LEATHERHEAD, SURREY, UK -- Metal in board technologies will grow 123% between 2012 and 2016, according to new data from BPA Consulting.

Automotive, especially hybrid and electrical vehicles, solid state lighting, RF power and white goods are primary markets, the research firm says. The technology is attractive because it provides the means for controlling current and power without requiring new equipment to build it.

"MiB in an exciting 'recombinational' technology where the board supplier can recombine existing building blocks to offer unique solutions. The alignment of thermal, power and electrical pathways offers opportunities for structural innovation -- putting things together in new ways to solve problems," said BPA, which has released a report on MiB technology.