Pomona, CA, April 2, 2000 - Everett Charles Technologies (ECT), a global supplier to the bare-board industry, has broadened its suite of computer-aided manufacturing tools used to design fixtures and test strategies for interconnect substrate testing. The newly-developed upgrade for MAGIC SUITE" introduces performance enhancements, bundles fixture and test program software modules previously sold individually, and enables software users to seamlessly create fixtures for all major ATE (automatic test equipment) models, including the company's own board testers.

The powerful Windows® NT programs are offered in two new versions: MAGIC SUITE" ValuGrid® for ECT and atg testers and MAGIC SUITE" Universal for other systems. The Universal package customizes fixtures for specific ATE models and guides the designer through user-configurable automatic processing steps. This program also creates fixtures for special-purpose systems including dedicated and hybrid grid technologies. ValuGrid develops fixtures and test strategies optimized for ECT testers or systems from atg, a European manufacturer ECT acquired last year. The ValuGrid program facilitates cutting-edge performance through its tight integration of test data, fixtures and equipment - all from a single industry resource.

One of the new capabilities offered through MAGIC SUITE" is that of testing buried resistors, a capacity previously available only with substantial user involvement and high operator skill level. The ability to automatically process embedded resistors (serpentine, rectangular or other common configurations), is believed to be an industry "first", and is due to the computer-aided-manufacturing intelligence encoded in this software release.

"Thirty-plus years as a dominant fixture supplier gives ECT extraordinary focus on fixture design," said ECT Development Engineering Manager Duane Delfosse. "Users can specify MAGIC SUITE" with confidence, knowing that it was developed by a test manufacturer for our own daily use."

"Allowance for high-speed, automated fixturing is a central focus of the new MAGIC SUITE" programs," Mr. Delfosse stated. In particular, implementing ValuGrid fixture designs with precise pin-targeting algorithms has enabled the fabrication of higher-quality fixtures with improved capability; reductions in error readings (like false opens) have resulted in corresponding improvements in tester throughput. He added that the new software release eases data processing tasks and simplifies user requirements.

In this software release, ECT has employed an open architecture approach with thorough support for IPC-D-356A, the test industry's data interchange format. There is a related module for analysis of failed printed circuit boards and process feedback with automation during final repair, as ECT advances its Virtual Test Floor vision for enterprises linked by Windows-based networks. The company noted that over 80 sites and some of the industry's largest producers have installed the MAGIC SUITE" software platform and are expected to add the latest upgrade.

Everett Charles Technologies, a subsidiary of Dover Corporation (NYSE: DOV), is a leading manufacturer of electrical test products and services, including semiconductor test products, bare-board automatic test systems, POGO® test contacts, and bare and loaded PCB test fixtures. Corporate manufacturing, service, and support facilities are ISO registered with locations in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

The company has been awarded numerous patents and participates actively in developing industry standards. For additional information, please contact Ellen Santoni, Corporate Communications, at Everett Charles Technologies; 700 East Harrison Avenue, Pomona, CA 91767; (909) 625-9357; FAX (909) 625-9395. ECT is located on the World Wide Web at https://ectinfo.com
MAGIC SUITE is a trademark of Everett Charles Technologies; ValuGrid is a registered trademark of Everett Charles Technologies. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Media Contacts Ellen Santoni, Everett Charles Technologies (909) 625-9357 [email protected]
Patricia Rosenberg, Rosenberg Public Relations
(714) 953-2975 [email protected]