Board-to-Board Connectors Market - By Component (Pin Headers, Sockets), By Type, By End Use (Consumer Electronics, Industrial Automation, Telecommunications, Automotive, Healthcare, Energy & Power) & Forecast 2024 - 2032

Board-to-Board Connectors Market Size

Board-to-Board Connectors Market was valued at over USD 10.9 billion in 2023 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 5% between 2024 and 2032. The global demand for board-to-board connectors has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years due to several compelling factors. As electronic devices become more compact & feature-rich, there will be an increasing need for efficient interconnect solutions to link various components within these devices. Board-to-board connectors, with their versatility and compact design, address this need effectively. Additionally, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart technology has amplified the demand for board-to-board connectors. These connectors enable seamless communications and data transfers between IoT components, thereby ensuring that the devices function flawlessly.
 

Board-to-board connectors are essential components in the realm of electronics. These connectors serve as bridges between the Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) within electronic devices. They enable the transmission of signals, power, and data across PCBs, thereby ensuring the seamless operation of various electronic systems.
 

Compatibility issues remain the most significant pitfall in the board-to-board connectors market. The selection of the right connector for a specific application can be complex owing to the availability of a plethora of connector types, pin counts, and pitches. Incompatibility can lead to poor connectivity, data loss, and performance issues. Miniaturization, despite being a driving trend, can pose challenges. The designing of miniature board-to-board connectors, which are reliable, durable, and cost-effective, is complex. Additionally, miniaturized connectors may be more susceptible to issues such as vibration or temperature variations.
 

Board-to-Board Connectors Market Trends

The trend toward faster data transfers in electronics has led to the development of high-speed board-to-board connectors. These connectors support the applications requiring high bandwidth such as 5G networks and gaming devices. Miniaturization remains a prominent trend. Connectors are becoming smaller, which is crucial for applications such as wearables and IoT devices. Manufacturers are innovating to balance size and performance. Based on increasing product adoption in rugged environments, such as automotive and aerospace, there is a trend toward more robust & durable board-to-board connectors that can withstand extreme conditions such as temperature variations and vibrations. To cater to diverse applications, connectors are increasingly being customized. Modular connectors allow engineers to design tailored solutions, reducing development time and costs.
 

There was a growing demand for smaller connectors capable of accommodating higher densities of connections within limited spaces. Miniaturization was a key trend, driven by the need for more compact and efficient electronic devices across industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and portable devices. Manufacturers were focusing on developing connectors using new materials and advanced designs to improve signal integrity, reduce signal loss, and ensure better electrical performance. Materials with enhanced thermal properties and improved conductivity were being explored for better connector efficiency.
 

Board-to-Board Connectors Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into less than 1mm, 1mm to 2mm, and greater than 2 mm. The greater than 2 mm segment is estimated to register a significant growth rate of over CAGR 6% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.
 

• Connectors with a pitch greater than 2mm are known for their robustness as well as the ability to withstand mechanical stress and harsh environmental conditions, making them ideal for use in rugged applications. In automotive applications, such as Engine Control Units (ECUs) and airbag systems, connectors with a pitch greater than 2mm offer reliability in challenging conditions.
   
• The industries comprising heavy machinery & equipment, such as construction and mining, rely on these connectors to ensure stable & durable connections in demanding environments. The military & defense sector utilizes connectors with this pitch range in mission-critical applications to ensure secure & resilient connections in extreme scenarios.
   

Based on component, the market is segmented into pin headers and sockets. The pin headers segment accounted for a market share of over 60% in 2023.
 

• Pin headers are fundamental components in electronics prototyping & development as they offer a simple & cost-effective means of creating temporary connections for testing and validation purposes. The availability of pin headers in various pin counts & configurations makes them versatile for use in diverse applications. They are commonly used in single-row or dual-row formats, thereby catering to the different connection needs.
   
• Manufacturers offer customizable pin headers, allowing engineers to choose specific pin counts, pitches, and other specifications to meet the exact requirements of their designs. This flexibility enhances compatibility with the various boards & applications. Pin headers provide a cost-effective interconnection solution, making them ideal for use in applications with budget constraints. Their affordability doesn't compromise their reliability.

Asia Pacific dominated the global board-to-board connectors market in 2023, accounting for a market share of over 30%. The region is the global manufacturing epicenter; countries including China account for the enormous production of consumer electronics. This manufacturing prowess creates a substantial demand for connectors in various electronic devices. Rapid urbanization across Asia Pacific is also fueling infrastructure development, which is propelling the need for connectors in construction & transportation projects. The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in the region is generating lucrative opportunities for connectors as they form the backbone of IoT networks. The Asia Pacific automotive industry is also registering rapid growth, with connectors being the critical components in Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) & Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies.
 

Board-to-Board Connectors Market Share

The board-to-board connector market is fiercely competitive, with key players like Amphenol Corporation, TE Connectivity. Each company brings its unique strengths, whether in miniaturization, high-speed data transfer, or tailored solutions, catering to diverse industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. This competition drives technological advancements and a wide array of connector options, ensuring robust connectivity solutions across various applications.
 

Board-to-Board Connectors Market Companies

The major players operating in the board-to-board connectors industry are:

• Amphenol Corporation
• TE Connectivity
• Japan Aviation Electronics (JAE)
• Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.
• Molex
• Omron Corporation
• Samtec
   

Board-to-Board Connectors Industry News

• In June 2023, Hirose released a multi-RF board-to-board connector that provides a size reduction of up to 71% as compared to conventional designs. With a width of only 2.2 mm, the BM56 series supports multiple RF & digital signals with one board-to-board connector.
   

The board-to-board connectors 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 component

• Pin headers
  • Stacked headers.
  • Shrouded headers 
• Sockets

Market, by type

• Less than 1mm
• 1mm to 2mm
• Greater than 2 mm

Market, by end use

• Consumer electronics
• Industrial automation
• Telecommunications
• Automotive
• Healthcare
• Energy & power
• 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
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA