Modular systems are quickly becoming useful tools as high-performance mobile instruments gain traction in the test and measurement sector.
These modular platforms, along with greater flexibility, software control and smaller form factors, are offering a new generation of high-performance mobile instrumentation for measurement and testing of a range of applications.
What are modular instruments?
Modular instruments are electronic devices or systems that are comprised of replaceable modules or components. These can be configured and reconfigured to perform a variety of tasks in a cleanroom to meet the needs of an individual application.
Additionally, by adding or deleting modules as required, this allows these same instruments to be used for something completely different. These instruments are used in sectors like electronic testing, telecommunications, aircraft and laboratories.
The forecast for modular architecture in the test and measurement electronics sector is projected to reach $4.71 billion by 2031, up from $2.1 billion in 2023, according to Verified Market Research. This is a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.88% during this forecast period.
In the future, modular instruments potentially may see even faster market adoption from technological advancements like:
- Software-defined instruments
- AI integration
- IoT integration
- Cloud computing
- Development of open standards
Application areas
Some of the early use cases of modular instrumentation include a range of applications in the test and measurement fields.
Specifically, anything that involves testing within research and development fields of material science is applicable to modular instruments. Other use cases include:
- Measurement outputs of strain/piezoelectric transducers
- Measurements of automotive cabin noise
- Audio measurement of microphone modules and speakers
- Electric test of passive and active electronics
- ADC testing
These applications typically have equally wide-ranging channel counts, standard eight-channel modules in industrial applications extending to 512 channels and beyond for an EEG measurement.
A group of modular instruments for range of applications. Source: Keysight Technologies
Software-defined
Maybe one of the greatest benefits to modular test and measurement instruments is the software-defined functionality where users can configure, control and update the testing systems through software, rather than relying on fixed hardware configurations. This improves:
- Flexibility
- Efficiency
- Adaptability
Software-defined instruments allow those in the telecom, aerospace, defense, automotive and semiconductors sectors to quickly evolve technology trends without replacing hardware.
Other benefits
There are several benefits to modular instruments in the test and measurement sector compared to traditional instruments.
First, these systems are, by definition, inherently more flexible due to the ability to add or delete features of the systems. Secondly, the technology is scalable, allowing platforms to be supported without a complete system overhaul.
Modular systems also require less space, making it a choice for environments where multiple tests need to be conducted within a compact setup. These platforms also allow for rapid configuration improving test development and deployment by reducing downtime and improving productivity and manufacturing.
Furthermore, the high-speed data acquisition and real-time analysis of modular instruments improves measurement precision.
Regional changes
North America currently is the largest market for modular instruments with about 35% market share with players such as Keysight Technologies Inc., AMETEK Inc., National Instruments and Fortive Corp.
However, Asia-Pacific is expected to experience rapid growth in the modular instruments market, driving by 5G proliferation, increasing demand for consumer electronics and the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles. Europe is also growing with investments in the modular instruments sector with a focus on advanced testing solutions.
Next steps
The rise of modular and software-defined instruments is part of a broader shift to more adaptable and cost-cutting solutions in the electronics test and measurement space. It is likely in the coming years that more funding and investment will creep into this space as vendors look to integrate these technological innovations and help with the increasing complexity of electronic devices.
That means this market is likely to gain traction and attention as more applications become more suited for these tools.
