Electronics are getting smaller and showing up everywhere. Using Thinfilm's technology, electronics can be printed as well (Fig. 1). Thinfilm's printed memory label can be used for a range of applications including prevention of counterfeit products. This technology has expanded into other areas such as sensors and displays.
I spoke with Dr. Davor Sutija, CEO of Thin Film Electronics ASA, about their printed electronics technology including how it will affect developer's choices especially in this era of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Thinfilm's memory technology puts a ferroelectric film between two electrodes (Fig. 2). The dielectric dipoles within the polymer layer align when voltage is applied. The alignment depends upon whether the voltage is applied to the top or bottom electrode. The non-volatile memory cell retains its state when power is removed.
Wong: Can you provide some background on Thinfilm and how it fits into the "printed electronics" space?
Sutija: Thinfilm is the only public company focused solely on “printed electronics.” Thinfilm’s first product was a printed memory label, which was the first of its kind – rewritable, non-volatile data storage on a 5-cent label. In addition to recently announcing a stand-alone sensor label made with Printed Electronics (see below for details), Thinfilm is currently working on adding additional functionality to its product line, including logic, display, and wireless communication. Thinfilm’s printed electronic labels bring simple electronic functionality into high-volume, cost-sensitive applications—areas like brand protection, packaging of perishable products, one-time-use medical products, and disposable consumer goods.
Wong: What's different about this system than comparable or existing technology that does the same function today?
Sutija: At the present time, traditional silicon systems that are comparable to Thinfilm in their functions are ten times as expensive and are non-scalable. It is practically impossible to use silicon chips on everyday objects since silicon scale with the number of people in the world. Thinfilm’s technology is scalable by the billions of objects in the world. By using a roll-to-roll printing method it is possible to print millions of labels at a time at a price point significantly lower than silicon.
