A thin-film microprocessor with inkjet print-programmable memory

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science

Background:

• The Internet of Things (IoT) requires intelligent everyday objects, necessitating integrated electronics like 'stick-on' labels.
• Wright's Law suggests that cumulative production reduces product costs, highlighting the need for adaptable, generic electronic devices for IoT development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an 8-bit thin-film microprocessor with a programmable instruction generator for flexible electronics.
• To demonstrate a pathway for low-cost manufacturing of IoT-enabling devices.

Main Methods:

• Development of an 8-bit thin-film microprocessor utilizing organic p-type and soluble oxide n-type thin-film transistors.
• Integration of a write-once, read-many (WORM) instruction generator programmed post-manufacture via inkjet printing of conductive silver inks.
• Fabrication on a thin polyimide film for flexible electronics.

Main Results:

• The microprocessor operates at 6.5 V and achieves clock frequencies up to 2.1 kHz.
• A 16-line instruction set, with each line containing a 9-bit instruction, was successfully defined using inkjet printing.
• Demonstrated potential for low-cost, flexible electronic device manufacturing.

Conclusions:

• The developed thin-film microprocessor is a cornerstone for the Internet of Things, enabling tailored, application-specific electronic devices.
• Inkjet printing offers a viable method for programming and customizing flexible electronics post-manufacture, aligning with Wright's Law for cost reduction.