To offer flexibility and affordability to engineers using probes for measuring anything from semiconductor wafers and ICs to printed circuit boards (PCBs) and MEMS, including biological structures and electro-optic devices, Cascade Microtech has readied a single platform that brings its legendary high-performance measurement capability, from dc to 220 GHz, to a 150 mm device measurement platform. According to the supplier, with the new set platen-chuck offset and its probe options, the M150 measurement platform offers unprecedented flexibility to switch between applications on the fly.

Designed for engineers who are working in semiconductor fabs, yield departments, failure analysis, process engineering, device modeling and process characterization of compound semiconductors, as well as signal integrity of PCBs and high-speed interconnects and lab-on-a-chip, the M150 measurement platform is user configurable with interchangeable standard parts and accessories optimized for specific measurement needs. In contrast to purchasing separate measurement stations for each application, M150's unmatched versatility and reconfigurability can save users tens of thousands of dollars, asserted Cascade Microtech.

In addition, the measurement platform also easily adapts to life sciences research. The M150 measurement platform is compatible with the company's L-series microfluidics metrology systems. Announced last August, the L-series microfluidics metrology systems represent a significant leap forward in life sciences research methodology that is based on two new breakthrough products — the L-series MFP and EBP Microports (tiny fluid and electrical field delivery mechanisms) — developed exclusively by Cascade Microtech. The patent-pending Microports are based on micron-level probing technology to enable faster and more efficient microfluidics measurements.

Furthermore, to make it affordable, the M150 measurement platform offers two ways to buy. The manufacturer has simplified the entire purchase process to allow a single prober to be expanded with accessories. Customers can buy a system by purchasing a prober bundle and an accessory bundle for their application of choice. They have the flexibility to add on new accessory bundles to later modify any of the standard bundles below. Thus, any system bundle is easily expandable as no one system locks in or limits the measurement capabilities of the future.

Pricing for the application bundles are listed below:

• Dc measurement system bundles range from $7,000 - $18,000;
• RF measurement system bundles range from $22,000 - $27,000;
• Failure analysis system bundle: $35,000;
• PCB signal integrity system bundle: $35,000; and
• Millimeter-wave system bundle: $45,000.

Cascade Microtech
(800) 550-3279
www.cascademicrotech.com