FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEIS) today
announced that its Aera(R) Transformer(TM) digital MFC has
been awarded default-standard status on a new semiconductor
platform by a major Japanese original equipment manufacturer
(OEM).  The Transformer family enables this leading OEM's
equipment to run with optimal process flexibility and
efficiency.  This OEM's new semiconductor platform requires
precise flow control for today's most advanced applications.
 The Transformer MFC earned default-standard status by
out-performing competitive units.

    (Logo: 
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030825/AEISLOGO )

    This new platform will run today's most demanding
applications, necessitating outstanding MFC response,
accuracy, repeatability and exceptional reliability.  During
the rigorous process of qualifying for this new platform,
the Transformer MFC consistently demonstrated higher
mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) performance over non-Aera
MFCs.  The higher Transformer MTBF was proven to contribute
to reduced platform downtime and improved throughput and
yield. 

    "AE's Aera flow products have a strong tradition
of extraordinary performance and reliability,"
commented Dr. Hans Betz, president and CEO of AE.  "Our
Transformer MFCs have taken those advantages a step further
by offering customers functionality that directly correlates
to process improvements and profitable operation for both
OEM and end-user customers." 

    With the inherently flexible Transformer family, as few
as eight different Transformer multi-gas, multi-range (MGMR)
models can support an entire fab's MFC requirements. 
Pulling a Transformer MFC from inventory, customers can
readily program it to meet their exacting specifications --
without the traditional time and expense required to
calibrate other MFCs.  In addition, running any gas and
gas-flow range between 10 sccm and 30 slm, the Transformer
family features advanced sensor and valve technology,
field-proven components and high-speed, digital circuitry to
deliver the most precise gas-flow control available.

    Further, once these platforms are installed, AE will
continue to support this OEM and its end-user customers
around the world through a well-established global support
infrastructure in all the major manufacturing regions,
including Asia, the United States and Europe.

    About Advanced Energy 

    Advanced Energy is a global leader in the development
and support of technologies critical to high-technology
manufacturing processes used in the production of
semiconductors, flat panel displays, data storage products,
compact discs, digital video discs, architectural glass and
other advanced product applications. 

    Leveraging a diverse product portfolio and technology
leadership, AE creates solutions that maximize process
impact, improve productivity and lower cost of ownership for
its customers.  This portfolio includes a comprehensive line
of technology solutions in power, flow management, thermal
instrumentation and plasma and ion beam sources for original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users around the
world. 

    AE operates in regional centers in North America, Asia
and Europe and offers global sales and support through
direct offices, representatives and distributors.  Founded
in 1981, AE is a publicly held company traded on Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol AEIS.  More information can
be found at http://www.advanced-energy.com .

    Advanced Energy, AE, Aera and Transformer are
trademarks of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    For more information, please contact:

     Marna Shillman, 
     Corporate Communication Manager of Advanced Energy
Industries, Inc.
     Tel:   +1-970-407-6280
     Email: marna.shillman@aei.com

     Angie Kellen, 
     Account Director of MCA
     Tel:   +1-650-968-8900
     Email: akellen@mcapr.com

SOURCE  Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.