Flexible PCB (FPCB) maker Flexium Interconnect has expressed its doubts about the penetration of LED-backlit notebooks as it is seeing poor yields, according to company sources. Flexium has also revised down its sales contribution forecast for the segment.

The low penetration rate is primarily because of poor yields following assembly at panel makers, the sources explained. In light of this, corresponding demand for LED light bar PCBs will be reduced. Flexium therefore only expects 3-5% of its sales to be contributed by the LED-backlit notebook segment in 2008.

Despite disappointing near-term prospects for LED-backlit notebooks, Flexium believes that falling prices for LED light bar-use FPCBs should help encourage sales in the long run. The company has estimated demand for LED light bars for use in notebooks will reach one million units per month, up from less than 500,000 as recorded in 2008.