thumb|[[SCART connector on an RCA Dimensia with EIA text]]

The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA; until 1997 Electronic Industries Association) was an American standards and trade organization composed as an alliance of trade associations for electronics manufacturers in the United States. They developed standards to ensure the equipment of different manufacturers was compatible and interchangeable. The EIA ceased operations on February 11, 2011, but the former sectors continue to serve the constituencies of EIA.

History

thumb|RMA [[Electronic color code|Resistor Color Code Guide, circa 1945–1950]]

In 1924, 50 radio manufacturers in Chicago formed a trade group called the Associated Radio Manufacturers. and transferred operations soon after. The Alliance formally ceased to exist on February 11, 2011. However, the EIA standards brand will continue for IP&E standards within ECIA.

EIA standards

With the changing names of the EIA, the naming convention of the standards was also adapted. For example, a standard defining serial communication between computers and modems e.g. was originally drafted as a Recommended Standard, thus the "RS" RS-232. Later it was taken over by the EIA as EIA-232. Later this standard was managed by the TIA and the name was changed to the current TIA-232. Because the EIA was accredited by ANSI to help develop standards in its areas, these standards are often described as (e.g. ANSI TIA-232, or formerly as ANSI EIA/TIA-232). As currently authorized, any ANSI standard designated at ANSI EIA-xxx is developed or managed by ECA (and, in the future, ECIA).

See also

  • EIA 1956 resolution chart
  • Electronic color code – RMA Resistor Color Code
  • E series of preferred numbers – RMA Preferred Number Values of Fixed Composition Resistors

References

  • The JEDEC history page, including EIA history