Altera offers a failure analysis service to perform detailed analysis on suspected failing devices. The main goal of Altera's failure analysis service is to resolve problems quickly since timely failure analysis is critical to meet the time-to-market needs of today's designers.
Altera's failure analysis service examines devices and helps designers troubleshoot their device-related issues. Designers can use Altera® devices in their systems more easily when issues can be resolved quickly and they don't have to send devices to Altera for analysis. For more difficult issues that cannot be resolved by designers, Altera failure analysis team analyzes the device to determine the cause of the failure, informs the designer of their findings, and suggests ways to prevent the failure from occurring in the future.
Using Altera's Failure Analysis Services
To use Altera's failure analysis services, designers should first contact their Altera failure analysis specialist (FAS). He or she has been trained on failure analysis techniques and can initiate a failure analysis; he or she may even be able to resolve the issue immediately. Designers can contact Altera's failure analysis service via Altera Applications or their local Altera sales office.
If the FAS cannot resolve the issue immediately and decides that the issue needs device analysis, he or she will issue an evaluation return materials authorization (ERMA) and send the designer a Failure Analysis Kit. The ERMA number authorizes the designer to send the device directly to Altera for failure analysis. A credit request form is included in the Failure Analysis Kit for designers who would like credit for the device.
Failure Analysis Kit
Designers can use the Failure Analysis Kit to quickly and safely return devices to Altera for analysis. The kit (shown in Figure 1) contains the following items:
- Pre-addressed, prepaid Federal Express package to send failing devices to Altera
- Appropriate device packaging to protect the device during shipment
- Instructions and questionnaire to obtain more detailed information regarding the failure (a completed form is required for processing)
- 3.5" diskette to send back the design, programming, and simulation files (it also includes a soft copy of all questionnaires)
- Credit request form (must be completely filled out to receive credit for up to five devices)
Figure 1. Failure Analysis Kit Contents
Failure Analysis Results
Altera faxes designers a confirmation upon receipt of the FedEx package. The initial analysis is typically performed within three working days of receiving devices at Altera. The initial production test results are faxed directly to designers.
If further testing is required, the FASs keep designers informed of the failure analysis' progress until the issues are closed with a final report. The final reports are written by the FASs and all the results are reviewed with the designers to ensure the issue is resolved to the designers' satisfaction.
Approximately half of all devices sent to Altera for failure analysis are good devices. Designers who send devices to Altera without first fully checking the set-up pattern can delay issue resolution.
Altera's failure analysis service is part of the company's commitment to quality and customer service. Questions and comments regarding Altera's failure analysis services should be directed to designers' local FASs or entered into http://www.altera.com/mysupport.
