OTA Testing Market Size

Over-the-Air Testing Market Analysis

The OTA Testing Market size is estimated at USD 3.27 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5.24 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of greater than 9.87% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The market growth is driven by increased usage of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and smart devices. Furthermore, increasing smart city projects and efforts are likely to contribute to market revenue development.

• OTA testing is essential for assessing the multipath impact on RF performance due to the increasing adoption of Multi-User Microphone (MIMO) radios. As the antennas are essential to the integrated concept, RF performance tests must be conducted with the antenna in mind. To achieve this, OTA measurement is necessary, as well as the simulation of the RF propagation model. Most industry players are focusing on optimizing their designs to understand and evaluate essential properties such as antenna diagrams, Directivity, and Gain. Consequently, they are gradually adopting OTA methods to measure the radio frequency produced by an antenna while in the air.
• OTA testing is expected to grow rapidly because most OEMs are focused on adding OTA capabilities to autonomous vehicles. Platforms test single or multi-purpose antenna functionality and dependability on products such as automobiles, mobile devices, and similar designs under controlled conditions before commercialization. This is expected to drive significant market revenue growth as more and more vehicles become autonomous and connected.
• Over-the-air (OTA) testing is most commonly used to measure the device's MIMO Radio Frequency (MHz) and antenna RF Performance. The OTA test is essential for assessing and certifying the reliability and RF performance of wireless devices, whether mobile or fixed location. The 5G NR (5G) paradigm shift has increased the need for 5G OTA testing in the development, validation, and commercialization of devices. 5G OTA (over the air) testing has become standard in 5G base stations (BPS) and UEE testing, especially in mmWave.
• Antenna techniques that are optimized for efficient radio frequency wave transmission or reception enable high-fidelity communications for mmWave frequency 5G systems. However, this complexity adds to the testing challenges. The built-in antenna is integrated with the TRx circuitry. However, the built-in antennas are small and difficult to probe between the antenna circuits and the TRx. Due to the complexity of the chipset, there is a growing need for better antenna systems and/or frontends for over-the-air measurement (OTA) and product development.
• However, antenna array and deployment issues, as well as high testing equipment costs, are expected to slow down some growth in the OTA market over the forecast period. The automotive sector was one of the most affected industries by COVID-19. While manufacturing sales decreased in the first half, automotive sales increased significantly in the second half of COVID-19, negatively impacting the studied market.