In the semiconductor testing and measurement sector—where every nanosecond and microvolt can determine the success or failure of a chip design—choosing the right test equipment has never been simply a matter of comparing specifications on paper. To provide a more comprehensive perspective on technology trends and the practical value of Tektronix oscilloscopes, we had an short conversation with Mr. Lâm Sư Bảo, Deputy Director of EMIN’s Ho Chi Minh City branch.
EMIN Tech #01 – Mr. Bảo: Semiconductor Chip Testing – Easy or Difficult ?
Interview summary by EMIN reporter
Question: Hello Mr. Bảo. From the perspective of a technical consultant who regularly works with R&D laboratories and semiconductor manufacturing facilities, what is the biggest challenge EMIN’s engineering team faces when advising customers on semiconductor chip testing solutions ?
Mr. Lâm Sư Bảo: The semiconductor industry has two particularly demanding characteristics: operating frequencies are becoming increasingly higher, while operating voltages continue to decrease. This creates a highly challenging task for measurement equipment. If an instrument does not provide sufficient resolution or has a high noise floor, the instrument’s own noise can distort or even obscure the actual signals generated by the chip.
Another challenge is the need to plan for the long term. Semiconductor technology evolves rapidly, sometimes within just a few months. When customers invest in a high-end test and measurement system, they expect it not only to meet current requirements but also to remain capable of supporting future expansion over the next three to five years without becoming obsolete.
Therefore, our responsibility goes beyond simply delivering an instrument. We need to fully understand the customer’s application in order to recommend an optimal configuration from both technical and cost perspectives.
Question: There is no shortage of oscilloscopes on the market. What differentiates the Tektronix MSO 6 Series B and helps it stand out among semiconductor engineers ?
Mr. Lâm Sư Bảo: For semiconductor applications, the Tektronix MSO 6 Series B oscilloscopes offer a number of highly advanced technical specifications. One of the most impressive features is bandwidth of up to 10 GHz, combined with 12-bit hardware resolution—and up to 16-bit resolution in High Res mode—as well as an extremely low noise floor. This allows engineers to capture very low-amplitude waveforms that older generations of oscilloscopes may fail to detect.
The second advantage is exceptional flexibility enabled by FlexChannel® technology. The system allows one analog channel to be configured as eight digital logic channels. Engineers can monitor numerous signal lines simultaneously in embedded systems or complex circuit boards without having to invest in a separate, bulky logic analyzer.
Finally, the oscilloscope offers an integrated ecosystem of advanced analysis software, covering applications ranging from power analysis and serial bus decoding to specialized measurement and compliance requirements for semiconductor devices.
Question: Could you share the most memorable real-world experience you have had while providing on-site consultation for Tektronix solutions?
Mr. Lâm Sư Bảo: One case I remember particularly well was at the R&D laboratory of a major chip design company. They were experiencing a voltage-drop issue suspected to be caused by hidden ripple noise on the chip signal path. However, the oscilloscope available in their laboratory at the time could not capture the abnormal waveform because its bandwidth was too limited and its sampling rate was insufficient.
When EMIN brought the Tektronix MSO64B to the site for testing, we combined its FastAcq® high-speed waveform capture capability with the IsoVu™ probe, one of Tektronix’s most advanced optical-isolation technologies. Within just a few nanoseconds, transient noise spikes on the chip signal became clearly visible on the screen, much to the surprise of the R&D team. A complex issue that had persisted for weeks was identified and resolved on site.
Question: When purchasing Tektronix measurement solutions directly through EMIN, what additional value can customers expect ?
Mr. Lâm Sư Bảo: As an official Tektronix distributor in Vietnam, EMIN offers a range of competitive benefits:
Genuine products: Products are imported directly from the manufacturer’s warehouse and supplied with complete import documentation, including Certificates of Origin (CO) and Certificates of Quality (CQ).
Special pricing and tailored incentives: EMIN provides preferential pricing programs for R&D centers, manufacturing companies, research institutes, and universities involved in semiconductor chip education and training.
In-depth technical support: EMIN’s engineering team does more than simply deliver equipment. We provide on-site installation and operational training, while continuing to work closely with customers to consult on and resolve complex measurement and testing challenges throughout the product lifecycle.
Official after-sales service: Warranty services, calibration, and software upgrades are carried out in accordance with Tektronix’s strict standards, giving customers peace of mind and helping ensure continuous production and operation.
Thank you very much for sharing such practical and valuable insights, Mr. Bảo!
