Semiconductor Test Equipment is Powering Innovation

OUTLINE

Semiconductor probe card revenues are down by 0.5% in 2022.
Reaching US$1.84 billion in 2022, revenue from sockets is on track to reach a record high.
Revenue from advanced PCBs grew overall in 2022, driven by sales of DIBs.
The Top 3 probe card suppliers are FormFactor, Technoprobe, and MJC Electronics.
The Top 3 socket suppliers are Yamaichi, Enplas, and Cohu.

According to Yole Intelligence, part of Yole Group, in 2022, semiconductor probe card revenues experienced a slight decline of 0.5%, to a total of US$2.55 billion. This decrease was influenced by the fluctuating exchange rates against the US dollar throughout the year. While some suppliers witnessed positive year-over-year growth in their local currencies, they faced negative growth when measured in US dollars. The soft market conditions were primarily attributed to the declining memory market, but the non-memory market grew by 5.3%. The semiconductor market faced further challenges as it began slowing down in the third quarter of 2022. This trend persisted into 2023, placing considerable pressure on suppliers’ profit margins. However, a long-term growth projection of 5.8% indicates that the market is expected to be worth US$3.17 billion by 2028.

Figure 1: Top 10 Share of Probe Card Market

The socket market demonstrated remarkable performance in 2022, with revenues on track to reach a record high. Specifically, the burn-in and test sockets market experienced significant growth of 11.9% during the year, reaching a value of US$1.84 billion. However, the market is forecasted to decline by 4.7% in 2023, with its value estimated to decrease to US$1.75 billion.

Figure 2: 2017-2024 Probe Card Quarterly Revenue

Lin Fu, Ph.D.,Lead Analyst, Semiconductor Equipment, Subsystems, and Testing Division, at Yole Intelligence

“Despite this short-term setback, the long-term growth trend remains positive at 5.6%. Analysts predict that the overall market for sockets is expected to expand steadily and is projected to reach US$2.3 billion by 2028.”

In this context, Yole Intelligence releases its new product: the Semiconductor Test Equipment Market Monitor. In this brand-new Market Monitor, the company – part of Yole Group – offers data from almost 150 probe card, socket, and PCB suppliers.

Figure 3: 2017-2028 Annual Sales of Probe Cards

John West, Director, Semiconductor Equipment, Subsystems and Testing Division, Yole Intelligence

“These test essentials are fitted in and around wafer sort, package test, system level test, and burn-in test. Quarterly and yearly forecasts of all segments are compiled along with vendor shares. The reader is also provided with market dynamics by application, technology, and end market. In addition, a financial file was developed this year which will give the reader a comprehensive view of all the public suppliers.”

Figure 4: Top 5 Probe Card Manufacturers

The advanced PCB market experienced overall growth in 2022, primarily driven by DIB sales. The market for semiconductor test interfaces also saw a modest increase of 1.1%, reaching a value of US$1.39 billion. An analysis of the revenue reveals that DIBs accounted for 53% of the total, burn-in boards contributed 20%, with probe card PCBs making up the remaining 27%. Notably, load boards witnessed strong demand, surpassing the overall market growth with a healthy 7% increase. This exceptional performance can be attributed to the robust demand for package test and system-level test solutions. However, the market is expected to decline by 9% in 2023, with its value forecasted to decrease to US$1.26 billion. Despite this short-term setback, the long-term growth trend remains positive, with a projected growth rate of 5.3%. Analysts anticipate the overall market for advanced PCBs to reach US$1.63 billion by 2028.