Siemens announced the acquisition of ASTER Technologies (“ASTER”), a privately held leader in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) test verification and engineering software, advancing its electronic design automation (EDA) and PCB test engineering portfolio. The integration brings ASTER’s advanced “shift-left” design for test (DFT) solutions into Siemens’ Xpedition™ and Valor™ software offerings within the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, creating a stronger, end-to-end digital thread from electronic design through manufacturing and test coverage.
Strengthening Integrated PCB Design and Test Workflow
With the increasing complexities associated with the development of electronics systems, including advancements in automotive, 5G, and high-performance computing, there is a growing need for a closer link between design and test or manufacturing. By incorporating ASTER’s power within the PCB design and manufacture solution by Siemens, issues can now be spotted early, and advancements in terms of time to market and product quality can be made.
ASTeR’s flagship product, TestWay, is widely recognized for its best-in-class DFT planning and test implementation capabilities, enabling engineering teams to define and execute robust test strategies at the earliest PCB assembly stages. This complements Siemens’ Valor suite for design for fabrication and assembly, delivering a comprehensive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) solution.
Leadership Perspectives on Strategic Value
“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,” said AJ Incorvaia, senior vice president and general manager, electronic board systems at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “This can dramatically reduce costs, accelerate time-to-market and helps 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.”
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The acquisition also broadens Siemens’ DFM and test engineering solutions for high-end applications such as computing/HPC, automotive electronics and networking systems, where efficient test coverage strategies are critical to product success.
“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,” said Christophe Lotz, founder and chief executive officer, ASTER Technologies. “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.”
Expanding Siemens’ EDA and PCB Market Leadership
With this acquisition, Siemens continues to advance its position as a provider of leading EDA software and integrated manufacturing solutions. ASTER’s technology will enhance Siemens’ PCB solution stack by embedding test planning and execution capabilities within the design cycle, creating a competitive advantage for customers that seek greater automation, quality and design insights.
Siemens Digital Industries Software supports global organizations in digitally transforming their design, engineering and manufacturing processes using the Siemens Xcelerator business platform, delivering software, services and hardware designed to accelerate innovation while promoting sustainability, operational efficiency and digital continuity.