Fiber optics impact on printed wiring and insulation markets

Fiber optic cable system US production, exploding from less than $5 million in 1976 to over $800 million in 1990, will achieve a 7 percent penetration of the communication wire and cable market over the 15 year span. The impact on the cable insulation market, however, will be minor, since fiberoptic cables also require insulated sheathing for physical protection. New printed wiring opportunities will be created by production of fiber optic transmitter and receiver modules, plus increased production of broadband equipment made feasible by the availability of broadband fiber optic transmission circuits.