DRAM Makers Look To Reduce DDR2 Testing Times

Since late last year, several DRAM makers have begun requesting that testing houses cut their DDR2 memory testing times by 20-40% amid cost concerns, according to sources. With the growing maturity of the DDR2 market, makers did not see the justification for extended memory testing times, which add a US$0.6-0.8 price premium for testing DDR2, compared with testing DDR, the sources explained.

Elpida Memory took the initiative by asking for a 40% decrease in the testing time, with local Taiwan players including Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) and ProMOS Technologies following suit. These players have requested that the related testing times be reduced to 300-400 seconds, down from 500-600 seconds.

Local Taiwan testing houses commented that they are not worried about....