Wire & Cable Protection Solutions for Semiconductor Test Equipment

In semiconductor test and handler systems, internal wiring reliability is critical to long-term equipment uptime.

Inside ATE systems, burn-in chambers, and handlers, cable assemblies are exposed to:

• Continuous mechanical movement
• Elevated operating temperatures
• Tight routing spaces
• Frequent maintenance and replacement cycles

Why sleeving matters in semiconductor test equipment

Protective sleeving and heat shrink tubing are widely used to:

• Prevent wire abrasion in dense assemblies

• Maintain dielectric integrity at elevated temperatures

• Organize and bundle signal and power cables

• Improve serviceability during equipment maintenance

Materials such as polyolefin heat shrink tubing, FPE braided sleeving, and PET expandable sleeving are commonly specified due to their balance of:

• Thermal stability

• Chemical resistance

• Flexibility

• Long-term durability

Form-fit-function equivalency is essential

Semiconductor equipment manufacturers often specify branded materials (e.g. TE, Alpha Wire) for consistency. However, qualified alternatives that meet the same mechanical and thermal performance can:

• Reduce lead time risk

• Improve supply chain flexibility

• Lower total BOM cost

For semiconductor test equipment, consistency and reliability matter more than branding.