Tektronix aims to enhance ‘greener’ solutions via acquisition of EA Elektro-Automatik

Taking a big step to expand its capabilities in the rapidly evolving clean energy sector, earlier this year Tektronix Inc. announced its acquisition of EA Elektro-Automatik, a leading EU-based manufacturer of power supplies and electronic loads. The move is expected to bring significant benefits to both companies, as well as their shared customer base, especially in the automotive powertrain, battery chemistry and design spaces.

James Hitchcock, general manager of Keithley Instruments, a Tektronix company, elaborated on the motivations behind the acquisition: “Tektronix has been engaged with our engineers for many years – especially in the automotive powertrain and the battery chemistry and design space. Our isolated probing and main Series scopes were used by engineers designing new solutions for electric vehicles for years. However, our customers faced challenges with higher energy requirements at the module or pack level, which we couldn’t address. This led us to explore opportunities in this space. We found that EA Elektro-Automatik’s products aligned with our values of high quality and performance, making them a perfect fit,” said Hitchcock.

James Hitchcock, general manager of Keithley Instruments, a Tektronix company. Source: Keithley

The merger of the two test brands is poised to create substantial synergies and open new market opportunities, according to Hitchcock.

“Tektronix will benefit from access to EA’s technologies, enabling us to build out comprehensive solutions for customers in the decarbonization and energy sectors,” he highlighted. “By integrating EA’s bi-directional power supplies, loads, and power supplies with Tektronix and Keithley’s measurement capabilities, we can address power efficiency and integrity measurements from microvolt levels for IoT devices to megawatt levels, a range we previously couldn’t cover. This integration allows us to deliver deeper value in the clean energy market.”

Significant advantages

For EA Elektro-Automatik, the acquisition offers significant advantages as well, as the brand will gain access to Tek’s advanced measurement technologies, enabling them to develop more complete solutions for battery testing and emulation. Incorporating Tektronix’s switching and measurement technologies into EA’s systems will also allow them to offer a full suite of solutions, enhancing their existing power source capabilities.

Addressing potential concerns about product line integration and market overlap, Hitchcock noted, “Currently, our primary focus is on supporting our customers. We haven’t decided on brand integration yet. Interestingly, there is minimal overlap between EA’s and Tektronix’s product portfolios. EA focuses on industrial power sourcing, while Tektronix and Keithley cater to engineering R&D benches requiring precise voltage and current measurement. By understanding our customers’ needs, we can position the right product at the right time, avoiding cannibalization.”

The acquisition also has the potential to redefine standards in electronic testing, particularly in the battery market.

Tektronix EA-BT 20000 Series battery tester is optimized for battery testing and battery simulation. The fully bidirectional supplies allow full control for both discharging and charging battery cells, packs, or modules. Source: Tektronix

Sourcing capabilities

“One of our customers’ challenges is understanding battery quality over time and validating it throughout its lifecycle. The combination of Tektronix and EA will provide all the tools needed to characterize batteries fully,” explained Hitchcock. “With Tektronix’s expertise in measurement standards and reporting, and EA’s sourcing capabilities, we can support our customers in developing and adhering to emerging standards, such as Europe’s battery passport concept.”

Ultimately, the strategic acquisition positions both Tektronix and EA Elektro-Automatik at the forefront of innovation in the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors, promising to deliver comprehensive, high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of their customers.

“Tektronix and EA are here for the full design lifecycle and product realization, from early stage research and education, learning about new capabilities, new chemistries, new topologies, and techniques for power efficiency – right through to validation and automation into production,” notes Hitchcock. “The commitment that Tektronix brings is applications support and partnership to solve those most challenging problems to realize new products into the energy ecosystem. That’s the unique value proposition that that we bring as a company.”