Analyzing Important Connector Components Promoting Various Industrial Applications

Highlights

• Introduction
• Components of connectors
• Micro-D connectors
• Promising acquisitions across the domain

Connectors are the devices or parts primarily used for connecting or disconnecting electrical and electronics circuits. They are mainly used for assembling, installing, and supplying power to electrical devices. Connectors serve as an important component of every electronic device used in industrial machinery, communications, consumer electronics, and various home and commercial appliances. Mostly connectors are temporary or removable, however, some are used permanently as electrical joints.

Types of connector components

There are several types of connectors designed for specific applications. PCB connectors have shown their excellence in a wide range of applications. These connectors are used to link two components or boards. They are mainly designed to offer a conductive track for electrical components present in Power Circuit Boards. In some cases, these connectors are also used to establish connections in the board and between the boards. The size, weight, space constraints and ease of access are some of the beneficial features of PCB connectors, enabling their wide selection for various purposes. PCB connectors are available in various types including board-to-board connectors, wire-to-wire or cable to cable connectors, and cable-to-board connectors. The PCB connectors segment is expected to hold a dominant share in the industry, by generating revenue of $20,840.2 million from 2022 to 2032 owing to their wide applicability.

Another popular component of connectors is Input-Output (I/O) connectors. I/O connector acts as an electrical interface used to establish a physical interface between a device or system and external devices or peripherals. These connectors are mainly utilized in various products that necessitate data transfer or internet connectivity such as computers, servers, switches, and routers. In addition, I/O connectors such as M12, M8, D-sub, and terminal blocks are used in industrial automation and machinery applications and RJ45 and fiber optic connectors are broadly utilized in networking devices such as modems, and switches, facilitating data transmission.

A light on the prominent region and country showcasing the maximum use of connectors

The connectors industry is evaluated across various regions including North America, Asia-Pacific, LAMEA, and Europe. Based on regional analysis, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold the highest share of the industry from 2022 to 2032. This is mainly due to the increase in need for connectors for the rising requirement for electronic devices and infrastructure. Furthermore, the supportive government policies, investments in technological progress, and rise in consumer population have further increased the demand for connectors. Additionally, the region serves as a crucial point for the production and assembly of diverse sectors including telecommunications, consumer electronics, and automotive, promoting the use of connectors.  

On the contrary, based on region-wise analysis, the Rest of Asia-Pacific is expected to rise at a noteworthy CAGR of 10.1% during the estimated period from 2022 to 2023. However, India is predicted to hold second position, rising at a CAGR of 9.3% during the analysis period.

Littlefuse’s Micro-D connectors for aerospace

In August 2023, Littelfuse, Inc., a leading industrial technology manufacturing company announced the launch of its new product, namely, MDMA Micro-D Connector with removable crimp contacts. This newly designed connector enables end-users to create custom cable harnesses, which are not available in current Micro-D connectors. This innovative connector series is widely used for several harsh environment applications including avionics or military, satellite harnesses, space equipment, launchers or payloads, electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) manufacturers and other high-performance applications. This is mainly due to the beneficial advantages of this newly designed connector. The removable crimp contacts of the connector offer greater flexibility to create custom cable harness. Furthermore, these connectors save valuable weight for space missions, enabling easy-user installation and they also eliminate the need for shrink tubing, enabling its use with solder bucket termination.

Profitable moves of Smiths Interconnect and ITT in reshaping the industry landscape

Several leading players in the connectors industry have made alliances such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. For instance, in January 2023, Smiths Interconnect, a leading provider of technically differentiated electronic connectors announced its acquisition of Plastronics Sockets & Connectors, a leading supplier of burn-in test sockets and custom connectors for industry applications. With this acquisition, the companies aimed to incorporate advanced technology in designing connectors and electronic products to enhance their capabilities and strengthen their business across customer base.

Similarly, in May 2023, ITT Inc., a diversified leading manufacturer of highly engineered critical components and customized technology solutions announced its acquisition of Micro-Mode Products, Inc., a leading manufacturer of blind mate and threaded connectors for the microwave and commercial industries. With this acquisition, ITT envisioned expanding its connector business and strengthening its presence in defense systems, military aircraft, and space applications.

To sum up, rapid urbanization and the growth in the demand for consumer electronics devices are the major factors that are expected to foster the growth of the industry in the future. Furthermore, the increase in number of autonomous vehicles and the increase in adoption of advanced safety features in electronic components are anticipated to create extensive growth opportunities for the domain in the ahead years.

To identify emerging trends and opportunities in the connectors industry, feel free to talk to our industry analysts today! They can also help you identify potential investment opportunities across various regions.

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