TestOps: Semiconductor Validation and Automation Framework

What is TestOps?

As semiconductor designs grow more complex, traditional post-silicon validation can’t keep pace with demands for faster turnarounds and higher reliability. Validation is no longer a simple checkpoint—it’s a strategic phase that directly impacts product success.

TestOps brings DevOps principles to post-silicon validation, transforming it into an agile, efficient, and collaborative process. By automating workflows, enhancing test coverage, and enabling smarter lab resource use, TestOps helps teams validate chips faster and more thoroughly—reducing time-to-market and improving product quality.

 

TestOps has two critical sections, one is the Definition, Planning, Analysis and Reporting section that primarily deals with the test specification, planning, analysis and reporting, mostly done on Cloud/on-prem agnostic of the test systems. The other is the Test Program development, Execution, Data Collection section that deals with the development and execution of the test programs, data collection which is done on the test systems with device under test (DUT) and hardware.

General – Semiconductor Validation and Automation Framework

Under our TestOps offering, Soliton provides a comprehensive semiconductor validation and automation framework that includes:

Instrument Driver Development, Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) or Functional Abstraction Layer (FAL)

A robust framework for developing instrument drivers and HAL/FAL, enabling seamless integration with various instruments and hardware.

Device Register GUIs and Device Abstraction Layer

Intuitive GUIs for managing device registers, fields and a device abstraction layer that simplifies interactions with complex semiconductor devices using patter based or DIO based Instruments.

Test Development using Python, LabVIEW, .NET, C/C++

Support for test development in multiple programming languages, allowing teams to leverage their existing skills and tools.

Measurement Abstraction Layer (MAL)

A layer that abstracts measurement operations, enabling consistent and reusable measurement logic across different tests and instruments.

Test Execution Engine using LabVIEW, TestStand, Python, .NET

A powerful test execution engine that supports various programming languages and frameworks, enabling flexibility in looping over test conditions and managing test cases effectively.

Specific – Validation Frameworks for Focused Testing

In addition to the general frameworks, Soliton offers specific validation solutions tailored for focused testing areas, including:

Protocol Validation Suite

A suite of tools and frameworks for validating communication protocols, ensuring compliance with industry standards and specifications like I3C, SoundWire, I2C, SPI, etc.

LDO Validation Suite

A specialized framework for validating Low Dropout Regulators (LDOs), ensuring they meet performance and reliability standards. This includes series of commonly used tests like PSRR, Line Regulation, Load Regulation, etc.

Power Supply Sequencing and Monitoring

A framework for validating power supply sequencing and monitoring, ensuring that power supplies meet the required specifications and performance standards.

BENEFITS OF TESTOPS

Increased Efficiency
Automating test workflows and leveraging reusable components reduces manual effort, allowing teams to focus on high-value tasks.

Faster Time-to-Market
By streamlining validation processes and enabling early detection of issues, TestOps accelerates the overall product development cycle.

Improved Test Coverage
Comprehensive test planning and execution capabilities ensure thorough validation, reducing the risk of defects in production.

Enhanced Collaboration
TestOps fosters collaboration between validation, design, and manufacturing teams, enabling better communication and alignment throughout the product lifecycle.

Scalability
The framework is designed to scale with your needs, accommodating increasing complexity and volume of tests as semiconductor designs evolve.

Interested in learning more about how Soliton Technologies can help you achieve your semiconductor validation goals with TestOps?