The Teradyne J973EP VLSI Test System with the inSync Differential Test option provides manufacturers of microprocessors, core logic, integrated processors and graphic devices with the ability to increase the frequency and accuracy of HyperTransport implementations. AMD also disclosed that it has been working with Dolphin Technology to develop HyperTransport physical interfaces.HyperTransport technology, formerly code-named LDT, is an innovative new technology designed to enable the chips and components inside of PCs, networking and communications devices like those that power the Internet, to communicate with each other up to 24 times faster compared with existing technologies.
Today’s announcement reinforces AMD’s commitment to drive state-of-the-art technology into the market, said Gabriele Sartori, director of technology evangelism for AMD. HyperTransport technology support from companies like Teradyne and Dolphin Technology benefit AMD’s plans to introduce innovative new products. Such support may be designed to also address the product design and the test needs of other companies who choose to license the HyperTransport bus for chip-to-chip communications. We have selected Teradyne’s J973EP with the inSync Differential Test option as one of the testing systems for the HyperTransport bus.
Teradyne recognized the potential of the HyperTransport bus from the beginning and has worked closely with AMD to ensure that innovative and cost effective test solutions were in place to support the engineering and production ramp of this technology, said Rod Stewart, product marketing manager of Teradyne, Inc. The HyperTransport bus is designed to enable semiconductor devices to communicate with each other at an unprecedented 1.6 Gbps. This exciting new technology presented new test challenges in the area of speed, accuracy and differential signaling. We are pleased that AMD has selected Teradyne’s J973EP inSync Differential Test option, the ATE industry’s first 1.6 Gbps differential test solution.
AMD recognized the importance of having computer chips from different companies communicate with each other, said Mo Tamjidi, president of Dolphin Technology. At the high speeds within HyperTransport technology, minor electrical variations may create interoperability issues. Dolphin Technologies has worked closely with AMD to develop a physical interface (PHY) that is designed to allow companies to ensure product compatibility.
Although initially developed for high-performance PC and server platforms, the technology is also gaining momentum in networking and communications devices, embedded applications, and other non-PC devices. Multiple products integrating support for HyperTransport technology are in development to support desktop and notebook PCs, workstations and servers, and Internet communication devices.
More than 150 companies are working with AMD to drive the development of HyperTransport technology. An increasing number of these companies, including Acer Laboratories, API NetWorks, Inc., Aralion, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Cognigine Corporation, Dolphin Technology, ESS Technology, Galileo Technology, Hewlett Packard, LSI Logic, Mellanox Technologies, Pericom Semiconductor Corporation, PLX Technology, PMC Sierra, SandCraft, Inc., Broadcom, Sun Microsystems, Tyan Computer Corporation, have licensed the technology to design into their products. A HyperTransport consortium is also planned for later this year.
