Siemens Acquires ASTER Technologies to Strengthen PCB Test and Verification Capabilities

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Siemens has announced the acquisition of ASTER Technologies, a provider of printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) test verification and engineering software. The move is aimed at strengthening Siemens’ design-for-test (DFT) capabilities and delivering more integrated solutions for electronics design and manufacturing.

Under the acquisition, ASTER’s advanced “shift-left” DFT functionality will be incorporated into Siemens’ Xpedition and Valor platforms, which are part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. This integration is expected to provide customers with a seamless digital thread from PCB design through manufacturing, enabling earlier detection of defects, reduced development costs, and improved product quality and reliability.

Demand for robust testing solutions has increased significantly as automotive electronics and 5G technologies become more prevalent. Comprehensive test engineering strategies are increasingly essential to avoid costly design re-spins, reduce product returns, and meet stringent safety and reliability requirements. As a result, many organizations are seeking embedded DFT capabilities directly within PCB design workflows to improve efficiency and streamline processes.

Founded in France, ASTER Technologies has more than three decades of experience in PCB assembly verification and test software. Its flagship TestWay platform is widely used for early DFT planning and implementation, helping manufacturers optimize test strategies at the initial stages of PCB assembly. These capabilities complement Siemens’ existing design-for-manufacturing (DFM) solutions, creating a more comprehensive offering for the global PCB market.

“The addition of ASTER Technologies is a game-changer for our customers in the PCB design and manufacturing space,” said AJ Incorvaia, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Electronic Board Systems at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “By integrating ASTER’s market-leading test engineering software, we are empowering customers to optimise designs much earlier in the design cycle. This can dramatically reduce costs, accelerate time-to-market, and ensure the highest levels of product quality and reliability.”

ASTER’s tools are widely used in complex, high-end designs across computing, automotive, and networking sectors, where efficient and cost-effective test strategies are critical. The acquisition expands Siemens’ differentiated DFM portfolio and further strengthens its position in the global PCB market.

Christophe Lotz, founder and CEO of ASTER Technologies, said that joining Siemens creates an opportunity to integrate ASTER’s expertise into a broader, industry-leading portfolio, enabling its solutions to reach more customers and support greater efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage.

With the integration of ASTER’s technology, Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio will further embed manufacturing intelligence into PCBA design, delivering a more tightly integrated workflow from concept through production.

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