Worcester, Mass. and Waltham, Mass. --  June 20, 2006
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. a global leader in high-performance power integrated circuits and Hall-effect sensors, and Galaxy Semiconductor Solutions, a provider of IC test data analysis and quality improvement software, today announced that the two companies have entered into a licensing agreement for Galaxy’s PAT-MAN software. 

Allegro has adopted Galaxy’s PAT-MAN solution as a key extension of its zero-defect program in manufacturing, which is aimed primarily at high reliability automotive applications.  PAT-MAN enables Allegro to broaden the deployment of a Part Average Testing (PAT) process across its entire wafer probe operation.  PAT is the process of “outlier” detection and removal, whereby parts that are within specification but fall outside of the normal distribution of test results are culled from production shipments.  The Automotive Electronics Council (AEC) has promoted PAT over the past several years based on industry data that has shown that outliers have significantly higher failure rates over time.

“The addition of Galaxy’s PAT-MAN software to our wafer probe operation reinforces Allegro’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement,” said Bob Brodeur, Automotive Marketing Manager at Allegro, “and will accelerate our efforts to provide the industry’s most reliable components for mission-critical automotive applications.”

“We looked at the major commercial solutions for PAT and selected Galaxy’s PAT-MAN software,” said Dave Manchester, Director of Development for Allegro’s power IC business unit. “We especially like PAT-MAN’s speed, efficiency and reporting capabilities, and the fact that it is built on the very solid data analysis foundation of Galaxy’s popular Examinator software.”

Galaxy’s PAT-MAN™ is a comprehensive software solution for Parts Average Testing (PAT) and related DPM reduction techniques, which manages the entire PAT process from initial wafer lot characterization to final-test yield monitoring.  PAT-MAN employs a closed-loop approach to PAT, which helps improve device quality while minimizing unnecessary yield loss.  PAT-MAN also offers a unique, easy-to-use environment for fast setup and simulation of outlier rules, and an automated monitoring system for managing PAT-related yield in production.

“We are very pleased to add Allegro MicroSystems to the growing list of industry leaders that have selected PAT-MAN as part of their automotive electronics reliability initiatives,” said Bertrand Renaud, COO of Galaxy Semiconductor. “PAT adoption is clearly accelerating and PAT-MAN is the natural choice for companies like Allegro which are committed to zero defects for high volume automotive IC applications.”

About Allegro

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high-performance power integrated circuits and integrated Hall-effect magnetic sensors.  Allegro’s innovative, system-level solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive, computer/office automation, industrial, consumer and communications markets, while our leading-edge product and processes reinforce our expertise in motor driver and power management technology.  In addition, we also hold leading positions within printer, scanner, copier and portable device (e.g. cellular phones) applications. With more than 2,400 employees, Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, MA.  Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com.

About Galaxy

Galaxy Semiconductor Solutions is a leading provider of test data analysis and quality improvement solutions for the semiconductor industry. Galaxy products are used by over 1000 users worldwide to help increase device yields, reduce defects and improve engineering productivity. Galaxy products are easy to learn and use, and offer a very short time-to-benefit, coupled with a compelling return on investment. More information about Galaxy can be found at www.galaxysemi.com.

CONTACT:  Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.

Stephanie A. Fennelly

sfennelly@allegromicro.com
Tel: (508) 854-5363

Visit: http://www.allegromicro.com/press/06_galaxy.htm. 

CONTACT: Galaxy Semiconductor

Bertrand Renaud

Bertrand.renaud@galaxysemi.com

Tel: (781) 891-1148

Visit: http://www.galaxysemi.com  

SOURCE: Allegro MicroSystems, Inc., Galaxy Semiconductor, Inc 

Editors note. PAT-MAN is a trademark of Galaxy Semiconductor