Keysight Introduces Solder-Free Testing for Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Chips, Reducing Errors and Speeding Development
Keysight’s Bold Move: The Future of Semiconductor Testing Without Soldering
Breaking the Barrier in Wide-Bandgap Power Semiconductor Testing
For years, testing wide-bandgap semiconductor bare chips has been a slow, error-prone process, requiring delicate soldering or probing that risks damaging the chip and skewing results. Now, Keysight Technologies (NYSE: KEYS) has introduced a breakthrough solution that eliminates these roadblocks, promising faster, cleaner, and more reliable dynamic testing.
On March 14, 2025, Keysight announced an upgrade to its double-pulse test portfolio, introducing a fixture that allows dynamic characterization of bare WBG semiconductor chips without requiring soldering or probe needles. This innovation minimizes parasitic inductance to less than 10 nH, ensuring precise measurement waveforms crucial for industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and high-performance data centers.
Why This Innovation Matters: A Game-Changer for Semiconductor Engineering
1. Speeding Up Development Without Risking Accuracy
Traditional methods of testing WBG bare chips require soldering, which can introduce parasitic elements that distort test results. Keysight’s solution removes this obstacle by providing a fixture that securely accommodates bare chips, allowing dynamic characterization immediately after wafer dicing. Engineers no longer have to deal with time-consuming setups or risk damage to fragile chips, drastically reducing the time from testing to final product integration.
2. Cleaner, More Reliable Measurement Data
One of the major issues in power semiconductor testing is the introduction of unwanted electrical noise and distortions due to parasitics. By keeping power-loop inductance below 10 nH, Keysight’s fixture ensures that test waveforms are clean, providing manufacturers with high-fidelity data that translates into better-performing devices.
3. Supporting the Future of High-Efficiency Electronics
As industries push for energy efficiency and high-performance electronics, WBG semiconductors (such as silicon carbide [SiC] and gallium nitride [GaN]) are becoming indispensable. These materials allow for higher power densities, faster switching speeds, and greater energy efficiency compared to traditional silicon semiconductors. However, their full potential can only be realized if testing methods keep pace. Keysight’s innovation directly supports the development of these next-generation semiconductors, helping to accelerate their adoption.
Industry Competition: Where Does Keysight Stand?
Keysight has long been a leader in test and measurement solutions, but the semiconductor testing space is competitive. Companies like Tektronix, Rohde & Schwarz, and Teradyne have all been advancing their semiconductor test capabilities. However, Keysight’s approach is unique in its focus on eliminating soldering and reducing parasitics to an ultra-low level.
While competitors offer high-precision testing solutions, none have announced a similarly solder-free fixture tailored for WBG semiconductor bare chips. If Keysight’s new method becomes the standard, it could solidify the company’s position as the go-to provider for cutting-edge semiconductor characterization.
Investor Insights: Why This Matters for Keysight’s Market Position
1. Unlocking a High-Growth Market
The demand for WBG semiconductors is surging, fueled by industries such as electric vehicles , renewable energy, and cloud computing. As governments push for decarbonization and energy efficiency, the market for SiC and GaN power devices is projected to grow exponentially. By introducing a testing solution that accelerates the development of these semiconductors, Keysight is positioning itself at the forefront of this expanding market.
2. Competitive Differentiation Equals Revenue Growth
In a highly competitive semiconductor testing landscape, innovation is key to maintaining leadership. Keysight’s new fixture provides a clear technological edge that could drive increased adoption of its broader semiconductor test portfolio. If industry adoption follows, this could translate into stronger revenue growth and improved margins.
3. Potential to Disrupt Traditional Testing Methods
This development isn’t just about making testing faster—it could fundamentally shift how semiconductor testing is conducted. If Keysight’s solder-free method proves superior, it could lead to an industry-wide move away from traditional probe-based techniques, reshaping the semiconductor test equipment sector and creating a new benchmark in power device evaluation.
A Silent Revolution in Semiconductor Testing
Keysight’s new dynamic testing fixture isn’t just another product release—it could mark a turning point for semiconductor engineering. By eliminating soldering and minimizing parasitic interference, the company is offering a solution that aligns perfectly with the needs of a rapidly evolving WBG semiconductor industry. For engineers, this means faster iterations and more reliable data. For investors, it represents a strategic move into a high-growth market with strong long-term demand.
The question now is whether competitors will attempt to follow suit or if Keysight will establish itself as the definitive leader in WBG semiconductor characterization. Either way, this development signals a new era for power semiconductor testing—one where precision, speed, and efficiency define the future of electronics innovation.