Project: PRinted Organic LOGic circuits for low-cost smart tags

This project brings together three leading companies in the field of Printed Electronics, that is, electronics created by printing functional inks. The objective is to provide the market with ultra-low-cost smart tags through the development of printed logic circuits interfacing printed memories, displays and batteries._x000D__x000D_Novel emerging technologies are needed to provide ultra-low-cost smart tags to be used in applications such as monitoring temperature or humidity fluctuations on perishable products in logistic chains, distributed diagnostics in health care, dynamic price labels and functional packaging (e.g. games or animations). Such smart tags will consist of an electronic system based on printed subcomponents; transistors, memories, displays, sensors and batteries. _x000D__x000D_The goal with PROLOG is to provide a technology platform consisting of charge pumps, memory readout circuitry and display logic relying on printed transistors and the corresponding design tools, manufacturing routes and test methods. Two printed transistor technologies will be assessed: organic thin film transistors (OTFT) and organic electrochemical transistors (OECT). After a successful transistor evaluation phase, technologies will be available to integrate the subcomponents into electronic systems at low cost and high volumes by using various kinds of printing, coating and assembly tools._x000D__x000D_Project results foreseen are_x000D_- Appropriate models of OTFTs and OECTs _x000D_- Process developments of both transistor types_x000D_- Identification of the optimal transistor technology for the different subcircuits_x000D_- Design, process and realisation of charge pumps, memory readout circuitry and display logic _x000D_- Integration process of printed subcomponents into printed electronic systems_x000D_- Plan for scalability towards low-cost and high-volume manufacturing_x000D__x000D_The consortium consists of one Norwegian Printed Electronics industrial company (Thinfilm) and two Swedish research institutes (ACREO, Santa Anna). In short Acreo brings one transistor technology (OECT) and the printed display into the project. Santa Anna provides knowledge in design and modelling of transistors and circuitry. Thinfilm brings the other transistor technology (OTFT) and the fully printed memory into the project. Both Acreo and Thinfilm has experience with integration of printed electronics. Moreover Thinfilm has experience in large-volume production of printed electronics. Thinfilm will lead the project and guide it from their knowledge in the commercial aspects of the targeted products. All Ps bring unique competence into the project and they are complementary in both expertise and in resources.

Acronym	PROLOG (Reference Number: 7301)
Duration	01/10/2012 - 31/03/2015
Project Topic	PROLOG brings together three leading companies in the field of Printed Electronics. The objective is to provide the market with ultra-low-cost smart tags (e.g., dynamic price displays) through the development of printed logic circuits interfacing printed memories, displays and batteries.
Project Results (after finalisation)	The CO objective of the project, PRinted Organic LOgic circuits for low-cost smart tags (PROLOG) was the development of printed logic circuits which can interface printed memory, displays and batteries for smart tags. The project brought together three leading organisations in the field of printed electronics and electronic design, namely Thin Film Electronics ASA, ACREO AB, and SICS East Swedish ICT AB (formerly Santa Anna IT Research Institute AB). _x000D_The project has been a success whereby all milestones and deliverables have been met. A more thorough development effort has been invested in the development of the two transistor technologies OTFTs (Organic Thin-Film Transistors) and OECTs (Organic Electrochemical Transistors) than initially envisaged. Models that can predict the behavior of the transistors have been developed which were then used to design the circuits that have been demonstrated in the project. For both transistor technology cases, traditional techniques for transistor fabrication using print-ready materials were utilized in addition to the target fully printed methods. _x000D_Transistors circuits were developed to carry out the following functions, Voltage Pumps, Sense Amplifiers, Display Drivers and Memory Readout. These circuits provide important building blocks for future products. As an example, the voltage pump can be used to minimize the amount of batteries used in products which reduces cost. Price sensitivity and cost reduction is critical in the commercialization of future products for the targeted applications of fast moving consumer goods. _x000D_During the project, it has also been shown that transistors can be produced by high-volume manufacturing compatible print processes with a semi-automatic integration and assembly. We were therefore able to produce 1000 demo products using the above mentioned techniques.
Network	Eurostars
Call	Eurostars Cut-Off 8

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
3	ACREO AB	Partner	Sweden
3	Santa Anna IT Research Institute AB	Partner	Sweden
3	Thin Film Electronics ASA	Coordinator	Norway