Definition

IPC (originally Institute for Printed Circuits, now IPC International) is the global trade association that develops standards for the electronics manufacturing industry. Key standards include IPC-A-600 (acceptability of PCBs), IPC-6012 (qualification and performance of rigid PCBs), IPC-6013 (flex/rigid-flex), and IPC-A-610 (acceptability of electronic assemblies). IPC Class 2 covers general electronics, Class 3 covers high-reliability products like medical and aerospace.