A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) controls an electrically initiated device (EID) in an electric field. The PCBA includes a conductive layer, a dielectric layer, and a trans-conductive layer (TCL). The conductive layer of the PCBA designated protected areas. An electrical current with a predetermined current density is impressed in the conductive layer when the PCBA is in the electric field. The TCL is a nickel-metal composite metamaterial positioned between the conductive and dielectric layers and configured to change in shape or thickness in the electric field such that the impressed current is steered away from the conductive layer and into the dielectric layer to prevent premature activation of the EID. A system includes an outer housing, power supply, an EID such as a sonobuoy or medical device, and the PCBA, all of which are encapsulated in the housing. A method is also disclosed for manufacturing the PCBA.