Joint training and research projects to foster development of new test methodologies SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Advantest America, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Advantest Corporation (TSE:6857TSE:NYSE:TSE:ATE), announces that it has signed an agreement with Auburn University to place a T2000 GS mainframe test system within the school's College of Engineering. The SoC test system acquisition has been made possible in part through a research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Under the terms of the grant, the NSF will establish a VLSI test laboratory at Auburn University that is tied to a multi-university initiative focused on education, training, and research applications. Other universities currently involved through networked access include, University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, University of Alabama at Huntsville, and Tuskegee University. In the future, the test lab will allow collaborative use by universities outside of Alabama, making it a national resource. Several leading semiconductor manufacturers are also providing support for this key new initiative. As a part of the agreement, Advantest will participate in on-going joint training and research projects with the school's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) to better prepare the engineering students for industry positions upon graduation. Installation of the system will take place before the year end. The T2000 GS mainframe is a compact test solution designed to lower the cost of test for system-on-chip (SoC) devices used in digital consumer products and car electronics. The solution incorporates a new 250MDMA air-cooled digital test module to enable high-parallel testing of SoC devices. A 13-slot test head gives the mainframe its small footprint which is valued in both development and high-volume production. The T2000 GS mainframe is ideal for test development purposes when used as a lab or module development station, and is an excellent entry level test system. Advantest's T2000 was selected by Auburn for its small size and air-cooled design, and because the T2000 Openstar(TM) tester is the industry's only VLSI tester with open and published specifications to enable interaction with university's research and development of test instruments. Once installed, the system will be used by Auburn University to enhance its course curriculum in the field of test technology. Advantest believes that by availing this equipment, the students will be able to carry out practical research and development work that will contribute both to the evolution of the semiconductor industry and the advancement of highly skilled engineers in the testing sector. Dr. Vishwani Agrawal, a James J. Danaher Professor within the ECE Department at Auburn University in Alabama, chaired the independent selection committee for the tester. Dr. Agrawal commented that, "Advanced technology is now the driving force behind today's economy. And because our electrical and computer engineers are involved in every aspect of technology from microelectronic chips to electronic devices to communication networks and software, it is fitting that Auburn provide the most advanced equipment to its students for conducting research. Advantest's T2000 test system, with its cost-effective, open-architecture configuration and its open, published specifications, is not only commensurate with our overarching educational goals, but with our fiduciary goals, as well." R. Keith Lee, president and CEO of Advantest America, Inc., a graduate of Auburn University's College of Engineering, is understandably excited about this independent tester selection. Upon being notified of the T2000's choice, Mr. Lee remarked, "As an alumnus of Auburn University, I am personally delighted to be in the position to enable engineering students with the tools they need to secure their future successes. By making available the most advanced technology to the students, we can and do play a central role in better preparing them to become tomorrow's technical leaders." About Auburn University College of Engineering Auburn University has been offering engineering courses since 1872 and has a long and rich tradition of excellence in engineering education. Auburn University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering was established in 1891 and offers bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and wireless engineering. Graduate offerings include Master of Science, Master of Electrical Engineering, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The department is home to numerous research centers and laboratories including the Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics, the Alabama Microelectronics Science and Technology Center, the Wireless Engineering Research and Education Center, and the Laboratory for Electronics Assembly and Packaging. About Advantest Advantest Corporation is the world's leading automatic test equipment supplier to the semiconductor industry, and also produces electronic and optoelectronic instruments and systems. A global company, Advantest has long offered total ATE solutions and serves the industry in every component of semiconductor test: tester, handler, mechanical and electrical interfaces, and software. Its logic, memory, mixed-signal and RF testers and device handlers are integrated into the most advanced semiconductor production lines in the world. Founded in Tokyo in 1954, Advantest established its first subsidiary in 1982 in the United States and now has 43 subsidiaries worldwide. More information is available at http://www.advantest.com/. DATASOURCE: Advantest America, Inc. CONTACT: Amy Gold of Advantest America, Inc., +1-212-850-6670, Web Site: http://www.advantest.com/

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