Semiconductor Test System (STS) model sizes arranged next to each other

STS is a turnkey ATE solution that delivers cost-optimized lab-quality test at speed for RF, mixed signal, and MEMS semiconductor devices.

Semiconductor Test Solution Benefits

Optimize Test at Volume

Offload demand from high-cost platform testers and reclaim factory floor space with the STS modular PXI architecture and low-cost infrastructure. Balance test cost, speed, and coverage with customizable I/O, ideal for complex product needs.

Improve Throughput and Repeatability

Achieve faster test cycles with rapid, repeatable automation and high site count capabilities. The STS PXI architecture enables precise timing and instrument syncing, while STS software streamlines development and execution.

Shorten Time to Market

Integrate lab-grade PXI instruments into production for seamless data correlation and shorter time to market. Standardize test by reusing code, routines, and high-performance instrumentation, saving weeks of bring-up and correlation time.

Simplify Mechanical Integration

Streamline test cell integration with manipulators, handlers, probers, and load boards using STS standardized docking. Ensure compatibility across configurations while minimizing setup complexity and time.

Choose the Semiconductor Test System Configuration Right for Your Application

Each NI STS configuration features interchangeable device interface boards for scalable pin-count and site-count requirements and is available in three model sizes, ranging from ultra-compact to high-volume.

RF STS Configuration

Tailor your RF ATE to the production test needs of your portfolio, including integrated antenna modules, filters, amplifiers, and more.

 

  • Optimize test for active and passive RF chips 
  • Ensure quality with 1 GHz analysis bandwidth
  • Verify compliance to wireless standards

Mixed-Signal STS Configuration

Optimize your mixed-signal ATE to the production test needs of your portfolio, including data converters, linear analog components, communication interfaces, and more.

 

  • Customize hardware for optimal test
    coverage
  • Accelerate test programing with measurement libraries
  • Enhance test with audio/high-frequency options

MEMS STS Configuration

Customize your microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) ATE to the production test needs of your portfolio, including sensors and actuators.

 

  • Achieve >98% parallel test efficiency (PTE)
  • Reduce total cost via scalable PXI ATE
  • Gain lab-grade accuracy for high-SNR test

Our other business units already adopted STS…their recommendations convinced our RF business to try it out for a massive MIMO application. I’m very pleased by the progress…higher throughput means more devices shipped faster, which means business results.

David Reed

Executive VP of Global Operations

NXP

Let's Talk About Other Production Test Options

To learn more about NI Semiconductor Test Solutions, talk to our technical experts.

Accelerate Production Test with Comprehensive Software

STS Software Bundle

Production test engineer looking at two desktop computer monitors showing semiconductor device test plots.

Get a comprehensive suite of applications and drivers to develop, deploy, debug, optimize, and calibrate production test systems. Streamline test program generation, boost parallel test efficiency, and customize operator interfaces, all while ensuring system version consistency.

NI OptimalPlus Global Analytics

Automation engineer using desktop computer to monitor production process flow.

Use AI-based analytics software that collects, cleans, and analyzes data from multiple manufacturing and enterprise data sources to optimize all product lifecycle stages. With advanced analytics, discover how to minimize product variation and improve yield.

STS Services and Support

We provide comprehensive engineering services and specialized hardware programs designed to meet the critical uptime requirements of semiconductor test applications. These solutions help maximize efficiency, improve tester performance, and extend system longevity. With every STS deployment, we partner with you to determine the level of service that best meets your application needs and ensures long-term success.

View PXI Instruments

NI PXI Source Measure Units

PXI source measure units (SMUs) combine high-precision source and measure capability with features designed to reduce test time and increase flexibility.

NI PXI Digital Pattern Instruments

PXI digital pattern instruments deliver ATE-class digital to the industry-standard PXI platform. They are designed for testing a broad range of RF and mixed-signal ICs.

NI PXI Vector Signal Transceivers

Vector signal transceivers (VSTs) combine a vector signal generator, vector signal analyzer, and user-programmable FPGA into one device. Use these products for RF and wireless applications such as cellular device testing and RFIC characterization.