Call for Papers Issued for VOICE 2012 Technical Program on System-on-Chip Semiconductor Test Technologies

CUPERTINO, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 6, 2011) - An international call for papers focusing on innovative test solutions for system-on-chip (SOC) semiconductor devices has been issued for the technical program at VOICE 2012, a users group meeting and partners conference organized by Verigy, an Advantest Group company (TSE: 6857) (NYSE: ATE). The 2012 conference will include technical presentations and interactive discussion sessions for users of Verigy's V93000 platform as well as -- for the first time -- Advantest's T2000 test system, offering broader networking and learning opportunities for all attendees.

The sixth annual VOICE conference on April 24-26, 2012, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in San Jose, Calif., will open with two days of technical presentations, one-on-one meetings and a suppliers' expo followed by a third day of hands-on workshops -- all focusing on future-ready, scalable SOC test solutions from Verigy and Advantest.

"We are very excited that VOICE 2012 is being expanded to provide attendees with insights into the newest advances and applications for two leading SOC test platforms -- Verigy's V93000 and Advantest's T2000," said Gabriel Tellechea, senior test engineer at Freescale Semiconductor and chairperson of the VOICE conference's steering committee. "The useful content from this industry gathering continues to increase each year."

The three-day event will offer a market-driven approach to testing, including a wide selection of educational sessions ranging from hands-on, product-focused workshops to open discussions of next-generation semiconductor technologies and their respective test requirements.

"Even as our company has grown into the industry's largest provider of semiconductor test solutions, we remain connected to our heritage of bringing innovative, imaginative and inspirational new solutions to our global customer base," said Pascal Ronde, executive vice president of worldwide sales, service and support of Verigy. "The combined expertise, resources and vision of the entire Advantest Group have enabled us to extend and improve the value of our highly successful annual event."

In addition to technical presentations, VOICE 2012 will provide a collaborative forum for exchanging information and perspectives on the latest semiconductor testing techniques and best practices regarding Verigy's V93000 and Advantest's T2000 test platforms. Attendees will have the opportunity to preview the newest high-yield test solutions for SOC devices while interacting directly with test equipment R&D experts from Verigy and Advantest.

Each year, VOICE attracts hundreds of attendees from leading integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), foundries, fabless semiconductor companies and outsource assembly and test (OSAT) houses. The 2012 conference is expected to draw an even larger and broader audience of test professionals since the event's scope will be expanded to include Advantest's SOC test products.

The 2012 call for papers offers three ways for interested presenters to take part in VOICE. Abstracts are now being accepted for 30-minute short-form presentations, 45-minute long-form presentations or participation in expert group discussions for four technology tracks covering:

• Hardware and loadboard solutions, including the latest design trends and tools
• Test techniques and methodologies for achieving new solutions
• Test engineering effectiveness with tips on expediting development of fast test programs
• Production test for cost-effective and throughput-optimized solutions

To respond to the call for papers, go to www.verigy.com/go/VOICE2012. All submissions must be received by November 15, 2011, and accepted presenters will be notified in mid-January 2012.

About VOICE 2012

Managed by a steering committee of volunteer representatives from Verigy, an Advantest Group, Advantest and their customers, VOICE is the leading conference for the growing international community of users and strategic partners involved with Verigy 93000 and Advantest T2000 test platforms. The conference offers a unique opportunity to take part in making semiconductor testing operations as efficient and cost-effective as possible. Attendees gain and share valuable insights, build long-lasting relationships and learn what's new about Verigy and Advantest SOC test equipment and applications.

About Verigy, an Advantest Group Company

Verigy provides advanced semiconductor test systems and solutions used by leading companies worldwide in design validation, characterization, and high-volume manufacturing test. Verigy offers scalable platforms for a wide range of system-on-chip (SOC) test solutions, and memory test solutions for Flash, DRAM including high-speed memories, as well as multi-chip packages (MCP). Verigy also provides advanced analysis tools that accelerate design debug and yield ramp processes. Additional information about Verigy, an Advantest Group company, can be found at www.verigy.com. Information about Advantest can be found at www.advantest.com.

About Advantest

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 recently introduced critical dimension 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.