Automated test equipment (ATE Testing) has numerous applications in the electronic manufacturing industry. From testing a wide range of electronic equipment to checking the efficiency of electronic modules, there has been rapid growth in the use of ATE.
Previously used only in the military and aerospace, ATE is now finding applications in automotive and industrial automation. Due to the rising demand for ATE, the global ATE market is expected to grow from $6.65 billion in 2022 to $8.40 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 6%.
Role of ATE in Rapid Test Execution
ATE is a specially designed machine that can be used to perform multiple rapid tests on different devices. As ATE uses automated information technology, it can rapidly perform tests to measure and evaluate the performance of devices under test (DUT).
Depending on the equipment being tested, you can use ATE to conduct both simple and complex testing. For example, in the semiconductor industry, an ATE like a simple computer-controlled digital multimeter or complex electronic test equipment can be used to conduct automatic tests. ATE can also be used to identify faults in integrated circuits, systems on chips or packaged electronic parts.
Benefits of ATE
- Faster and More Accurate Tests: Since manual testing depends on the test engineer’s efficiency and expertise, the results’ speed and accuracy are only as good as the test engineer’s capabilities. As ATE is automated, it has fewer chances of error and is more reliable.
- Operator De-skilling: ATE does not need expert engineering or troubleshooting skills. Any operator with basic knowledge can efficiently use ATE to conduct accurate tests. As the process is automated, the operator does not need to remember the stages where a test was left off or read the documentation again and again.
- Reduced Test and Cycle Times: ATE’s capability in troubleshooting provides test and cycle time uniformity. This automation factor thus reduces work for engineers.
- Reduction or Prevention of Data Input Errors: Making mistakes is part of human nature. If there are no equipment-related technical problems, ATE always gets it right. It thus helps in maintaining accuracy.
- Efficient Use of Available Engineering Resources: Engineers may concentrate on the periodic testing issues rather than manually executing the tests using ATE. This results in more efficient use of engineering resources. As test engineers get more time, they can focus on other productive tasks and improve your overall revenue.
- Cost-efficient: If you are looking for cost-effective solutions for testing your products, then investing in an ATE can make a big difference. It will reduce manual testing and will ensure quick returns on your investment.
ATE Spotlight: National Instruments (NI)
The aerospace and defense industries are significant users of ATE. As these industries use lifesaving, mission-critical, and safety-critical electronics, there is no scope of error. ATE is more efficient in testing equipment used in military aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, weapons, missile launchers, radar and wireless communication systems.
These devices must be inspected more carefully than other corporate gadgets for important national security and safety considerations. As a result, aerospace and defence companies spend a lot of time and money testing and validating equipment before deployment.
The use of ATE reduces the likelihood of a launch failure or a Mayday situation in flight. Due to its high accuracy, it is used by aerospace and military industries to evaluate and validate the efficiency of all their components. This ensures that the missile launch systems and the avionics systems aboard the newest fighter aircraft are safe to use before they is fielded by the DoD.
Some of the common examples of equipment tested using ATE include integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), hard disc drives (HDDs), electronic systems, and line-replaceable units (LRUs) that support aeroplanes, spacecraft, and satellites. As these components belong to the avionics family of technologies they need to be evaluated meticulously.
TMCS’s Expertise in ATE Services
India has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. The military industry’s growth has increased significantly in recent years due to this self-reliant endeavour and its demand is continuously rising. The recent “Make in India” initiative and changing business trends have played a significant role in the increase in the export of ATE and other testing equipment.
The NI Partner, TMCS, has acquired the knowledge necessary to work on the test system requirements using NI, PLC and embedded solutions thanks to years of experience and ongoing research.
TMCS has helped military organisations import replacement possibilities with the use of these testing solutions. TMCS has excelled and been successful because of their extensive knowledge of communication protocols on many hardware platforms for serial data bus communication, standardised power interfaces, environmental design, testing and much more.
About “TMCS India”:
Theta Measurement and Control Solutions Pvt. Ltd (TMCS) mainly provides cost-effective Industrial Automation, Automation Test Systems, and Measurement & Control solutions. This enables customers to deliver state-of-the-art technological solutions.