IPC: Association Connecting Electronics Industries

Who They Are & What They Create

IPC is a global trade association that develops standards for the electronics manufacturing industry. Originally the Institute for Printed Circuits, IPC’s scope has expanded to cover every aspect of electronics production. Their standards provide guidelines for everything from printed circuit board (PCB) design and assembly to soldering, inspection, and electronic product reliability. IPC standards are used worldwide to ensure quality and consistency in the manufacturing of electronic devices.

Industries Supported

IPC standards are critical to a wide range of industries that rely on electronics, including:

• Electronics Manufacturing
• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive
• Medical Devices
• Computers & Consumer Electronics
• Industrial Automation

Detailed History

IPC was founded in 1957 as the Institute for Printed Circuits. Its creation was driven by the growing importance of printed circuit boards in electronics and the need for standardized practices. The organization’s initial focus was on providing technical guidance for the design and manufacturing of PCBs. Over the decades, as electronics manufacturing became more complex, IPC’s scope expanded to include soldering, assembly, and inspection. In the early 2000s, the organization officially changed its name to IPC—Association Connecting Electronics Industries to reflect its broader role across the entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem. IPC’s J-STD-001 (Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies) and IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) are two of the most widely used standards in the industry.