From Concept to Reality: The Journey of Developing Cutting-Edge Test Equipment at Orbis Systems
Table of Contents
- Transforming Concepts into Equipment
- Merging Test Architecture with Automated Design
- Tailored Design of Test Equipment in Conceptualization
- Electronic Test Equipment: Creating Solid Infrastructure
- Test Equipment Design Implementation and Deployment
- Begin Your Test Design Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Orbis Systems incorporates automated test equipment design as part of the entire product validation process, from DUT analysis to production deployment.
- In-house design of test equipment is viewed as a team engineering challenge, one that addresses customer-specified requirements in mechanics, electronics, and control logic.
- Their electronic test equipment comprises advanced signal switching, modular racks, and high-isolation RF systems augmented with innovative software.
- Orbis ensures reliable deployment and operation through FAT/SAT, comprehensive documentation, and global support across the US, EU, China, and India.
- Test systems mature with your products, conserving time and money while maintaining quality and compliance.
Transforming Concepts into Equipment
At Orbis Systems, the automated test equipment design process is anything but linear it’s a technically choreographed approach driven by deep engineering collaboration. Orbis delivers scalable and customized test solutions across diverse industries, including telecom, automotive electronics, and power systems.
The development process integrates mechanical, electronic, and software engineering disciplines to create test systems that are efficient, scalable, and precisely tailored to each customer's Device Under Test (DUT).
Whether it's testing 5G antenna modules or power electronics, Orbis ensures that test equipment remains aligned with the product life cycle. Every automated system is engineered to perform reliably under real-world operating conditions.
Merging Test Architecture with Automated Design
While most vendors provide off-the-shelf tools, Orbis integrates automated test engineering into each phase of the design flow. It starts with requirements engineering, learning what's distinctive about your DUT, what needs to be measured, switched, or verified, and what standards need to be complied with. Then, engineers design full test architectures:
- Mechanical parts such as fixtures and enclosures
- Electrical devices such as signal switching modules
- RF components for low-loss routing
- Control software that manages automated tests and operational flows
These are not block-level designs either. Orbis provides fully documented, tested systems with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and complete production line integration. Their services page explains how they do it all, from layout drawings and simulation to BOM management and procurement of parts.
This engineering-first mindset sets Orbis apart. It's not automation itself; it's precision-engineered automation.
Tailored Design of Test Equipment in Conceptualization
Each test setup is unique, and in-house test equipment design is critical at Orbis Systems. Orbis Systems collaborates closely with customers to convert test concepts into practical solutions via an iterative design process:
Concept Design: Design teams investigate mechanical design concepts, control layouts, and data acquisition requirements.
Prototyping: Orbis creates test fixture prototypes for testing and feedback prior to scaling.
Fixture Design: The test adapter and mechanical fixtures are designed to be identical to every DUT.
These factors are essential in high-mix or dynamically changing manufacturing, such as automotive electronics or network modules, where minor modifications in DUT structure require quick fixture redesign. Orbis is most appropriate for this type of responsive test design.
Electronic Test Equipment: Creating Solid Infrastructure
Technical integration is underscored in creating electronic design test equipment. Orbis uses in-house electronic designers skilled in RF routing, PCB layout, low-loss signal distribution, and isolation control. For RF, baseband, or power electronics applications, the test infrastructure includes:
- RF Signal Switching Units
- Modular Rack Systems
- Power Distribution Layers and Safety Layers
- API-Based Software Control
Orbis uses modular system design, and users are able to re-use, reconfigure, or upgrade test environments as the product changes. An RF test rack, for instance, intended for LTE can be reused for 5G bands or IoT protocols with minimal interruption.
The systems also ensure traceability, data logging, and complete automation, which are becoming indispensable in mass production environments where testing is as crucial as assembly itself.
Test Equipment Design Implementation and Deployment
The last piece of the puzzle in any test equipment development is implementation, where ideas, simulations, and prototypes are turned into fully functioning systems. Orbis delivers manufacturing, integration, and on-site deployment from its factories in Finland, the USA, China, and India.
Deployment includes:
- Local production of test components and systems
- FAT verification to confirm functional and performance compliance
- SAT on customer premises using live DUTs
- Operator training and user documentation
- Maintenance, upgrades, and support
These services provide consistency worldwide. For clients operating across multiple regions, Orbis ensures consistent, traceable, and validated test procedures, thanks to its global presence and local support capabilities.
Even after deployment, they don't sit back. Orbis' support team handles upgrades, recalibration, and redesign reworks as required. This long-term association enables companies to remain compliant and running without successive in-house redesign investments.
Begin Your Test Design Process
Taking a test system from concept to reality takes more than off-the-shelf capabilities; it takes a master partner who knows the engineering, the market, and the product life cycle. For Orbis Systems, the combination of automated test equipment design, custom test equipment design, and electronic design test equipment leads to ATE systems that are customized to flex, grow, and deliver.
If your following product requires speed, reliability, and precision in testing, now is the time. Join forces with Orbis Systems and turn your test design ideas into production-ready solutions with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the steps that Orbis Systems takes to make automated test equipment?
Orbis Systems follows a structured and iterative process to develop Automated Test Equipment (ATE) tailored to customer-specific needs. The process typically includes:
- Requirement gathering to understand the DUT and testing environment
- Concept design to define the solution framework
- Prototyping for early validation
- Fixture and adapter design/manufacturing for reliable connections
- Custom test software development
- System integration and assembly
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to ensure performance
- Ongoing support and upgrades for long-term value
This comprehensive approach ensures each test system is fully aligned with the client's product and production requirements.
2. How does Orbis design custom test equipment to meet the specific needs of each DUT?
At Orbis, custom test equipment is developed through a collaborative engineering process that involves designing precision fixtures, optimizing signal routing, integrating mechanical components, and implementing test automation, each tailored to the specific requirements of the Device Under Test (DUT).
3. What are the main parts of Orbis Systems' electronic test equipment infrastructure?
Their test systems usually have RF signal switching, Measurement Instruments, and software-driven control systems. All of these things are meant to work together in a fully integrated test environment.
4. Does Orbis help with FAT and SAT when setting up a test system?
Yes. As part of the whole test equipment lifecycle, Orbis Systems does Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to make sure that systems meet all operational and functional requirements before they are used in production.
5. Can Orbis Systems make test equipment that can be used at more than one production site around the world?
Yes. Orbis Systems specializes in designing standardized, scalable test equipment that can be deployed consistently across multiple global production sites. With offices and operations in Finland, the USA, China, and India, Orbis provides localized support, rapid deployment, and seamless coordination. This global presence enables customers to implement uniform test strategies, maintain consistent quality standards, and optimize production efficiency across their multinational manufacturing facilities.