NORTH BILLERICA, Mass. — BTU International, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTUI), a leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment for the alternative energy and electronics manufacturing markets, has been awarded a 2008 Global Technology Award in the Environmentally Friendly category for its In-Line Diffusion System. The award was presented to the company during SMTA International 2008 in Orlando, FL.

BTU’s integrated In-line Diffusion System combines its proven TFQ series quartz-lined conveyor belt diffusion furnace with new phosphorous coating technology, featuring an ultrasonic direct spray phosphorous coater that processes up to 1,500 wafers per hour. BTU’s quartz lined furnaces have been optimized for phosphorus diffusion and in-line processing of solar cells.

Use of an in-line diffusion system improves productivity for solar cell manufacturers, with reduced wafer handling and greater throughput than traditional batch processing. Reduced handling translates into lower breakage rates and improved yield. Typical processing times are only 20-25 minutes.

The Global Technology Awards program is sponsored by Global SMT & Packaging Magazine, and is an annual celebration of product excellence in semiconductor packaging and electronics assembly. Premier products based on the finest examples of creative advancement in technology in key areas are chosen by a distinguished panel of global industry experts.