HKPCA & IPC Show to Spotlight Automotive Electronics

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

The upcoming 2016 International Printed Circuit & APEX South China Fair will highlight the fast-growing automotive PCB segment of electronics manufacturing. This show will take place December 7-9, 2016, in Shenzhen, China. 

The automotive electronics market is undergoing rapid growth with the trend of lightweight, miniaturized, intelligent and electrified automobiles. The market is expected to grow by 10%, reaching a market value of $211 billion, nearly 10 times the growth of the vehicle market itself. The PCB industry, as the cornerstone of automotive electronics, will also benefit from it. 

Trends in Vehicle Electrification 

Countries around the globe have enacted regulations for enhancing energy conservation to improve the safety, performance, and emission standards of vehicles. In addition, the rising demands for consumer electronics raise the requirement for in-car entertainment and communication. These will, in turn, increase car manufacturers’ demand for electronic products. Analysts project a compound annual growth rate of 10.2% in the safety control segment and an 8.9% CAGR in related segment from 2012 to 2016. 

Driverless cars and new energy vehicles are two major trends affecting the auto industry. The automotive industry is a leader in this era of automation, and its flagship is the new energy vehicle. In 2015, the global total vehicle sales rose by 1% to 91.65 million units, of which about 455,000 were electric cars. The sale of electric cars may climb 50% to 700,000 in 2016, outranging the overall sales of the vehicle. 

Electric car sales volume in 2015 in China reached 171,100 units, for the first time surpassing the US, which became the world’s second-largest electric vehicle market with 116,500 units. New energy vehicles are included in the 10 Key Sectors of the "Made in China 2025" initiative. As local vehicle manufacturers are striving to develop electric vehicles, some Internet companies are also testing the automotive waters. Few of them are expecting mass production next year. The Chinese electric vehicle supply chain may gain a foothold in the promotion of electric cars in “Made in China 2025.” 

Automotive electronics can be classified into two categories of devices and six types of systems: the automotive electronic control devices, i.e., electronic control units, and “vetronics.” The six types of systems are: power systems, chassis systems, body systems, telematics systems, security systems, and support systems. Each of these six systems will develop its own new technologies, while also interconnecting with other systems, thus providing more functional and informational services. 

Automotive electronics products vary quite extensively, including microcontrollers (MCUs), sensors, microwave radar, connectors, diodes, and telematics systems. Although MCU technology is still controlled by the international corporations, Chinese manufacturers have had robust results with products such as parking sensors, event data recorders, tire pressure detectors, vehicle connectors, automotive generator diodes, telematics systems, etc. 

With the steady growth of the global auto market and the increasing market penetration of automotive electronics, electronics will become the largest segment of the automotive industry in the long run. Automotive electronics now makes up as much a 40% of the total vehicle cost, and it is expected that this rate rise even higher with the boom of electric vehicles. 

Automotive PCB to Become the Fastest Growing Segment 

The future development trend of automotive electronics will move towards six major functions: mobile communications, multimedia entertainment, driver assistance system (including driverless car), comfortable ride, energy saving (including electric vehicles), strong protection and security. All these will bring challenges as well as opportunities to PCB industry. For example, driverless car will cause large-scale application of millimeter-wave radar. Thus, there will be a significant rise of demand for high-frequency PCB for radar use and hence the higher value quantity than the traditional PCB. 

Another good example is the battery management system (BMS) of the electric car. BMS is one of the core components in the electric car while PCB is one of the basic components of every BMS. Therefore, the PCB industry will also benefit from the development of electric vehicles. Automotive PCB currently accounts for about 2% of automotive electronics, and about 10% of the overall PCB market. This rate is not the highest, but its growth is the fastest. According to a Prismark estimate, the automotive PCB will undergo a compound annual growth rate of 5% in 2015 to 2019, which is a higher rate than overall PCB growth. 

Automotive PCBs must be low-cost and high-volume, with high reliability. Rigid boards are widely used in applications such as the dashboard, car audio, on-board computer, etc. So, 4-layer boards make up the largest share, 38% in terms of value; 2-layer and 6-layer PCBs account for 16%, followed by 8-layer boards at 8.5%. Satisfying the demands of the high-temperature engine bay and LED lighting heat dissipation, the radiating substrate accounts for 3%. 

In the area of high-frequency transmission and wireless radar detection, low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) accounts for 5% of total value. Specific products developed for special areas (IC, flexible circuits, silver through-hole, etc.) account for about 17% of the whole. On average, one square meter of PCBs is required to manufacture one car, at a cost of about US$60. 

Driven by the mass electrification of the automotive industry, automotive PCB revenue will continue to rise. Stable orders and high margins attract many PCB manufacturers to auto PCBs production. As vehicles run in a high-speed, high-temperature environment, automotive PCB have many requirements for temperature resistance, anti-electromagnetic interference, and seismic and corrosion resistance. 

Finding parts suppliers to provide long-term stable quality products is far more important than finding a vendor with the cheapest product. Vehicle manufacturers, in general, require three years of validation for all parts in the supply chain. So, for those PCB manufacturers who want to access the automotive electronics supply chain, sufficient patience and competitive power are needed. 

