Siemens has acquired Aster Technologies, a company specializing in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) test verification and engineering software. This acquisition will integrate Aster’s design for test (DFT) functionality into Siemens’ Xpedition and Valor software, part of the Xcelerator portfolio. The integration will provide customers with a comprehensive digital thread from PCB design engineering to manufacturing, enabling earlier defect detection, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality and reliability.
The acquisition is significant, given the increased demand for automotive electronics and 5G technology, which require robust testing solutions to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with standards. Aster’s software tools, including its flagship product TestWay, will complement Siemens’ existing capabilities, creating a more comprehensive DFM solution. TestWay enables companies to prepare designs and implement robust test strategies early in the PCB assembly manufacturing process.
The acquisition will broaden Siemens’ differentiated DFM solution for the global PCB market, particularly in sophisticated designs across the computing, automotive, and networking sectors. Aster’s solutions are used in these sectors, where developing efficient, cost-effective test strategies is critical. The integration of Aster’s expertise will enable Siemens to provide a complete, integrated solution that sets customers up for success from the very first design concept through final production.
According to AJ Incorvaia, senior vice president and general manager at Siemens Digital Industries Software, the acquisition is a game-changer for customers in the PCB design and manufacturing space. Christophe Lotz, founder and CEO of Aster, is excited about the opportunity to integrate Aster’s expertise into a broader, industry-leading portfolio, enabling customers to achieve greater efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage.
The acquisition will enable customers to optimize designs earlier in the design cycle, reducing costs and accelerating time-to-market. With the integrated digital thread, customers will have access to a comprehensive solution that includes design, simulation, test, and manufacturing, enabling them to create high-quality products with reduced defects and improved reliability. Overall, the acquisition of Aster Technologies by Siemens will provide customers with a robust and comprehensive solution for PCB design, test, and manufacturing, setting them up for success in a rapidly changing electronics industry.