Overview
IEC 62899-101:2019 - Printed electronics: Part 101: Terminology – Vocabulary is the IEC vocabulary for printed electronics. It defines terms that are particularly important to printed devices, covering materials, printing processes and print characterization. The document intentionally excludes terms already established for conventional electronics or general printing technologies that apply without alteration. As a dedicated terminology standard, its primary purpose is to harmonize language across industry, research and standards work for printed electronics.
Key topics and technical scope
This part of IEC 62899 focuses on clear, industry-aligned definitions rather than prescriptive test methods. Key topics and entries included are:
- Materials terminology: e.g., conductive ink, conductive material, conductive layer, dispersion
- Processing and post-treatment: e.g., curing, annealing (polymers, metals, printed functional materials), contact heating, arc plasma heating, dielectric heating
- Printing processes and modes: e.g., contact printing, cylinder printing, blade coating, inkjet-specific terms (drop volume, drop trajectory, drop analysis, drop repeatability, double-flash mode)
- Characterization and measurement: e.g., 4-probe measurement, electrical test, dielectric strength, critical dimension
- Feature and defect descriptors: e.g., area gain / area loss, corner rounding, edge straightness / waviness, chip, crack, bending radius and bending test
Because IEC 62899-101 is a vocabulary document, it does not include normative references and serves as the primary reference for terminology in the printed electronics domain.
Practical applications
Standardized terminology in IEC 62899-101 supports:
- Consistent technical specifications and procurement documents for printed electronics components and materials
- Clear communication in R&D and manufacturing between engineers, material scientists and equipment vendors
- Reliable reporting and data exchange in quality control, test laboratories and certification processes
- Improved clarity in standards development, regulatory documents, academic publications and patent filings related to conductive inks, printed sensors, RFID, flexible photovoltaics and printed batteries
Who will use this standard
- Printed electronics design and process engineers
- Material suppliers and ink formulators
- Production and quality control teams in flexible electronics manufacturing
- Test labs and certification bodies
- Standards developers, researchers and technical authors
Related standards and resources
- IEC 62899 series (other parts dealing with methods, requirements and characterization)
- IEC Electropedia - online electrotechnical vocabulary
- ISO Online Browsing Platform - terminology resources
Keywords: IEC 62899-101:2019, printed electronics terminology, conductive ink, printing processes, print characterization, vocabulary standard.
