AI-Driven Demand Fuels Rebound in Burn-in and Test Sockets Market

The burn-in and test sockets market is poised for a significant rebound in 2024, driven by the escalating demand for GPUs and DRAM propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). According to Yole Group, the market, which saw a 17% decline to $1.5 billion in 2023, is expected to recover and surpass $2 billion by 2029.

The rise of AI technologies, particularly AI-based search engines like ChatGPT, has dramatically increased the demand for high-performance computing infrastructure. These AI applications require significantly more computational power than traditional systems, with AI search engines needing roughly ten times the power of conventional search engines. This surge in demand is a key factor driving the rebound in the burn-in and test sockets market.

The semiconductor probe cards and device interface boards markets, which also experienced declines in 2023, are projected to recover in 2024. The overall semiconductor testing equipment market is set to grow, influenced by the adoption of high-bandwidth memory and high-performance computing applications. The rollout of 5G technology further boosts the demand for advanced testing solutions.

The U.S. market for test and burn-in sockets is estimated to be $454.4 million in 2023, with China expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%, reaching $552.7 million by 2030. Other regions, including Japan, Canada, and Germany, are also forecasted to see growth, with CAGRs of 2.5%, 4.5%, and 2.8%, respectively.

The industry must focus on improving efficiency and embracing advanced high-performance packaging to meet the growing demands. Enhanced cooperation between data center developers, utilities, and stakeholders is essential to ensure reliable and affordable power supply while accommodating the increasing needs of AI-driven applications.

The anticipated recovery of the burn-in and test sockets market highlights the critical role of AI in shaping the future of semiconductor testing. As the demand for GPUs and DRAM continues to rise, driven by AI advancements, the market is set for robust growth, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and innovation in the semiconductor industry.