Advantest and Galaxy Partner to Improve OEE With New Test Floor Intelligence Software Solutions

TOKYO and WALTHAM, MA--(Marketwired - Jun 27, 2013) -  Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation (TSE: 6857) (NYSE: ATE) and Galaxy Semiconductor Solutions, a top provider of test-data analysis and yield-management software, have entered a joint development and distribution agreement for Advantest's new Test Floor Intelligence (TFI) software solutions. Advantest and Galaxy will cooperate to deliver advanced test-floor management systems that monitor and optimize test processes for both systems- and device-related issues, helping customers improve their overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Advantest's TFI software solutions already are being used by major fabless IC companies, outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) facilities and semiconductor foundries.

The Advantest-Galaxy partnership offers TFI solutions that perform real-time data collection, control and web-based reporting. Customizable dashboards give test-floor managers a clear picture of tester utilization, equipment status, effective yield and other metrics. The system helps identify issues relating to the test program, interface hardware and test equipment before they impact production.

"We chose to partner with Galaxy for its expertise in a number of key areas, including fast data analytics, cross-platform data import, U/I design and web-based dashboards," said Steve Ledford, director of global production solutions marketing at Advantest. "With Galaxy's help, we are enabling our customers to get the most value from their Advantest equipment and, more broadly, from their entire test floor."

"OEE has become a critical factor in reducing the cost of test," said Wesley Smith, vice president of advanced technology at Galaxy. "Combining our analytics with Advantest's test-data infrastructure and global reach, we are offering a solution that gives customers actionable insight into their test operations, which can lead to an immediate improvement in OEE."

About Galaxy
Galaxy Semiconductor Solutions is the de facto standard for test-data analysis, IC yield management and quality-enhancement solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company's tools provide engineers and managers with actionable "semiconductor intelligence" that enables better decision making and process improvement. Galaxy products are utilized by over 3,500 users worldwide to help improve device yields, reduce DPM (defects per million) and enhance engineering productivity. Galaxy has established a reputation for products that are easy to use and offer a very short time-to-benefit. More information about Galaxy can be found at www.galaxysemi.com.

About Advantest Corporation
A world-class technology company, Advantest is the leading producer of automatic test equipment (ATE) for the semiconductor industry and a premier manufacturer of measuring instruments used in the design and production of electronic instruments and systems. Its leading-edge systems and products are integrated into the most advanced semiconductor production lines in the world. The company also focuses on R&D for emerging markets that benefit from advancements in nanotech and terahertz technologies, and has introduced multi-vision metrology scanning electron microscopes essential to photomask manufacturing, as well as a groundbreaking 3D imaging and analysis tool. Founded in Tokyo in 1954, Advantest established its first subsidiary in 1982, in the USA, and now has subsidiaries worldwide. More information is available at www.advantest.com.