RI Title
RI logo

Cassini System Controller, Linux

Cassini 16 with USB RIFL TIM

Part Number: RI8608A

Please visit the Instruments page for the latest Briefs.

Test Instrument Modules Browse Instruments »

Cassini 16 System Controller with Linux and ArcaOS Container with RI System Software including Guru.

When used with a RI8568C Cassini 16 Infrastructure, a USB MXUT4W4B EPC Remote TIM must be installed in the EPC TIM T-location (T-0) located on the Infrastructure.

RI8583A - Production Arm with Touch Screen Monitor, keyboard and mouse.

RI8596A - Desktop (development) Monitor and keyboard, mouse. Aux rack can be used as a desk, otherwise customer must provide work surface for Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse.

Note: Offline development can also be done with RIK0126A Virtual Workstation and eCS license.


When a Guru Server is present, System Controller can be replaced in the field and all information restored automatically with minimal administration intervention (just network settings and customization).

RI8608A Cassini System Controller, Linux



Roos Instruments is enhancing the Cassini system with a new hardware and software development environment. This upgrade introduces unlimited Testplan size, a streaming multi-thread compiler, and a USB RIFL bus. Also expanding OS compatibility to include both Linux and Windows on the latest PC hardware. These advancements are set to streamline the testing process, offering a more powerful and flexible platform for production semiconductor testing and development.

New Capabilities:
    1. Next Generation compiler uses all available CPU cores and RAM, dramatically expanding the Testplan size and improving performance.
    2. USB RIFL Adapter replaces EPC mounted to Infrastructure for quick swap with current EPC, low impact and low risk expansion.
    3. OS options: Linux (kernel 5+; xUbuntu or CentOS/RHEL) or Windows 10/11 for corporate IS ownership efficiencies
    4. Remote Access handled by robust OS Remote Desktop support to reduce latency and improve remote access performance.
    5. Java UI for Exec and Testplan Viewer with familiar "Cassini" app accessible via full-function container with ArcaOS. Includes robust debug and development tools.
    6. Flexibility - Modern PC Hardware with supplied by RI or corporate self-supplied (lease refresh cycle)
FeatureImprovementRI8574 EPCRI8608 Linux/Win
Extremely Large TestplansNot constrained to 16-bit memoryOut of Memory Errors
(>15k states)
Unlimited Memory
(2 Tb Max; est >1 million states)
Development ProductivityLow Latency and Reliable Remote DevelopmentHost OS software VNCHost OS hardware accelerated Remote Desktop
New Testplan Compilerup to 62x- faster (x cores)
15,625x larger size (unlimited)
Limited Memory (16-bit limit)
Long compile times (1 core)
128 MB addressable space (size)
Saturn on Java (64-bit)
Multi-threaded (speed)
2 TB addressable space (size)
RIFL USBHardware CompatibilityIDE based (133 Mb/s)USB (up to 480 Mbit/s)
Operating SystemOS/2 vs Linux/Windows
support, compatibility
ArcaOS 5.0.8
Remote Desktop support (VNC)
Legacy Backup/Recovery options
Limited internal Support
Linux (kernel 5+) or Windows 11
Full Remote Desktop Support
Fully automated backup/recovery
Full Internal Support
System Controller PC Hardware CPUCPU 62x better ^2
RAM 16x more, 12x faster^3
GPU 10x resolution
LAN 10x speed
SSD 53x Faster

RIFL (TIM communication bus)
CPU Intel E4500, 2.20 GHz
Memory 2 GB DDR2
Graphics VGA 1024 x 768
LAN10/100 MB
Storage SATA ( to 3 Gb/s)
Internal RIFL Master (IDE)
CPU Intel i7-13700K 5.4 GHz
Memory 32 GB/2 TB DDR5
Graphics HDMI/USB-C 4K/8K
LAN 10/100 MB, 1/10 GB
Storage SATA+NVMe (5 - 7 Gb/s)
External RIFL Master (USB)
^1 Only calc time during handler index time could be improved.
^2 CPU Single Thread Rating (831 vs 4,368) https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/936vs5060/Intel-Core2-Duo-E4500-vs-Intel-i7-13700K
^3 RAM capacity DDR2 vs DDR5 speed is 533 MT/s vs 6400 MT/s

Comparing Software
The evolution from the ArcaOS-based Cassini development environment to a Java-based solution represents a significant leap in capabilities. The transition from a 16-bit address space with a 128 Mb limit to a system that can leverage up to 2 Tb of memory under a 64-bit architecture marks a substantial improvement in supporting increased testplan complexity. Furthermore, the integration of the USB RIFL interface has broadened hardware compatibility, ensuring support for both Linux and Windows operating systems, that is critical for development platforms.

Extreme Large Testplans (ELTs) present a unique set of challenges in terms of memory management and compile time. The limitations of a 16-bit memory address space in Cassini software restrict the accessible memory for Testplan use to 128Mb, which is close to the upper limit of ELTs. To mitigate these issues, multi-threaded compilation is used to enhance compile speed by leveraging the power of multiple CPU cores. Furthermore, ongoing development efforts are focused on caching pre-compiled blocks, which promises to significantly boost development and debugging efficiency by allowing for the rapid reuse of these blocks.

Comparing Hardware
The next interaction for EPC TIM hardware to a new System Controller design meets modern computing demands by relying on external power supply and support for current operating systems to leverage the latest PC technology. This shift not only aligns with corporate procurement strategies but also enhances integration with IT departments, ensuring system uptime and maintenance. The Linux or Windows 11 based development environment facilitates a smoother integration process and cost-effectiveness.

Current known issues resolved with this solution:
  • Workspace UI becomes unresponsive when using VNC plus a large testplan
  • Excessive compile time (>20 minutes) when using testplan with >30 Global or Section defaults..

Java Next Generation Compiler Consideration:
  • Simplified UI and expanded capabilities (size of testplan, speed of compile, reduced operation complexity)
    Note: Cassini in Container (VM) can be run to be 100% identical to existing UI for Testplan Development and Exec Operations.
  • New simplified Testplan Editor planned for 2025 release. Use Cassini in Container VM to add/remove tests, states, flags, calcs, symbols, etc.; Testplan Viewer can view, compile/run and change existing state values, no Debug menu (Delta Settings, Breakpoints, etc) and Limit tables (import/export csv); so limits are changed from each data save button or bulk copied from another testplan.
  • Different Guru Save functionality (different attribute UI)



Figure 1: RI8608A Cassini System Controller, Linux

NUC form factor shown. Exact deliverable subject to change.

Figure 2: Saturn UI and Test Exec



Figure 3: MXUT4W4B
USB RIFL Remote TIM


Figure 4: Installed USB RIFL Remote TIM on RI8568 Cassini 16 Infrastructure


Figure 5: Cassini in Container UI


Figure 6: Saturn Exec and Testplan Viewer/Editor



Related Documents:



SubjectWeb Address (URL)
Product Docs
Upgrading EPC from RI8574 to RI8608 System Controller with USB EPC Remote TIMhttps://roos.com/docs/RBEH-D85T4W?Open