Ibiden, Tripod Technology and TTM Technologies have been named as the initial PCB suppliers for a second-generation Apple tablet PC, which is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2011. Four more suppliers will be added to the list in February 2011, when shipments of the new iPads ramp up, according to industry sources.
The sources said Ibiden, Tripod and TTM have received certification from Apple, and will start shipping any-layer HDI boards for iPad 2 in small quantities in December, the sources said.
In general, Japan-based PCB companies have a relatively higher yield rate in the production of any-layer boards. But Taiwan-based Compeq Manufacturing and Unimicron Technology are able to improve their yield rates to 60-70%.
