Automotive PCB Market Trends

Key Emerging Trends in the Automotive PCB Market

Over the past few years, there have been significant trends and shifts witnessed in Automotive PCB (Printed Circuit Board) market which is attributable to its dynamic nature. A major trend is the growing presence of modern technologies in vehicles, which boosts demand for high-end electronic components. Considering this, there has been an unprecedented growth in demand for advanced PCBs due to the increasing automation connectivity and electrification of vehicles.
This trend is further underlined by the increase in electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems. These trends drive the need for advanced PCBs capable of high-performance computing, sensor integration and communication features. Further, lightweighting movement within the automotive industry has also affected PCB market. To improve fuel efficiency and comply with strict emission standards, manufacturers want thinner and more functional PCBs.
This has given rise to the emergence of miniaturized, multilayered PCBs that contain sophisticated circuitry within a confined area without impacting on their functionality. Such lightweight and space-saving PCB adoption aligns with advances in sustainability across the industry. A major market trend is also focused on automotive security and the global regulatory drive for safety standards.
This has resulted in the increasing application of safety electronics to vehicles including collision avoidance systems and emergency braking. Most of these safety features are heavily dependent on PCBs to ensure full integration and consistent performance. As a result, automotive PCB demand for boards meeting safety-critical standards such as temperature resistance, durability integrity of signals has increased.
Additionally, the automotive sector’s transition to electric and semi-autonomous cars has fuelled innovations in PCB materials & processes. Restrictively, electric vehicles call for high thermal conductive PCBs to regulate heat generated by the battery and power electronics.
It should also be noted that autonomous driving technology has promoted the use of advanced sensor technologies, thus relying on PCBs with outstanding signal integrity abilities to support accurate and real-time data processing. Accordingly, the automotive PCB market has developed cutting-edge materials such as flexible PCBs and high frequency laminates for specific use in these applications.