Wireless technologies stoke RF test equipment demand

October 2, 2014. Telecom operators’ increased adoption of wireless technology for mission-critical applications has revved up the global market for dynamic electronic general-purpose (GP) test equipment. As the link between cloud networks and devices (mobile phones, tablets, notebooks) results in more complex devices under test (DUT), the need for radio frequency test equipment will only intensify.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, “Global Outlook for Electronic Test Equipment,” finds that the market earned revenues of $3.45 billion in 2013 and estimates this to reach $4.64 billion in 2018. The study covers oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum/signal analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, logic analyzers, electronic counters, and multimeters.

“Faster connectivity through the deployment of 5G will also escalate the demand for higher frequency bands,” said Frost & Sullivan Measurement & Instrumentation Research Analyst Prathima Bommakanti. “This, in turn, will drive the demand for GP test equipment in the microwave range.”

In product categories such as multimeters, which have demonstrated minimal technological progress, purchases are based on price and availability rather than functionalities/features. This affects the overall growth of the market.

The best way forward in a competitive market is to offer a balance between price and performance. Modular GP test equipment will be particularly effective in this scenario as it reduces the cost of tests by increasing throughput and scalability, while simultaneously lowering power consumption and space requirements.

National Instruments' leadership in this space, along with Keysight Technologies' focus on expansion, is expected to further augment the share of modular instrumentation in the overall electronic test-equipment market.

“Due to a strong and continuous market need for cost-effective, yet high-performing test solutions, companies are striving to develop low-cost and advanced GP test solutions,” noted Bommakanti. “These vendors’ efforts are fuelling customers’ interest and thereby, driving test equipment sales.”

“Global Outlook for Electronic Test Equipment” is part of the Test & Measurement Growth Partnership Service program.

For more information on this study, contact Ariel Brown, corporate communications, at [email protected].