The timing of this vernacular twist will depend on when plastic “chips” become practical — so cheap and reliable that electronic circuits can be printed not only on clothing, but also on paper, billboards, and nearly anything else. Unlike today’s largely silicon-based technologies, organic (carbon-based) materials are flexible, can be processed at low temperatures, and lend themselves to large-area applications, such as wall-sized electronic murals.

(December 1, 2004) Munich, Germany &#8212 electronica 2004, a trade show for components, assemblies, and high-growth applications, signalled increased momentum in the global electronics industry as international visitors and exhibitors once again flocked to the New Munich Trade Fair Centre.