Posted On 13-09-2025

• Rapid Expansion of Defense and Aerospace Applications: The US is experiencing a surge in the adoption of PCI Mezzanine Cards for defense and aerospace due to increasing modernization programs. Companies like Curtiss-Wright and Northrop Grumman are integrating PMCs into mission-critical systems to improve data processing speeds and system modularity. This trend is propelled by government investments targeting advanced radar, avionics, and communications platforms. The scalability and ruggedness of PMCs make them ideal for harsh environments and demanding computational needs, boosting market growth in this segment.
• Emergence of High-Performance Computing in Data Centers: The rising demand for high-performance computing (HPC) in US data centers is driving the adoption of PCI Mezzanine Cards, as they offer robust performance enhancements and easier system upgrades. Companies such as Mercury Systems are leveraging PMC solutions to increase throughput and facilitate flexible server architectures, addressing massive data workloads. This shift is essential for facilitating real-time analytics and AI-driven operations, contributing to the growing deployment of PMCs in enterprise IT infrastructures.

• Transition towards Serial RapidIO and PCIe-based PMCs: Many US firms are moving from traditional parallel bus PMCs to advanced serial technologies, such as Serial RapidIO and PCI Express (PCIe). This enables higher data rates and improved scalability. Firms like Kontron are launching PCIe-based mezzanine cards, meeting the performance and compatibility needs of modern embedded systems. This trend is expected to accelerate as real-time applications in military and industrial automation demand swifter, more flexible interconnects.
• Increased Customization for Rugged and Swappable Modules: There is a growing trend in the US market for customized PMC modules designed for harsh operating environments and swappable form factors. Companies like Abaco Systems are developing conformal-coated, shock/vibration-resistant modules tailored for field-deployed systems. This meets customer requirements in sectors like oil & gas, mining, and outdoor telecommunications, driving adoption in specialty verticals.

• AI-Driven Defense Modernization: The integration of AI and machine learning capabilities into US military systems presents significant opportunities for PMC card vendors. Organizations such as General Dynamics are exploring advanced PMCs to support real-time sensor data fusion and autonomous decision-making on rugged platforms.
• Edge Computing Deployment: The expansion of edge computing in industrial and transportation sectors opens new avenues for PMCs, enabling low-latency, real-time data processing in decentralized locations. Companies like ADLINK Technology are capitalizing by offering specialized PMC modules for edge infrastructure.

• Curtiss-Wright announced, in April 2024, the launch of its next-generation rugged PMC module, the VPX3-1262, aimed at aerospace and military applications. This model offers enhanced computational capability and improves thermal management, enabling integration in more demanding environments and deployment in high-performance ISR platforms.
• In March 2024, Mercury Systems partnered with Northrop Grumman to deliver customized PMC solutions for next-gen radar systems. This partnership focuses on advanced data conversion and processing modules that support low-latency signal analysis in airborne early warning and control systems, aiming to drive system miniaturization and efficiency.
• Abaco Systems revealed in May 2024 a new suite of conformal-coated PMC cards tailored for industrial and edge computing environments. These cards are optimized for harsh environments, supporting temperature extremes, shock, and vibration resistance. The launch is part of Abaco's broader push to address increasing demand from energy, transportation, and telecommunication sectors.