Printed Circuit

Printed Circuit, electrical circuit made by depositing conductive material on the surface of an insulating base, or printed circuit board (PCB). In such circuits a network of fine conductive lines, printed and bonded on the PCB, replaces the wiring used in conventional circuits. In addition other electrical elements, such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, and inductors, that serve to modify the flow of current may be introduced into the circuit by printing or mounting those elements on the same base as the printed wiring. See Electricity; Electronics; Insulation; Microprocessor.

Printed circuits were developed during World War II by the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology for use in the proximity fuse for artillery shells. Subsequently the printed circuit found wide use in communication equipment, such as television and radio receivers, radar, and hearing aids, computers, and in instrumentation for guided missiles and aircraft.