Trouble in Your Tank: Causes of Plating Voids, Pre-electroless Copper
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Growth Hacker Marketing’
Happy’s Tech Talk #38: Novel Metallization for UHDI
Car Talk
September 17, 2015 | Andy Shaughnessy, PCBDesign007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Cars now have exponentially more electronic features than a decade ago, and automotive electronics is one of the "driving" forces in electronics design and manufacturing. Yes, the automotive electronics segment has exploded. Early cars didn’t have much in the way of electronics. Even in 1950, electronics made up only 1% of a car’s cost. (That was probably just the Philco AM radio.) But that figure is expected to hit 35% in 2020, and 50% in 2030.
The global automotive electronics market is forecast to hit $314.4 billion by 2020, and that means a whole lot of PCBs.
And that’s where we come in! This issue of The PCB Design Magazine features a cover story "Automotive Systems Design: a Support Engineer's Perspective," written by Monica Andrei of Continental Automotive Systems. As a design support engineer, she supports 1,700 PCB designers across dozens of countries, speaking a variety of languages. In this article, Andrei explains in detail how Continental transitioned from a traditional PCB design structure to a true systems design approach.
We're also bringing you a feature article by Mentor Graphics' Michael Ford, "The Challenges of Being Competitive in Automotive Electronics Manufacturing". Ford explains how the automotive electronics landscape continues to evolve, as well as the effects of various economic, compliance, and legislative elements on this market.
And we have a feature by Tom O’Connor and James G. McLeish of DfR Solutions, "Physics of Failure Durability Simulations for Automotive Electronics". They explain how carmakers’ design teams can use reliability physics to help predict how and why electronic systems, components and materials fail. Since the typical new car is chock-full of electronic systems and components, the potential for failure is greater than ever.
Some automotive analysts and technologists believe that within 100 years, everyone will own a self-driving car. These cars will stay in constant touch with each other, and accidents will become a thing of the past. Does that sound crazy? Maybe, but it's not impossible. One thing is certain: Automotive electronics is one of the "driving" forces in the PCB community.
Click Here To Read The September Issue of The PCB Design Magazine
Share on:
Suggested Items
Kaynes Technology Acquires Canada-Based August Electronics
05/09/2025 | PRNewswireAugust Electronics Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Kaynes Canada Limited, a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of Kaynes Technology India Limited, a leading Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) company. The transaction is expected to close by the end of May 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
LITEON Technology Reports Consolidated April Sales of NT$13.4 Billion Up 27% YoY
05/09/2025 | LITEON TechnologyLITEON Technology reported its April consolidated revenue of NT$13.4 billion. Thanks to the growth from power management in cloud computing, advanced server, and networking, the revenue is up 27% YoY.
Primech AI Plans Production of 300 HYTRON Robots through its China Manufacturing Expansion
05/09/2025 | Globe NewswirePrimech AI Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities through a strategic manufacturing partnership in Guangdong Province, China.
Creative Electron Strengthens Leadership Team with Strategic Appointments in Marketing and SMT Business Unit
05/08/2025 | Creative ElectronCreative Electron, the largest U.S. manufacturer of X-ray inspection systems for the electronics industry, is proud to announce the addition of two seasoned leaders to its executive team: Wagner Lima as Marketing Director and Giancarlo De La Garza as SMT Business Unit Director.
LG Electronics India Limited Begins Construction of Its Third Manufacturing Plant in India
05/08/2025 | BUSINESS WIRELG Electronics India Ltd. (LGEIL) announced the commencement of construction of its new manufacturing facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh today at a ceremony graced by the presence of Shri Nara Lokesh, Hon'ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications.