What is a Load Board and at Which Stage of the Manufacturing Process Is It Used?
Load Boards are used for final testing of chips after packaging and before shipment. They serve as the critical interface between ICs and Automated Test Equipment (ATE), responsible for signal transmission and measurement. At this stage, Load Boards ensure signal and power integrity (SI/PI), help identify defective Chips, control yield, and verify that chips meet their functional and performance specifications.
A high-quality Load Board must feature low signal loss, minimal crosstalk, impedance matching, and stable power delivery to meet the demands of high-speed and high-frequency component testing. With the growing prevalence of high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, USB4, and DDR, the Load Board serves not just as a connection board, but as a critical gatekeeper for test quality and efficiency.
This article introduces the functions, types, applications, and benefits of Load Boards.
Design Advantages of iST Load Boards
Types of iST Load Boards




- Advantest: EXA, V93K, T2000, ND1~4
- Teradyne: Ultraflex+, Ultraflex, J750, ETS
- Cohu: Diamondx, D10, ASL
- NI: STS
- Chroma: 3360, 3350, 3380, 3680
- KYEC: E320, I6000, I2K
- YTEC: S50, S100, S300 For other inquiries, please contact us.
A high-performance and stable Load Board must incorporate five key component designs. iST ensures their performance and longevity through rigorous verification processes.
Component | Design Focus | iST Approach |
PCB (Multi-layer Board) | Control impedance paths, ensure signal integrity, stabilize power supply | Perform SI/PI simulations; design to meet impedance specifications, load characteristics, suppress noise, and stabilize power supply with proper decoupling capacitors |
Socket & Connector | Ensure stable high-pin contact without damaging BGA solder balls | Use PCR socket design to prevent damage and support high-frequency testing |
Passive Components | Impedance matching and interference suppression | Incorporate decoupling capacitors and EMI suppression components to reduce internal and external interference |
Contact Window | Ms. Lin/Aaliyah | Tel:+886-3-5799909#8890 | Email:HWBU_Sales@istgroup.com