Transformative Trends in T&M Driving Technological Evolution
Published on : Thursday 04-07-2024
The test and measurement industry stands on the brink of unprecedented innovation, says Vijay Mathew.
The test and measurement (T&M) industry is a cornerstone of technological progress, playing a critical role in various sectors such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and electronics. These instruments are essential for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of products and systems. As industries rapidly evolve with innovations such as 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and additive manufacturing, the demand for advanced T&M equipment has surged. This article delves into the basics of test and measurement equipment, explores key market segments, and highlights emerging opportunities.
Test and measurement instruments can be broadly categorised into five main segments: General-purpose Test Equipment, Data Acquisition (DAQ) Test Equipment, Electrical Test Equipment, Environmental Test Equipment, and General-purpose Test Software.
1. General-purpose Test Equipment
This segment includes a variety of essential tools used across numerous applications. Notable examples are oscilloscopes, logic analysers, power analysers, and spectrum/signal analysers. These instruments are indispensable for diagnosing and troubleshooting electronic systems and providing critical data on system performance and integrity.
2. Data Acquisition (DAQ) Test Equipment
DAQ systems are crucial for collecting and processing data from various sensors and devices. They encompass Ethernet, USB, PXI/PXIe, standalone/proprietary equipment, and specialised software. DAQ equipment is vital in research, development, and quality assurance processes, enabling precise and comprehensive data analysis.
3. Electrical Test Equipment
This category includes instruments such as milliohm meters, thermal imagers, ground resistance meters, and insulation testers. Electrical test equipment is essential for evaluating the performance and safety of electrical systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and preventing potential hazards.
4. Environmental Test Equipment
Environmental testing is crucial for assessing the impact of environmental conditions on products and materials. Key instruments in this segment include humidity meters, sound meters, moisture meters, and vibration testers. These tools help industries ensure their products can withstand harsh conditions and maintain performance and reliability.
5. General-purpose Test Software
Software solutions play a pivotal role in modern T&M applications. This includes programmable software and turnkey solutions that offer flexibility, automation, and enhanced data analysis capabilities. Such software is integral to managing complex test scenarios and streamlining the testing process.
This article will highlight key trends and opportunities in this evolving market.
AI and ML: Revolutionising test and measurement
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are significantly transforming the test and measurement industry by improving precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. These technologies are increasingly implemented across various applications, offering real-time analytics and predictive capabilities that are essential for advanced fields like battery technologies and R&D. AI/ML-driven solutions optimise test processes, enhance equipment utilisation, and improve yield, leading to a rapid return on investment (RoI). Companies such as Advantest Corporation and yieldWerx are at the forefront of these advancements, developing comprehensive AI/ML-based solutions that address high testing costs and efficiency challenges. Their innovative approaches are setting new standards in the industry by providing scalable, automated, and effective testing methods. These advancements not only help companies meet the growing demand for sophisticated testing but also enable them to offer new business models and services that enhance customer value, ensuring a competitive edge in the market. The integration of AI/ML into test and measurement is proving indispensable for driving the future of technology and maintaining industry leadership.
As can be seen in the accompanying chart, the general-purpose T&M segment generated revenue of 19.8 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 5.9%. The chart also highlights key end-user verticals of general-purpose T&M equipment.
Pioneering the future with 6G testing innovations
The development of 6G technology, with its promise of ultra-high data rates, low latency, and enhanced reliability, is reshaping the communications industry. This
technological leap demands advanced testing solutions to ensure performance and reliability across a wide range of applications, including autonomous vehicles, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the metaverse.
AI integration is essential in the 6G testing landscape, addressing the increased complexity of test scenarios and enabling real-time analytics. AI training datasets are pivotal for testing and validating new technologies, ensuring they meet rigorous standards. Emulation testing, which involves creating digital twins of radio components, is crucial for handling the high frequencies and diverse scenarios expected in 6G, ultimately reducing field validation costs and accelerating development.
The complexity of 6G necessitates a collaborative approach across the industry. Stakeholders from various sectors, including telecommunications, semiconductor manufacturers, and software providers, must work together to develop and standardise new testing methodologies. Initiatives like the EU-funded 6G-BRICKS consortium exemplify the collaborative efforts required to drive 6G innovation. Companies like Keysight Technologies and Anritsu are at the forefront of 6G testing innovation.
Driving the connected car revolution with V2X communication
The connected car market is rapidly expanding, driven by advancements in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies. These vehicles use various connectivity options, such as cellular networks (3G, 4G, 5G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, to enable real-time communication with other vehicles, roadside infrastructure, and external services. V2X communication is essential for the development of Level 5 autonomous vehicles (AVs), providing a comprehensive view of the environment and facilitating safe, efficient driving decisions. Regions like North America and Europe are adopting a hybrid approach to V2X communication, combining cellular V2X (C-V2X) and dedicated short-range communication (DSRC). This hybrid model is crucial for deploying comprehensive V2X systems, although global adoption remains a challenge due to interoperability issues.
Leading companies such as Keysight Technologies and Rohde & Schwarz are at the forefront of V2X testing solutions. By focusing on enhancing V2X communication technologies and addressing interoperability challenges, the connected car market is poised for significant growth. Leading innovators are developing advanced testing solutions to support this expansion, ensuring that connected vehicles can operate safely and efficiently on a global scale.
Advancing semiconductor technology: pioneering new frontiers
The semiconductor industry is at the forefront of technological progress, driven by the demand for high-performance computing, fast connectivity, and energy-efficient devices. The rise of technologies like generative AI, hyper-connectivity, and the metaverse has heightened the need for semiconductors with superior performance and power efficiency. This push is leading to advancements in sub-5nm process nodes and the exploration of new materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride. Furthermore, the development of advanced packaging techniques that integrate multiple components into single systems-on-chip (SoCs) is underway, aiming to streamline design and manufacturing despite the associated challenges and costs.
Companies like Keysight Technologies and NI (an Emerson Company) are leading this innovation. Keysight offers a wide range of solutions, including signal generators and analysers, which are critical for testing new semiconductor materials. NI provides comprehensive semiconductor test systems and software solutions that ensure reliability and efficiency in production. As the global semiconductor market continues to grow, there are significant opportunities for the development and testing of new technologies. Companies investing in advanced testing capabilities and expanding their regional presence are well-positioned to capitalise on this sustained industry growth.
Conclusion
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The test and measurement industry stands on the brink of unprecedented innovation, driven by the integration of AI/ML, the evolution of 6G technologies, advancements in V2X communication, and breakthroughs in semiconductor technology. Future potential opportunities include the integration of quantum computing in T&M, which could revolutionise data analysis and processing capabilities. Additionally, the expansion of IoT ecosystems will necessitate more sophisticated and scalable T&M solutions to manage the influx of connected devices. Companies that remain agile and invest in cutting-edge testing technologies will not only lead the market but also shape the future of multiple industries, ensuring safety, efficiency, and innovation in an increasingly complex technological landscape.
Vijay Mathew is Director, Industrial Technologies, at Frost & Sullivan. With over 18 years of experience, Vijay is a seasoned advisor known for providing strategic, unbiased, and objective advisory services across a variety of industries. His areas of expertise include automation, process control, industrial sensors and instrumentation, and electronic test and measurement. Always on the forefront of technological evolution, Vijay is committed to tracking and understanding the latest trends in Industry 4.0, data analytics, predictive maintenance, smart factories, and blockchain technologies.
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