Aster’s “shift-level” design for test (DFT) functionality will be integrated into Siemens’ Xpedition software and Valor software
Siemens has acquired Aster Technologies, a privately held market specialist in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) test verification and engineering software
This acquisition will see Aster’s “shift-level” design for test (DFT) functionality integrated into Siemens’ Xpedition software and Valor software, part of Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio of industry software.
Following the acquisition, customers will have access to an integrated digital thread from PCB design engineering to manufacturing, enabling earlier defect detection, accelerated time-to-market, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality and reliability.
The acquisition comes at a significant time, as heightened demand for automotive electronics and the increased integration of 5G technology into electronic systems require robust testing solutions to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with standards.
A comprehensive test engineering strategy is vital for intercepting defects, avoiding costly design respins, preventing product returns, and reducing field failures. Organisations are increasingly seeking DFT functionality embedded in their PCB design solutions and an integrated PCB design workflow.
Aster is a supplier of software tools for verifying, assembling, and testing PCB assemblies. It provides compelling DFM physical design verification software solutions for PCB fabrication, assembly, and test, alongside robust test coverage analysis and optimised test programming capabilities.
Its flagship product, TestWay, enables companies to prepare designs and implement robust test strategies early in the PCB assembly manufacturing process. TestWay complements Siemens’ Valor design for fabrication and assembly capabilities, creating a more comprehensive DFM solution.
AJ Incorvaia, senior vice president and general manager, electronic board systems at Siemens Digital Industries Software, said, “The addition of Aster Technologies is a game-changer for our customers in the PCB design and manufacturing space. By integrating Aster’s market-leading test engineering software, we are empowering our customers to optimize designs much earlier in the design cycle. This can dramatically reduce costs, accelerate time-to-market, and help to ensure the highest levels of product quality and reliability. It's about giving our customers a complete, integrated solution that sets them up for success from the very first design concept through final production.”
Aster’s solutions are primarily used in sophisticated designs across the computing/HPC, automotive, and networking sectors, where developing efficient, cost-effective test strategies is critical. This acquisition will enable Siemens to broaden its differentiated, comprehensive DFM solution for the global PCB market.
Christophe Lotz, founder and CEO of Aster, said, “Joining forces with Siemens is an incredibly exciting next chapter for our team and our customers. We've always been passionate about helping engineers create flawless PCB designs through advanced test coverage analysis. Now, as part of Siemens, we have an unparalleled opportunity to integrate our expertise into a broader, industry-leading portfolio. This means our innovative solutions can reach more customers, enabling them to achieve even greater efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage. We are thrilled to contribute to Siemens' vision of a truly integrated digital thread for electronics design and manufacturing with just enough test.”
