Rachel Miller-Short, VP of Sales & Marketing, Photo Stencil

Agilent continues to focus on its limited-access test technologies for board test, with a shift towards modularizing the form factor of our testers. At the same time, we are extending the flexibility of our test solutions to cover more applications, from the R&D and new product introduction stages right through to high-volume automated manufacturing.

Outwardly the key board test methods may appear to be relatively unchanged, but internally, test methodologies continue to evolve rapidly. Increasing usage of microvias, faster memory devices and buses, shrinking PCB real estate all add pressure to structural integrity and limit the test access of boards while introducing new potential defect entry points.

New board test solutions need to be able to access and cover consequent defects that may arise, early on in the design and validation as well as during NPI phases, to ensure high yields during the full production phase.

Agilent's new  x1149 Boundary Scan Analyzer-based low access test system, allows complex mobile boards to be tested for manufacturing and functional defects during both NPI and Production phases. The modular nature allows for easy integration with our leading In-Circuit Test systems, improving efficiency for our manufacturing customers.

Increased focus in automotive electronics markets to move towards zero emissions is driving more complex electronics and new hybrid electric vehicle technologies while soaring demand for affordable cars by emerging economies in driving increasing electronics content from remote keys, LED lights, automated windows to adaptive safety and new sensors technologies.

We see these trends driving demand for automation of high-capability in-circuit test, which helps manufacturers improve quality of their processes and at same time drive to efficiency. Automating In-circuit test processes calls for deeper synergy of test and automation. Agilent continues to innovate by Creating highly integrated, low/zero footprint, customer focused solutions.

In addition, the spread of applications in automotive and energy markets is driving new test challenges for manufacturers and designers. Agilent is addressing these challenges with innovations in PXI based standard solutions and systems.

On the subject of Agilent separating its  electronic measurement and life sciences businesses into separate companies, we see this separation as allowing us to devote all our resources to serving our test and measurement customers.

With this focus, we believe we can better meet our customers' specific needs and continue to provide them the best solutions, support and value.