Transistor Automation - Model XY540, Automatic Wafer Probing Machine

Here is a workhorse of the early industry, the Teledyne TAC model XY540 wafer prober. An improved version of a still earlier transistor tester, it was revered by the manufacturing side of the industry for its low upkeep and high uptime. The unit might probe a 2 inch wafer if you let it hang over the side, but it was really in its prime with 1.25 inch wafers. But could it run: well in excess of 10,000 die per hour at zero test time.

It originated with a company named Transistor Automation Corporation that was eventually acquired by Teledyne. TAC reached its peak sales year in 1979 and by that time was far overshadowed by Electroglas. The company could not adapt fast enough to the warp speed of the integrated circuit industry and eventually failed.

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• Industry code: 1343.33
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