Advantest Targets Automotive and Heavy Machinery Markets with Services for After-Treatment System Analysis of Diesel Emissions

In September 2009, Advantest announced that it had successfully developed the TAS7000, the world's first terahertz (THz = 1012 Hz) wave 3D imaging system. The system, which relies upon Advantest's proprietary THz wave technology and performs non-destructive 3D analysis and inspection, was the first product to be offered within the framework of the company's New Concept Product Initiative, a cornerstone of its new business strategy. Since that time, the company has successfully introduced the TAS7500, for pharmaceutical drug analysis, and anticipates future applications for THz wave technology, in such fields as industrial materials, medicine, biotechnology and security.

Advantest will continue to use its vast technological expertise to broaden its reach into markets outside of its core business of semiconductor test. Today's introduction of an analysis solution service for the automotive and heavy machinery markets is a precursor of future endeavors. Going forward, the company will combine its THz wave technology with other analysis and testing technologies to offer solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of customers in a variety of fields.

Background

Regulators around the globe are increasingly placing tighter controls on exhaust emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, as substances such as nitrous oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) generated by internal combustion engines are known contributors to atmospheric pollution and health problems. To help manufacturers of diesel engines comply with these new regulations, Advantest has applied its proprietary THz wave technology to the design and development of an after-treatment system that performs non-destructive 3D analysis and inspection of the PM deposited by exhaust gas in DPFs. A non-destructive analysis tool effective in design and development relating to engine control, catalysts, DPFs and exhaust flow, Advantest's TAS7000 imaging analysis system has demonstrated the ability to optimize the DPF performance for cleaner diesel engines and reduced emissions, leading to better fuel economy, higher after-treatment system performance and cost reductions. Advantest expects that by incorporating a customized, high-level, consignment-based analysis and engineering solution-set into its product and service offerings, many more customers can benefit from its non-destructive analysis technology, to improve their emissions after-treatment system design, development and evaluation.

Overview of Solutions Services

1. Analysis Services

Measurement and analysis of the customers's samples are performed on the TAS7000. Qualitative and quantitative results as well as comprehensive data analysis, including trend and statistical analysis are provided. Also available is catalyst/DPF reliability evaluation for test vehicles.

2. Remote Services

On-line, interactive analysis, support and report preparation available 24 hours a day, with 2D/3D images and customized engineering reports accessible via the Web. Remote access also enables interactive support to customer's engineers by connecting on line to customer's TAS7000 systems.

3. Engineering Services

Comprehensive analysis consultation for evaluation and production processes is available.

*Post-Use Evaluation

Analysis of DPFs and catalysts, post use. In addition to the analysis of soot, ash, etc., the TAS7000 system also isolates the causes of defects through multifaceted analyses such as measurement of the differential pressure.

*After-treatment System Analysis

Evaluation of soot deposits and the adequacy of forced regeneration, which influence reliability and fuel consumption of after-treatment systems.

1 Forced regeneration: Involves temporarily raising the internal temperature of a DPF to a sufficient level to eliminate particulate matter deposited in the filter via oxidization