ADVANTEST SP.ADR (ATE)

TOKYO, May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Advantest Corporation (TSE: 6857,
NYSE: ATE) today announced its new M6242 dynamic test handler, boasting the
industry's highest throughput of 42,200 units per hour for high-volume
production test of memory devices such as DRAM. The handler will be available
from May 2008 and will also be on display at the "Advantest Tour de Force
2008" exhibition to be held at the Tokyo International Forum, June 3-5.

Pricing Pressure on DRAM Memory Devices Heightens

General-purpose DRAM is being used not only as the main memory in
computers, but also for the storage of digital information in electronic
products such as flat-screen televisions and mobile phones. It is expected
that demand will continue to rise sharply as new consumer-driven market
populations expand. Along with this growing demand, however, falling computer
and consumer electronics prices are leading to increased pricing pressures for
manufacturers of memory devices, and creating a very competitive environment.
To combat this trend, DRAM manufacturers have long been pressing for a test
solution that cuts the cost of test for high-volume DRAM production, and
Advantest's new M6242 dynamic test handler addresses this need.

Features and Benefits

-- Industry's highest throughput of 42,200 units per hour The M6242
supports memory device packages such as BGA and CSP, and its advanced
handling capabilities enable a throughput of 42,200 units per hour --
more than double that of the company's earlier model, the M6241. It
offers highly efficient device transfer, thanks to optimization of the
complex arm mechanisms that sort good and bad devices after testing.
When used in combination with Advantest's T5588 test system for
high-volume production test of DRAM, the M6242 enhances productivity and
slashes overall cost of test.
-- Improved temperature control mechanisms The M6242 enables more precise
temperature control, following optimization of mechanisms in the
temperature stabilization chamber. Temperature stability improvements
mean that precision of the new M6242 surpasses that of its predecessor
by 25%, with an accuracy of +/- 1.5 degrees C when set at -10 degrees C
to 100 degrees C, resulting in higher overall yields.
-- Greatly enhanced operability


Designed for ease of operation, the M6242's large display screen displays
a more detailed menu than the conventional M6241. This makes the system
easier for the operator to run and contributes to shorter operation
times.

M6242 Dynamic Test Handler from 82 million yen (depending on
configuration)

Key Specifications:
Target Packages: BGA, CSP, TSOP1 etc.
Parallel Test Capacity: Up to 512 devices
Throughput: 42,200 devices / hour
Temperature Range: -40 degrees C ~ 125 degrees C
-55 degrees C ~ 125 degrees C (Option)

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 USA, and now has subsidiaries worldwide. Among them, Advantest
America, Inc. is based in Santa Clara, CA, and Advantest (Europe) GmbH is
based in Munich, Germany. More information is available at www.advantest.com .

SOURCE Advantest Corporation