Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) is a machine which conducts tests and most widely used in modern electronics. It is used in electronics and electrical equipment for fault detection in printed circuit boards and is relatively simpler and faster compared to manual test methods.
It carries out tests on a device known as the Computer under Test (DUT) or Unit under Test (UUT), using automation to conduct measurements rapidly and analyse test results, preserving device quality. ATE has an important role to play in lowering production costs and helping to identify faulty parts.
What are the barriers and growth opportunities in the automated test equipment (ATE)?
Electronics Guru
The global automated test equipment (ATE) market was valued at US$ 3 billion in 2018. The market growth will continue to grow at a moderate speed in the future and is expected to reach almost US$ 5 billion in 2025.
The growing demand for efficient and robust automatic test equipment is driving the global automated test equipment market in the coming years due to the substantially rising volume of electronic devices and components.
The growth of the market for automated test equipment is driven by the use of test equipment in the automotive and semiconductor industries. The increasing system-on-chip adoption and strong consumer electronics demand in the automotive sector, along with the rising usage of smartphones are key drivers behind the ATE market growth.
The miniaturisation of devices in growing semiconductor manufacturing companies has supported ATE demand. In the coming years, significant growth is expected in the global ATE market due to the rise in production of semiconductors and the expansion of wireless networks in developing countries.
Semiconductors companies no longer see manufacturing costs as a barrier to the profit margin of semiconductor chip production. They are focusing now on improving manufacturing technology and looking for effective testing methods to reduce damage losses. The development of smartphones, tablets and system on chip (SoC) based products are creating demand for greater functionality in ATE.
As connected devices becoming smaller, stronger and more flexible, they face challenges in design, applications and production. One of the restraints for the growth in the automatic test equipment market is the high costs.