Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. the renowned provider of world-class photonic and laser micro-engineering systems today announced here of the introduction of the Model 3550 high-capacitance multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) tester. It has been stated, in this regard, that the tool has been designed to concentrate on the needs of the high capacitance segment of the MLCC industry through the enabling of higher yields along with improved time to market and lower cost of ownership. In addition, the volume shipments of the Model 3550 are expected to initiate its journey during the first quarter of ESI's fiscal year 2008.

ESI is a frontrunner and leading supplier of world-class production laser systems having the direction of aiding its microelectronics customers to attain compelling yield and productivity gains. From its commencement in 1944 the company's industry-leading, application-specific products has been engaged in concentrating and augmenting electronic-device performance in three key sectors like semiconductors, components and electronic interconnect. The aspiration has been to enable exactitude in fine-tuning of device microfeatures in high-volume manufacturing environments.

From the confidential sources of the Company it has been revealed, that the top most echelon of the Electro Scientific Industries is quite optimist regarding the prolific prospect of the entire approach. Speaking to this correspondent over this burning aspiration, Mr. Vernon Cooke, the Product Marketing Manager of the ESI passive components said, "MLCC manufacturers continue to experience increasing pressure to realize greater profits in a shorter amount of time. Our customers are looking to us to provide them with a superior value solution that performs with unparalleled precision and productivity. The introduction of the Model 3550 will address these challenges by offering enhanced capability and extremely low cost of ownership, while further reinforcing ESI's position as the leader in the MLCC industry."

From Vernon Cooke and other responsible persons of the Company it has been revealed that the Model 3550 excels in the performance of electrical testing of high-capacitance MLCCs that are used in the various applications of computers, flat panel displays, automotive, and video games. The tool's outstandingly high speed, in this connection, is able to lessen the total operating costs through the effective means of reliable and repeatable sorting. In addition with the utilization of ESI's patented rotary technology, multiple tests are at the same time performed on chips as small as .016 inches by .008 inches (0402 metric). The Model 3550 is capable to test and sort up to 540,000 MLCC chips per hour, a level of output that is about three to four times greater than typical high capacitance MLCC testers, including ESI's.