What is Driving Better Test and Measurement?

By Embedded Advisor | Monday, November 25, 2019

With the flood of technology, there is no shortage of innovation in the horizon of the test and measurement industry.

FREMONT, CA: According to reports, the global electronics test and measurement technology market is forecast to reach $23 billion by 2021. This growth in test and measurement is driven by demands from industries including semiconductor manufacturing, telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. Without test and measurement, enterprises cannot accurately and consistently prove that their mechanical or electronic devices perform as required. This leads to innovative thinking on how to test and measure better by taking advantage of the rapidly growing technology. Read on to know more.

Additive manufacturing is supporting advances in the test and measurement industry. This technology is an enabler, making geometrically complex sensor configurations. With 3D printing, sensors for testing and measurement can be made to operate at lesser costs. 3D printed metallic housing for the compressor inlet temperature sensor, which can withstand extreme temperatures and airflows, is available in the market today.

IoT-enabled devices such as smart appliances and medical wearables need test and measurement sensors that are smaller and more power-efficient. As the market for wearables and smart appliances continues to grow, more sensors will incorporate integrated circuits and micro-mechanical systems. The arrival of 5G will also support the growth of IoT devices by increasing the speed, responsiveness, capacity, and latency of wireless communications.

Test and measurement engineers can also expect new sensing applications shortly. Experts predict the internet of disposable things with sensors made of paper or plastic embedded in food packaging. By detecting the concentration of gases associated with food decomposition, refrigerators can soon check if the food is still safe to eat. The future is full of promise for micro-sensor implants, self-powered sensors, biodegradable sensors, and sensor swarms that are powered by vibrations.

Mechanical and electronic devices are subject to several tests that involve physical inspection, product-level functional testing, functionality verification. The technology evolution can surely make the test and measurement process more efficient in the coming days.