The Cohu MATRiX—offered by Cohu (which acquired Delta Design)—is a high-parallelism, tri-temperature "pick-and-place" test handler. Positioned as a highly flexible and configurable platform for final semiconductor testing, it is primarily designed for the high-volume production testing of automotive and industrial-grade chips under extreme temperature conditions.
Core Capabilities: Tri-Temperature Testing and High Parallelism
The most notable feature of the MATRiX is its comprehensive tri-temperature range: the standard configuration supports -55°C to +155°C, with an optional extension to +175°C, meeting the rigorous temperature-extremity requirements of automotive electronics. Its "chamberless" design allows operators to access the test stations without opening a thermal chamber, thereby reducing downtime for maintenance and debugging.
Parallelism is another key metric; the system can be configured with anywhere from 1 to 32 test sites. Combined with features such as automatic retesting, continuous loading/unloading, and "lot cascading," the platform delivers a nominal throughput of up to 9,000 units per hour (UPH), with an optional configuration reaching 16,000 UPH. This capacity makes it well-suited for production lines handling large volumes of automotive and industrial devices that require tri-temperature testing.
Package Compatibility and Vision Systems
The system accommodates packages ranging from 3×3 mm to 51×51 mm and is compatible with JEDEC trays. The input section supports 7 automated tray stacks plus 3 manual tray slots. The "NVcore" vision option provides 2D ID reading and in-socket device inspection, facilitating traceability and error prevention. Regarding ESD control, the standard configuration offers a balance of ±50V, with an optional "Class 0" (±5V) closed-loop ionization system available.
Thermal Control and Software Ecosystem
For thermal management, the system offers the optional T-Core active thermal control system. This supports independent temperature control for individual test sites and can handle a maximum power dissipation of 800W, effectively managing the dynamic heat generated by high-power devices during testing. At the software level, MATRiX can be equipped with Cohu’s DI-Core PdM (Predictive Maintenance) software. By analyzing data from internal sensors, the system provides advance warnings regarding maintenance needs—a solution already deployed by IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer) clients on MATRiX to further their production line automation.
Positioning
The selection logic for MATRiX centers on applications involving automotive- or industrial-grade chips that require tri-temperature testing (ranging from -55°C to +175°C) and demand high parallelism and throughput for mass production. Cohu notably delivered its 4000th handler—manufactured in Melaka—to Infineon for the testing of automotive and industrial components, highlighting the system’s precise temperature control across extreme ranges. While the tri-temperature capability of the MATRiX might represent "over-specification" for production lines focused primarily on consumer-grade devices tested at room temperature, it serves as the core value proposition for the final testing of automotive power devices, sensors, and industrial MCUs.
