Cascade Microtech Named as Finalist for American Technology Award in Semiconductors & Electronic Components

BEAVERTON, OR--(Marketwired - Apr 10, 2014) - Cascade Microtech, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCD), a leading supplier of solutions that enable precision measurements of integrated circuits at the wafer level, today announced that Cascade Microtech has been named a finalist for an American Technology Award (ATA) in Semiconductors & Electronic Components for its APS200TESLA power electronics wafer probe solution. The American Technology Awards represent outstanding achievement and are the only national awards of their kind in this industry, spotlighting products that exemplify the "Best of" the United States tech sector.

Cascade Microtech is a worldwide leader in the design, development and manufacture of advanced wafer probing solutions for the electrical measurement and test of semiconductor integrated circuits and chips. Each of the 20 largest semiconductor manufacturers in the world, in terms of revenue, is one of Cascade Microtech's more than 1000 customers. Its customers use these solutions to perform testing of chips while in wafer form, or wafer probing, in both engineering and production environments. The company's engineering probe stations and analytical probes are used in research and development to perform precise electrical measurements, or electrical metrology, on increasingly complex and high-speed devices in order to assure quality and reliability, reduce costly redesigns, accelerate time-to-market and improve chip fabrication processes.

Cascade Microtech combined the proven capabilities of its Tesla power device characterization system for the lab with its BlueRay™ production automation technology which enables high-speed testing of discrete devices without compromising accuracy, and introduced the APS200TESLA -- the industry's first production probing system dedicated to on-wafer test of power electronics devices. By probing devices directly at the wafer level, true characterization data of each device can be delivered before dicing and packaging processes. Capturing accurate device data earlier in the process enables device manufacturers to ramp to yield faster with improved margins. The APS200TESLA is introducing a new methodology to the industry that was not possible before, to help device manufacturers to deliver a higher volume of devices to the market faster with shorter lead ramps and wafer-level process control, while lowering the overall cost. The APS200TESLA is designed to be compatible with major testers and test equipment used by the leading semiconductor manufacturers in the world, making it easier for them to integrate the APS200TESLA in their existing testing environment with no additional cost to purchase new test equipment.

Device manufacturers typically test power electronics devices by modifying their existing test equipment in house. Testing these devices with such unreliable equipment risks destroying expensive wafers and equipment with high-voltage charges, and it exposes operators to high-voltage hazards. The APS200TESLA is specifically designed and built to test these devices at extremely high-current/voltage conditions. Its auto-discharging function protects DUTs and instruments from high-voltage charges, and provides a certified safe working environment for operators. In addition, the APS200TESLA is designed with environmental consciousness. Unlike traditional test equipment that requires the use of toxic liquids or gases, such as fluoride-based solutions for the prevention of arcing, the APS200TESLA uses clean dry air (CDA).

"Cascade Microtech is proud of its legacy of innovations designed to enable customers to optimize performance, dating back to the invention of the first radio frequency microwave probe over 30 years ago," said Michael Burger, president and CEO of Cascade Microtech, Inc. "It is truly an honor to be recognized for our 'firsts' in the industry, especially among such an influential group of companies. The APS200TESLA probe system represents a technology breakthrough that will not only help our customers keep pace with demands for power electronics devices required for the global drive for clean power and transportation, it also provides unique safety features previously unavailable in the market for testing at high voltages and currents."

"Each year the quality of the nominations we get for the American Technology Awards improves. The amazing innovations and advancement in technology that each of the finalists represent is a true testament to the quality of our industry in this country," said Shawn Osborne, Chairman of the TechAmerica Foundation. "We congratulate Cascade Microtech on being a finalist for this prestigious award."

In an effort to ensure that these cutting edge products receive the attention they deserve, the TechAmerica Foundation will be presenting the products and announcing the winners at a showcase and awards ceremony at the campus of 1776, D.C.'s premier tech startup hub. The event, being held May 20, brings together tech innovators, policy makers and investors.

During the event, the Breakthrough Technology of the Year will be chosen, which will then be honored at the prestigious Technology and Government dinner in June. Each finalist is considered for the Breakthrough Technology of the Year.

About Cascade Microtech, Inc.
Cascade Microtech, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCD) is a worldwide leader in precision contact, electrical measurement and test of integrated circuits (ICs), optical devices and other small structures. For technology businesses and scientific institutions that need to evaluate small structures, Cascade Microtech delivers access to electrical data from wafers, ICs, IC packages, circuit boards and modules, MEMS, 3D TSV, LED devices and more. Cascade Microtech's leading-edge stations, probes, probe cards, advanced thermal subsystems and integrated systems deliver precision accuracy and superior performance both in the lab and during production manufacturing of high-speed and high-density semiconductor chips. For more information visit www.cascademicrotech.com.

About TechAmerica Foundation
TechAmerica Foundation educates industry executives, policy makers and opinion leaders on the promise of technological innovation to advance prosperity, security and the general welfare. Launched in 1981, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan affiliate of TechAmerica, which is the leading voice and resource for the U.S. technology industry. The Foundation disseminates award-winning industry, policy and market research covering topics such as U.S. competitiveness in a global economy, innovation in government, and other areas of national interest. It also organizes conferences and seminars to explore pertinent issues with government and industry representatives and to share the Foundation's findings. Learn more about TechAmerica Foundation at www.techamericafoundation.org.