HKPCA a Must for Automotive Electronics Technologists 

The 2016 International Printed Circuit & APEX South China Fair (2016 HKPCA & IPC Show) covers the entire supply chain of PCB and electronics assembly products, technologies and solutions. HKPCA also keeps the industry informed about the hottest market trends, technology breakthroughs and visionary innovations. The event offers a whole host of innovative automotive PCB technology, new materials, and electronics assembly production methods. If your company is interested in expanding into automotive electronics, this show is a must-attend. 

HKPCA will feature most of the industry’s most famous names, including TTM, Ellington, Aoshikang, Evertek (Kunshan), Gainbase, Sunshine, World Mastery, Atotech, Harvar, WKK, Rockent, Schmoll, PAL, Dow, Han’s CNC, C Sun, Topoint, Carl Zeiss, Jadason, Orbotech, Isola, Hitachi Chemical, MacDermid, Rogers, Schmid, Universal P.C.B., Protek, Joint Stars, Guangdong Guanghua, Farcien, JT Automation, and Desen. 

Expansion of the Show Strengthens Its Position 

The 2016 HKPCA & IPC Show, with the theme of “Global Wisdom Shaping the Future,” gathers global companies and their latest products and technologies under one roof, providing an ideal platform for sourcing and information exchange. 

The show kicks off with a Welcome Dinner and Golf Tournament, which provide networking opportunities in a relaxing environment. Thanks to a continuous influx of exhibitor applications, the show is expected to reach a final number of over 2,500 booths (nearly 550 exhibitors), covering an exhibition area of over 50,000 square meters in Halls 1, 2, 3, and 4 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center. A lineup of impressive exhibitors will showcase the newest and most innovative equipment and technologies on the industry’s premium platform for trading and information exchange.

Industry experts will share their insights on hot technical issues and solutions at the International Technical Conference, which includes Industry 4.0, intelligent production, PCB development and market trends. Details will be announced soon. HKPCA & IPC will also bring the Hand Soldering World Championship to China. 

Pre-registration is Now Available

Please visit www.hkpca-ipc-show.org or scan the QR code below and follow the official show WeChat (account: PCB_APEX_Show) to get the latest show information and pre-register for the show. Pre-registrants can enjoy fast admission and receive a free metro/bus ticket in Shenzhen (while supply lasts). Act now and pre-register.

About Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA)

HKPCA is a non-profit-making association which was founded in Hong Kong in 2000. Being one of the members of World Electronic Circuits Council (WECC), it helps us to get not only closer connections with overseas printed circuit associations but also better communications. Other WECC members include: CPCA, EIPC, IPC, IPCA, JPCA, KPCA and TPCA.

As the unique representative of the Hong Kong PCB industry, we aim to promote and maintain the rights and interests for the industry. Performing the communication liaison role within the industry, a diversified communication platform is provided by HKPCA so that our members can be closely linked. Also, HKPCA represents the industry expressing our ideas and opinions to the government and relevant organizations.

HKPCA has more than 500 members. Total production values reach around 9 billion dollars which occupy 34% of the PCB industry in China. Member categories differ from PCB manufacturers, PCB equipment, suppliers of chemicals and raw materials and other trade and software companies. HKPCA member base will be broadened by recruiting more and more qualified members. With all our efforts, the China PCB industry develops more prosperously. For more information, please visit www.hkpca.org.

About IPC – Association Connecting Electronics Industries 

Since 1957, IPC — Association Connecting Electronics Industries® has been guiding the electronic interconnection industry through its dramatic changes. A global trade association dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its more than 3,800 member companies, IPC represents all facets of the industry including design, printed board manufacturing, and electronics assembly, OEM and test. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $2 trillion global electronics industry. With global headquarters based in Bannockburn, Illinois, USA, IPC maintains additional offices in Taos, N.M.; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; Brussels, Belgium, Stockholm, Sweden; Moscow, Russia; Bangalore and New Delhi, India; Bangkok, Thailand; and Qingdao (Asia Pacific headquarters), Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Suzhou and Beijing, China. For more information, please visit www.ipc.organd www.ipc.org.cn.

About China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangzhou Sub-Council (CCPIT-GZ)

CCPIT-GZ was established in 1985. Over the past 30 years, CCPIT-GZ has been abiding by the principle of promoting international trade and cooperation, in addition to enhancing international communication and friendship. CCPIT-GZ has successfully organized various trade shows and authentication of export documents, training, information, consultation, mediation and arbitration of business disputes. For more information, please visit www.gzccpit.org.cn.

Fair Organizers:

HKPCA

Hong Kong
Ms. Manda Wong
T: (852) 2155 5099
E: mandawong@hkpca.org

IPC

Ms. Vivian Liu
T: (86-21) 2221 0078
E: vivianliu@ipc.org

Shenzhen

Ms. Amanda Li
T: (86-755) 8624 0033
E: amandali@hkpca.org

Press Enquiries:

Event Manager – Baobab Tree Event
Hong Kong & Overseas
Ms. Vicky Lee
T: (852) 3520 3638
E: vicky.lee@baobab-tree-event.com

China

Ms. Viann Liu
T: (86-20) 3758 3765 Ext. 8008
E: viann.liu@baobab-tree-event.com