PCB Connector Market - By Type (Board-to-board Connectors, Wire-to-board Connectors, Power Connectors, RF Connectors, Optical Connectors), By End-use Industry (Telecom, Transportation, Automotive, Industrial, Computer & Peripherals) & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

PCB Connector Market Size

PCB Connector Market was valued at over USD 12.9 billion in 2023 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 3.5% between 2024 and 2032.
 

EVs rely on advanced electronic systems for their operations including battery management, power distribution, and motor control. PCB connectors play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless connection of these electronic components. As the EV market expands, the demand for PCB connectors will increase to accommodate the complex wiring & connectivity requirements. Additionally, the trend toward lightweight & compact EV designs places a premium on smaller & more efficient connectors, thereby driving innovations in the field. The transition to EVs also fosters research & development, resulting in the need for cutting-edge PCB connectors to support industry growth; this makes them an integral part of the EV ecosystem. For instance, in September 2022, TE Connectivity launched a new connector that has been designed for use in connections within automotive headlamp units, steering wheel units, and vehicle cameras as well as in the fat-flexible and flexible-printed cables in EV battery management systems.

Poor assembly techniques in the PCB connector market are a significant pitfall due to their potential to compromise product quality and reliability. When connectors are not properly assembled, it can lead to intermittent connections, signal degradation, and even physical damage. This can result in increased warranty claims and costly returns for manufacturers. Additionally, subpar assembly practices can lead to reduced durability, hindering the connector’s ability to withstand environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and vibrations. Ultimately, it impacts the overall performance and longevity of electronic devices, eroding customer trust and brand reputation. To thrive in the PCB connector industry, impeccable assembly is paramount to ensure consistent & dependable connectivity.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had detrimental impacts on the PCB connector market. Lockdowns, disrupted supply chains, and reduced manufacturing activities led to a decline in the demand for electronic devices, which rely heavily on Printed Circuit Board (PCB) connectors. Many production facilities faced closures, delayed projects, and a shortage of components, affecting the overall market growth. Additionally, reduced consumer spending and economic uncertainties led to the lower sale of electronic goods. As a result, the PCB connector industry experienced a decreased revenue, production challenges, and slower innovations during the pandemic, necessitating strategic adjustments to adapt to the changing market conditions.

PCB Connector Market Trends

The trend toward miniaturization in PCB connectors involves the designing of smaller connectors with increased pin counts and high-density arrangements. This is driven by the need for smaller & more compact electronic devices such as smartphones and wearables. Miniaturized connectors not only save space but also enhance the overall device aesthetics & portability. Manufacturers are using advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to achieve this, making it feasible to connect numerous components within limited spaces while ensuring reliable electrical connections. Innovations in manufacturing processes such as 3D printing are being explored for producing custom connectors or connectors with complex geometries.

The high-speed data transmission capabilities in PCB connectors are crucial for applications such as data centers and telecommunications. These connectors are engineered to handle the increasing demand for rapid data transfer while maintaining signal integrity. High-frequency signals require precise impedance matching and reduced signal loss. Connector materials, designs, and signal path integrity are optimized to minimize data transmission errors, making them suitable for applications demanding high bandwidth such as 5G networks and high-performance computing.

PCB Connector Market Analysis

Based on the end use, the market is segmented into telecom, transportation, automotive, industrial, as well as computer & peripherals. The automotive segment led the market in 2022, accounting for a market share of over 22%.

• The shift toward Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles led to an increased demand for PCB connectors. These vehicles require complex electronic systems for power management, motor control, and battery systems. PCB connectors are essential for connecting various components in these systems including batteries, powertrains, and charging infrastructure. Automotive safety systems including airbags, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), and stability control rely on PCB connectors to ensure their functionality. These systems are critical for driver & passenger safety and require reliable connectors to guarantee proper operation.
   
• The growing adoption of ADAS technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated parking, has led to the need for more sophisticated Electronic Control Units (ECUs). PCB connectors are essential for interconnecting sensors, cameras, and processors in these systems, ensuring seamless communication and data exchange.
   

Based on type, the market is divided into board-to-board connectors, wire-to-board connectors, power connectors, RF connectors, and optical connectors. The power connectors segment is estimated to register a CAGR of over 4% through 2032.

• Many modern electronic devices, especially in industries including automotive, aerospace, and data centers, require more power to operate efficiently. As devices become more powerful and energy-hungry, there will be a growing demand for power connectors that can efficiently transmit higher current levels without overheating or experiencing voltage drops. Power connectors are designed to handle the increased demand for power, making them essential components in many applications.
   
• The rapid growth of the electric vehicle market has driven the need for high-power connectors in EV charging stations. These connectors must efficiently transfer power to recharge electric vehicle batteries quickly, making them crucial for the expansion of the EV charging infrastructure. Solar panels and wind turbines generate substantial power that needs to be efficiently transmitted to the electrical grid. High-power connectors are used in these renewable energy systems to connect solar arrays and wind turbines to inverters and transformers.
   

Asia Pacific dominated the global PCB connector market in 2022, accounting for a share of over 29%. Asia Pacific is a hub for electronics manufacturing, and many global electronics & tech companies have their production facilities in countries including China, Taiwan, and South Korea. This region offers cost-effective labor, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a skilled workforce, making it the preferred location for manufacturing PCB connectors. The rise in consumer electronics, the growth in automotive manufacturing, and the expansion of 5G networks in Asia Pacific have also led to the increased demand for PCB connectors, further driving market growth in the region.

PCB Connector Market Share

The players in the industry focus on implementing different growth strategies to strengthen their offerings and expand their market reach. These strategies involve new product development & launches, partnerships & collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and customer retention. These players also invest in research & development to introduce innovative and technologically advanced solutions in the market. Some of the major players operating in the PCB connector industry are mentioned below:

• Amphenol
• Hirose Electric
• JST Manufacturing
• Molex
• Samtec
• TE Connectivity
• Würth Elektronik
   

PCB Connector Industry News:

• In December 2021, Hirose Electric launched the GT50 Series, a 1mm pitch small & robust wire-to-board connector. This product can be safely used in automotive applications due to its robust design and a high heat resistance up to 125°C.
   
• In June 2020, TE Connectivity launched the D-2970 Dynamic Series compact wire-to-board PCB connector with field-installable, time-saving, and push-in clamp termination
   

The PCB connector market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, by type

• Board-to-board connectors
• Wire-to-board connectors
• Power connectors
• RF connectors
• Optical connectors

Market, by end-use industry

• Telecom
• Transportation
• Automotive
• Industrial
• Computer & peripherals
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA