LONDON -- PCB design software sales are forecast to increase 12.9% compounded annually from 2016 to 2026, a new report says.

FMI forecasts the PCB CAD market will reach $4.76 billion in revenues by the end of the 10-year period.

Demand for more speed and bullet-proof features will drive sales, with revenues offset in part by an increasing number of free online tools and software piracy, FMI said.

"In countries such as China, Russia and the US, use of pirated software is relatively common, forcing providers to offer software at lower prices. This is a major factor expected to restrain growth of the global PCB design software market," FMI said.