NI, Tessolve and Johnstech Demonstrate mmWave 5G Package Test Solution

IMS – NI (National Instruments), a software-centric platform provider that helps accelerate the development and performance of automated test and automated measurement systems, today announced and demonstrated a 4-site 5G mmWave package test solution developed in collaboration with Tessolve and Johnstech.

The solution is designed to address the technical challenges associated with 5G mmWave package testing and can help 5G mmWave IC semiconductor manufacturers reduce the costs and risks of delayed product launches. NI, Tessolve, and Johnstech have collaborated to demonstrate a 4-site 5G mmWave IC package test solution that includes a mmWave interface board designed and manufactured by Tessolve and a 100 GHz mmWave contactor designed by Johnstech.

“Tessolve understands the importance of 5G technology and is working hard to develop products to support the test needs of our key customers,” said Raja Manickam, CEO of Tessolve. “We are working closely with NI to bring new mmWave instruments to our customers to quickly bring mmWave products to market.”

A key element of the solution is the NI Semiconductor Test System (STS). We demonstrated a multi-site STS configuration for mmWave testing of 5G power amplifiers, beamformers, and transceivers. A key benefit of this configuration is the modular nature of the mmWave RF front end, where the same software and baseband/IF instruments can be reused for different RF front ends, making it easy to meet current and future mmWave frequency band requirements. 

The solution includes:  

STS——for 4-site 5G mmWave testing 

Millimeter wave test interface board designed and manufactured by Tessolve

Tessolve's comprehensive and specialized silicon chip design and testing knowledge and technology helps maximize product yields.

Johnstech mmWave contactors - for final testing of packages

Johnstech Impedance Controlled Sockets - Using IQtouch Micro contactors, helps ensure repeatable test measurements

“We have seen a rapid expansion of the 5G mmWave market and have provided the highest quality contactor technology for multiple mmWave test projects,” said David Johnson, CEO of Johnstech. “After working with NI, we see a broader future in this area, especially in manufacturing test, where NI can provide the most advanced mmWave measurement technology and the fastest ATE test.”