ALPS' Furukawa Plant Approved for Electromagnetic Compatibility

    TOKYO--March 10, 2003--ALPS' Automotive Products Division (Furukawa Plant, Furukawa City, Miyagi Prefecture, Managing Director Kazuya Yoshikoshi) received accreditation as an electromagnetic compatibility testing facility from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), a US-based non-profit, nongovernmental, public service, membership-based organization dedicated to operating a wide-ranging laboratory accreditation system. ALPS is only the third company in Japan to be accredited by A2LA.
    As the use of electronics in automobiles expands rapidly, it is necessary to develop products that are resistant to electromagnetic interference, and that do not themselves emit unnecessary electromagnetic noise. Research in the field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) has, for this reason, assumed greater importance. The EU issued an automotive EMC directive in 1995, which set much stricter standards than those for ordinary electronic products. Then, recently, America's big three automakers announced that A2LA certification would be required for onboard electronic equipment. A2LA is the only organization recognized by the big three that offers accreditation of EMC testing facilities, and bases its accreditation on ISO/IEC 17025, which is the international standard for the accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories. This accreditation means that ALPS can now conduct required EMC testing of automotive products in-house, serving its customers better by shortening the evaluation period, and making product development speedier.
    The present accreditation covers electrostatic discharge. Accreditation in the areas of electromagnetic immunity and emissions is scheduled.
    EMC testing involves measuring the effects of electromagnetic interference on electronic devices, and the electromagnetic emissions of electronic devices.
    Very high standards must be met to win this accreditation with regard to the electromagnetic anechoic chamber, design equipment, and other facilities, as well as management systems and the prescribed qualifications of technical personnel.
    Electromagnetic compatibility is a pressing issue in the rapidly growing automotive electronics market. The requirements of automobile manufacturers and the legal and regulatory strictures are expected to grow increasingly stringent.
    As ALPS gains technological expertise and practical experience in EMC testing, the Company will seek to expand its business on the strength of reliability and rapid response to customer requirements.

    Products of the Automotive Products Division

    Climate-control operation units, control units for automotive mechatronics, steering switches for ITS, steering modules, clock springs for air-bag systems, and passive remote keyless entry systems.

    A photo can be downloaded from the Company web site at http://www.alps.co.jp/e/press/new2003/0310_e.htm

    Outline of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.

    Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments -- Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics -- which are contributing to the advance of a digital society.
    ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 23 production bases in 8 countries as well as 54 sales bases in 13 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2002 amounted to 540,268 million yen.

    Further information:

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. Public Relations & Secretarial Group Natsuko Ikeda 1-7, Yukigaya-otsuka-cho, Ota-ku, 145-8501, Japan Tel: +81-3-5499-8001 Fax: +81-3-3726-1386 E-mail: alps-pr@mta.alps.co.jp