Cohu vs Aleph Alpha

About

Cohu Inc. was founded in 1947 in Poway, California and has grown into a leading mid-size provider of semiconductor test equipment through organic development and acquisitions. The company focuses on test handlers (which position chips in automated test systems), contactors (which make electrical contact between chips and test sockets), thermal management during test, and integrated test cell solutions. Cohu is a complement to ATE vendors like Teradyne and Advantest, providing the mechanical handling infrastructure that feeds chips into testers at high volume.\n\nCohu's product portfolio includes the ABTS (Automated Burn-in and Test System) platform, the Neon thermal handler for extreme temperature testing (-55°C to +165°C), and a comprehensive contactor library for BGA, QFP, and advanced packaging formats. Key served markets include automotive (ADAS, power management), mobility (smartphone application processors, modem chips), and data center (SoC, memory interface). Automotive reliability testing is a major growth driver, as automotive-grade chips require extensive burn-in and temperature cycling per AEC-Q100 standards.\n\nCohu acquired Xcerra in 2018 to significantly expand its handler product line and global service network. The company reported approximately $500 million in revenue, with margins impacted by semiconductor capital equipment cycles. As automotive electrification and ADAS content per vehicle grow, Cohu's thermal test handler business is expected to see sustained demand growth.