FRANKFURT -- German printed circuit board fabricators reported July revenues rose 31% from a year ago on a 93% hike in new orders.

Year to date sales were up 33%, according to the ZVEI PCB and Electronic Systems trade group, on broad-based bookings with particular strength from  automotive makers and renewable energy.

The July book-to-bill ratio was up 76 basis points to 1.96, setting an all-time high.

A ratio of 1.96 means that for every 100 euros worth of boards sold, 196 euros worth of orders were placed.