The news that 5G network construction in various countries is spreading from time to time, while the business applications for vehicle connectivity are also becoming a growing possibility. As such, the PCB industry has discovered that business opportunities concerning electronics for vehicles are heating up, along with the infrastructure. Hence, PCB manufacturers such as Chin Poon, Unitech, Zhen Ding, and Flexium, as well as CCL manufacturers like Iteq and EMC, are all preparing themselves to snatch up business opportunities regarding the five major categories of products with automotive electronics to make as much profit with a concerted effort this year.

 

 

Major PCB manufacturers have quoted research institute NTI data as saying that the output value of automotive PCBs should reach US$75 billion next year (2020), a significant increase from US$49 billion in 2015. Unitech, Zhen Ding, Flexium and other PCB manufacturers have begun working with automotive electronics manufacturers and progressed to products such as vehicle connectivity, autopilot, ADAS reversing radar, high-frequency materials, electric vehicle power systems and other safety domains, while developments have already reached the product testing and trial production stage. 

 

As observed by Chin Poon, the world's automotive PCB leader, 5G autopilot application is another area of shipment where traditional auto dashboards are found. Autopilot needs to combine graphics and sensors with the transmission of 5G communication technology, while the premise depends on information systems as well as legal specifications, which require long-term observation. 

 

Automotive electronic power systems have rather high requirements for high-frequency materials, mainly concentrating on high current, high voltage, and thick copper plates. FHt, the country’s largest PCB manufacturer producing thick copper, has to date coped with the market demand. Chang Jing-shan, chairman of FHt, stresses that business opportunities for long-term and primary applications such as Netcom 4G/5G and electric vehicle PCB’s are worthy of the anticipation.  

 

As estimated by the industry, about 60 types of PCBs were required for a smart car in the past. Now, with the commercialization of 5G communication, it is likely to be increased from eighty to more than a hundred PCB boards, an equivalent growth of 66%. As viewed, it represents that major PCB manufacturers and materials suppliers are going to play an even greater role with the commercialization of 5G networks as well as the application of vehicle connectivity. (News source: Economic Daily News)