Printed electronics usually refers to the field of electronics beyond conventional silicon approaches, and includes concepts such as large-area and flexible circuits. It enables new form factors, design, and integration options for the final product.
Although some traditional device concepts remain the same, the materials and manufacturing processes are very different from those used in the conventional electronic industry. The later uses batch processes such as vacuum deposition, photolithography and etching while printed electronics uses flexible substrates with printing and coating methods such as screen printing, slot-die, and inkjet. Printed electronics is usually produced on low-cost substrates such as plastic, paper and fabrics.
Examples of printed passive electronic components include resistors and capacitors.
Examples of printed active electronic components include transistors, OLED, etc.