Siemens Buys ASTER Technologies

Siemens has acquired ASTER Technologies, a privately held company in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) test verification and engineering software. This move integrates ASTER’s advanced "shift-left" design for test (DFT) functionality directly into Siemens' Xpedition software and Valor software, part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software.

The acquisition helps establish a comprehensive portfolio for electronic systems design. The acquisition empowers customers with an integrated digital thread from PCB design engineering to manufacturing. This helps enable earlier defect detection, swifter time to market and improved product quality.

Enhancing Siemens' DFM Offering

Founded in 1993, and based in Cesson-Sévigné, France, ASTER is viewed as a leading supplier of software tools for verifying, assembling and testing PCB assemblies for over 30 years. The company provides design for manufacturing physical design verification software solutions for PCB fabrication, assembly and test, alongside test coverage analysis and test programming capabilities. Its flagship product, TestWay, offers DFT planning and implementation, enabling companies to prepare designs and implement test strategies early in the PCB assembly manufacturing process. TestWay complements Siemens’ Valor design for fabrication and assembly capabilities.

“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,” says AJ Incorvaia, senior vice president and general manager, electronic board systems at Siemens Digital Industries Software. 

Fit for Complex Electronic Systems

ASTER’s solutions are primarily used in high-end designs across computing/high-performance computing, automotive and networking sectors. This acquisition allows Siemens to expand its DFM solution for the global PCB market.

“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,” says 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. We are thrilled to contribute to Siemens' vision of a truly integrated digital thread for electronics design and manufacturing with just enough test.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.