Abstract
Growth of High Speed Applications Necessitate Development of Improved PCB Connectors
As telecom and computing data applications become advanced the role of printed circuit board
(PCB) connectors is becoming critical. With data transmission speeds expected to reach 10Gbps in the
future, fast paced developments in the telecom and networking segments combined with a shift from
parallel transmission to serial bit transmission have necessitated the need for connectors that
support high speed data transmission. Since design and materials used in high-speed backplane
connectors impact bandwidth limitation in communication applications, connector vendors need to
constantly redesign their products to meet the requirements of the communication and computing
industries.
This Frost & Sullivan research service analyzes the global PCB connector market. It examines
the market for different kinds of connectors and lists key drivers and restraints. It further
mentions key participants and forecasts market and technology trends.
Incorporating Lead-free Manufacturing May Prove to be a Key Challenge
In line with global environmental legislations, the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)
law passed by the European Union has resulted in the move to a lead-free electronics manufacturing
paradigm. Research needs to be undertaken on having plastic housing that withstands higher melting
temperatures, which non-lead finishes are likely to have. This is proving to be a critical challenge
for vendors, as they need to internalize the changes as well as educate external distributors and
end users. Thus, the need for designing fresh processes and new molds coupled with mounting price
competition from Asian manufacturers is resulting in severe price pressures.
On the other hand, the increase in multi-sourcing agreements (MSAs) is expected to help
manufacturers secure supply sources and ensure better inventory management. "As MSAs provide
common product specifications and interoperability, manufacturers prefer vendors that are a part of
MSA," notes the analyst of this research. "Rapid changes in communication speed rates have
resulted in frequent changes in product design and MSAs are expected to be a sourcing assurance tool
for all major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and expanded memory specification (EMS)
providers."
High Growth of Niche Verticals Such as Medical and Automotive to Drive Future Growth
The automotive and medical industries are witnessing a massive increase in the use of electronic
equipment. New medical diagnostic products such as glucose meters, hand-held diabetes monitors, and
other patient care devices involve the use of electronic circuits that incorporate board-board and
board-wire type of connectors. In addition, the growing popularity of navigational systems,
entertainment systems, and security gadgets in automotive cockpits has meant that manufacturers now
include such devices as part of factory fittings, thereby increasing the application of PCB
connectors.
With a strong gross domestic produce (GDP) growth, capital investments on telecom and computing
networks in developing Asian and east European economies have shown a sharp rise. "While a
healthy global economy is expected to be a strong driver for overall growth in the PCB connectors
market, the backplane connectors market remains the fastest growing segment," says the analyst.
"Boosted by growth in the voice and data communication industry, this segment is expected to
post sustained double-digit growth over the coming years." | 
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