Electronic components R&D eye new segments

Climbing demand from an expanding application market spurs further efforts to enhance product selection.

Makers of electronic components in China are directing product development initiatives toward emerging applications outlined in the government’s 12th Five-Year Plan. This is in conjunction with the program’s objective to maintain the industry’s 10 percent annual sales increase and hit $294 billion in 2015, with $86 billion from exports. In terms of output, this translates to 28 trillion units or a nearly 6 percent yearly rise.

The terminal markets eyed are the new-generation electronics, transportation, energy-saving and environment-friendly machinery, communication, new energy and smart grid segments. For the first, the emphasis is on matching trends for miniaturization, integration and high reliability. The line’s upstream material and equipment sector is also included to help makers penetrate these upcoming growth sectors.

In particular, component manufacturers are speeding up R&D on high-end inputs to match demand from solar- and wind-powered systems, electric vehicles, Blu-ray players, HDTVs, and Wi-Fi and fiber-optic technologies. This is expected to accelerate the local industry’s upmarket shift as China strengthens its position globally. The country currently leads in terms of sales for electronic components, and on output for subcategories PCBs, power transformers, magnetic materials, electroacoustic and piezoelectric quartz crystal components and micromotors.

Aside from emerging applications, popular terminal products continue to provide opportunities for electronic components. LCDs, for instance, benefit from the expanding tablet PC and smartphone markets. There is also LED lighting, which is boosting the demand for PCBs, diodes and inductors.

The industry also looks to advance from the rise of intelligent mobile terminals in the future. To this end, suppliers should keep R&D moving toward miniaturization, high performance and low power. In the PCB line, companies must increase output of HDI and rigid-flex variants, while those making connectors, sockets and antennas have to enhance precision and reduce product outline further.

To encourage R&D, breakthroughs are given due recognition. Changzhou Xiangming Electromotor Co. Ltd received a science and technology award last year from the Chinese Institute of Electronics for its integrated and intelligent brushless DC motors. Better energy efficiency is a developing trend in micro- and special motors, general manager Zhang Min said.