Oscilloscope vendors strive to be “first-to-market”

Oscilloscope vendors worldwide are striving to reduce product development time and keep pace with technological innovation in end-user industries, a recent study shows. This effort is likely to lead to the introduction of more sophisticated oscilloscopes and positively affect the revenues of "first-to-market" vendors.

By Control Engineering Staff January 22, 2004

Oscilloscope vendors worldwide are striving to reduce product development time and keep pace with technological innovation in end-user industries, a recent study shows. This effort is likely to lead to the introduction of sophisticated oscilloscopes and positively affect the revenues of “first-to-market” vendors. The analysis, “World Oscilloscopes Markets ” from Frost & Sullivan , reveals that this market generated revenues worth $987 million in 2002 and is likely to reach $1.2 billion by 2009.

“With the decrease in lag time between emerging end-user technologies and demand for appropriate test equipment, companies that can quickly develop state-of-the-art oscilloscopes with smaller footprint and multiple functionalities at competitive prices are likely to stay ahead of competition,” notes Frost & Sullivan research analyst, Kiran Unni.

Apart from emerging technologies, new standards such as serial bus architectures and higher data rates are changing the requirements of end-users and compelling oscilloscope vendors to develop products with adequate functionalities. For example, increased demand in the high-resolution digitizer market for devices with more channels has led many vendors to hurriedly incorporate more than the conventional four in their latest offerings. “Besides increasing investment in R&D, vendors have to quickly identify and collaborate with market leaders to design and manufacture advanced oscilloscopes which are in conjunction with evolving standards and can be used in high-tech products,” observes Unni.

Customized equipment that meets specific end-user requirements can also increase demand. Some digital and computer-based oscilloscopes with built-in functionality for customization are already attracting interest.Notes Unni: “Vendors need to maintain an international focus to take advantage of the emerging opportunities worldwide. The growing security concerns and the subsequent increase in defense budgets as well as the ongoing infrastructure development in Asia and Latin America are expected to encourage market growth.”

—Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, Control Engineering, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com