Accessing official documentation for the Advantest V93000 (commonly known as the 93k tester) typically requires a valid service agreement and account with Advantest. While third-party summaries exist, the official technical manuals are hosted within proprietary portals. Where to Find the Official Manuals
Technical Documentation Center (TDC): This is the primary standalone help application used to search and view all Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
documentation, including user manuals and DUT board design guidelines.
Online Access: You can browse the Online TDC if you have an active myAdvantest portal account.
In-Software Help: Within the SmarTest software, you can go to Help > Help Contents to open the integrated TDC.
Advantest Software Center: Full documentation packages can be downloaded from the Software Center. If you don't have access, you must log in to the myAdvantest portal and submit a request under Self Services > Software Center > Request. Key Manuals and Documentation Types
SmarTest Software Manuals: These cover the SmarTest 7 and SmarTest 8 environments, including test program creation, flow sequence editing, and debugging tools like the Shmoo and Margin tools.
Hardware and Safety Manuals: These provide critical safety summaries, terminal ratings to avoid fire or shock, and instructions for handling Tester Instrument Modules (TIMs).
DUT Board Design Guide: This essential manual provides the information needed to design wafer probe cards and DUT boards specifically for the V93000 system. Third-Party and Specialty Guides
Multilane System Manuals: If you are using Multilane high-speed I/O (HSIO) expansions, the AT93000 System User Manual provides specific details on cassette and backplane hardware.
Cassini Infrastructure: For users with Cassini CTH infrastructure, specialized Operations Manuals detail the safety and design elements of the cart and docking infrastructure. advantest 93k tester manual
If you need help with a specific task, such as debugging a test flow or setting up a new device file, I can provide general steps for those procedures. Which version of SmarTest (7 or 8) are you currently using? V93000 Technical Documentation - Advantest
This guide provides a structured overview of the Advantest V93000 (93k) SoC Test System. Since the official manual is proprietary and typically requires an Advantest Support (Advan-T) account, this summary serves as a technical roadmap for navigating the system's hardware and SmarTest software environment. 1. System Hardware Architecture
The V93000 is a modular "Tester-on-a-Card" system. Understanding the physical layout is the first step in troubleshooting or setup.
Test Head: Contains the pin electronics and water-cooling system. It is where the load board (DIB) is docked. Workstation
: The Linux-based controller running the SmarTest software suite. I/O Cards: Common modules include the Pin Scale 1600 (digital), (analogue/power), and (Device Power Supply). 2. Software Environment (SmarTest)
The primary interface for the 93k is the SmarTest software (versions 7.x or 8.x).
SmarTest 7: Uses a spreadsheet-based approach (Test Table) and C++ for test methods.
SmarTest 8: A newer, object-oriented environment that utilizes Java and a more visual flow-based programming style. 3. Essential Operating Procedures To get the tester running, follow these standard steps:
Boot-Up & Calibration: Power on the workstation and mainframe. Run the Daily Check or Focus Calibration to ensure pin accuracy and signal integrity. Loading a Test Program: Load the Level File (.lev) to set voltages and timing.
Load the Timing File (.tim) to define wave bins and periods. Q: The manual says one thing, but my
Load the Pattern File (.bin/.vec) which contains the functional vectors.
Diagnostics: Use the Hardware Monitor to check for temperature alarms or power supply faults. 4. Key Documentation Files
When looking through the official Advantest documentation, prioritize these manuals:
System Setup Guide: Instructions for docking/undocking and utility requirements.
SmarTest User Manual: Detailed guide on writing test flows and using the "Data Log" for debugging.
Test Method Programming Guide: Essential for creating custom C++/Java routines for complex measurements.
Maintenance Manual: Provides error code lookups and board replacement procedures. 5. Debugging Tools
Digital Scope: A visual tool to inspect real-time waveforms at the DUT (Device Under Test) pins.
Data Log: The primary output window showing pass/fail results, binning information, and parametric data.
Shmoo Plot: Used to characterize device margins by sweeping two parameters (e.g., Voltage vs. Frequency). Purpose: The anatomy of the tester
Title: Comprehensive Technical Overview and Operational Guide: Advantest V93000 (93K) SOC Test System
Abstract
This document serves as a comprehensive manual and technical overview of the Advantest V93000 (commonly referred to as the 93K) System-on-Chip (SOC) test system. It covers the architectural hierarchy, hardware components, software environment (SmarTest), test methodology, and operational best practices. Intended for test engineers, integration specialists, and maintenance personnel, this paper transitions from fundamental system concepts to advanced debugging techniques, providing a surrogate for the official operational training curriculum.
Two possibilities: 1) Your system’s firmware is older than the manual’s version. Downgrade your manual expectations. 2) Custom factory configuration. Some 93K testers have “special” non-standard instrument cards. In that case, request a site configuration manual from your system integrator.
To truly leverage the Advantest 93K tester manual, bookmark these five sections immediately.
Each functional section often contains a decision flowchart. For example, in the Levels and Timing chapter of the Software Guide, you will find: “Set Levels -> Set Timing -> Load Pattern -> Execute.” Use these flowcharts as your programming roadmap.
Unlike a simple multimeter or oscilloscope, the Advantest 93K is a modular, scalable, multi-site testing platform. It encompasses pin electronics (PE), DC measurement units (DPS), time measurement units (TMU), high-speed digital (HSD), and RF ports—all orchestrated under the SmarTest software environment.
A single "manual" is, in reality, a library of over 50 individual documents. Attempting to write a test program or debug a hardware fault without the correct manual is akin to navigating a foreign country without a map. The manual doesn’t just tell you “which button to press”; it reveals the timing calibration algorithms, the pin driver impedance models, and the exact register maps for pattern burst control.
The Advantest V93000, universally known in the semiconductor industry as the "93k," is a platform for Automated Test Equipment (ATE). It is the industry standard for testing System-on-Chip (SoC), mixed-signal, and high-speed digital devices.
Unlike legacy testers that relied on hardware-centric knob controls, the 93k is entirely software-defined. This paper outlines the operational workflow, software architecture, and hardware components essential for a test engineer utilizing the system.