Electronica 2014: The "Spark" Returns"

A spark returned to Munich's Deutsches Museum during electronica 2014--perhaps not quite the jolt visitors fortunate enough to witness the spectacular high-voltage display in person experienced, but a spark nonetheless. The energy at this year's show indicates the health of the industry--once described a few years ago by EIPC's John Ling as an ailing patient--has taken a welcome turn toward recovery. Conversations with both material suppliers and European PCB fabricators hinted at improved sentiment all around. 

I noticed a significant upturn in interest in the high-speed arena from automotive and automotive-related companies. Increased electronic content in vehicles across the board seems to be driving automotive and infotainment manufacturers toward higher speed materials and the associated tools required for their design and fabrication