Overview
IEC 63203-101-1:2021 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on providing a comprehensive and precise terminology for wearable electronic devices and technologies. As part 101-1 of the IEC 63203 series, this standard consolidates frequently used terms found in literature related to various categories of wearable electronics including near-body, on-body, in-body devices, and electronic textiles. This terminology framework facilitates clear communication and uniform understanding within the wearable technology industry, research, and standardization activities.
Key Topics
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Wearable Electronic Devices: Devices designed to be located near, on, or inside the human body. The standard distinguishes these into:
- Near-body wearable electronics – devices positioned close to the body without direct contact.
- On-body wearable electronics – devices that directly contact the external surface of the body.
- In-body wearable electronics – devices implanted or ingested inside the body.
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Wearable Electronic Technologies: Technologies relevant to the development and manufacture of wearable devices, covering components, materials, applications, and systems.
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Electronic Skin and Patchable Electronics: Definitions for devices mimicking the flexibility and elasticity of human skin, and those attachable as patches to the body.
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Biodegradable and Ingestible Electronics: Devices designed to dissolve after use for medical or monitoring purposes and those intended to be ingested orally.
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Conformable and Stretchable Electronics: Devices and materials capable of changing shape or operating under mechanical strain while maintaining function.
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Sensors in Wearables: Electronic sensors responding to physical phenomena such as touch, temperature, or vital signs, producing electrical signals for wearable device use.
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Electronic Textiles (E-textiles): Textile materials integrated with electronic components such as conductive fibres, yarns, and fabrics, along with definitions for smart textile systems that respond to environmental stimuli.
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Material Definitions:
- Conductive fibres, yarns, and fabrics enabling electrical functionality.
- Insulating fibres, yarns, and fabrics preventing unwanted electrical conduction.
- Semiconductive materials with adjustable electrical properties between conductors and insulators.
- Flexible and stretchable substrates enabling device conformability and durability.
Applications
IEC 63203-101-1:2021 terminology is critical for multiple stakeholders involved in wearable technology, including:
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Manufacturers and Designers: Helps standardize terminology to ensure consistency in product specifications, communication, and documentation related to wearable devices and materials.
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Researchers and Developers: Provides a shared language to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration in developing innovative wearable technologies, such as electronic skin, biodegradable health monitors, and e-textiles.
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Regulatory Bodies and Certification: Supports clear regulatory frameworks by defining categories and characteristics of wearables for compliance and safety evaluations.
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Healthcare and Medical Technologies: Assists in the development and deployment of implantable and ingestible devices for body monitoring, therapy delivery, and wound healing.
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Smart Textile Industry: Enables clear categorization and specification of textiles integrated with wearable electronics for consumer and industrial applications.
Related Standards
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IEC 60050-151:2001 – International Electrotechnical Vocabulary concerning electrical and magnetic devices, providing foundational terms with updates integrated into this standard.
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ISO/TR 23383:2020 – Provides definitions and categorizations for smart textiles and supports terminology related to textile-based systems that show reactive behavior.
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IEC 63203 series – The larger series encompassing standards for wearable electronic devices and technologies, with part 101-1 focusing specifically on terminology to ensure alignment and consistency across related parts.
This standard is essential for anyone working within the wearable electronics ecosystem, providing clarity, uniformity, and a comprehensive glossary to advance international cooperation, product development, and standardization of next-generation wearable technologies.
