Imec Presents Ultralow Power RFID Transponder Chip in Thin-Film Transistor Technology on Plastic

At this week’s IEDM 2014, held in San Francisco, California, nanoelectronics research center imec demonstrated an ultra-low power RFID transponder chip. Operating at sub 1V voltage and realized in thin-film transistor technology (TFTs) on plastic film, the chip paves the way for universal sensing applications, such as item level RFID tagging, body area networks (BAN) and environmental monitoring, that require prolonged remote autonomy, and ultimate thinness, flexibility and robustness.

One of the major drivers of the semiconductor industry is the Internet of Things (IoT). Market studies envision a society where billions of autonomous sensor nodes are seamlessly integrated into objects, in the environment and on human bodies, operating independently for months, interacting with each other and connecting to the internet. This IoT is expected to improve and enhance daily-lives through smart houses and smart cars, personal health monitoring and much more. Companies across the electronics value chain are rushing to define their vision and strategy and determine how this IoT fits into their product roadmap.

To enable this IoT vision, imec is leveraging its expertise in thin-film electronics, ultra-low power electronics and sensing, in this way tackling the technology roadblocks for universal sensing applications that lie ahead. The team demonstrated an 8-bit transponder chip made in thin-film transistor technology. The chip operates at a supply voltage of 0.55V while consuming only 2.5µW. A commercial AAA battery could power the chip for more than 20 years. Moreover, processed on a 25µm thin foil in a process flow compatible to a commodity manufacturing infrastructure (flat panel display fabs), the chip addresses the issue of cost and mechanical flexibility, thinness and robustness. The chip can be embedded in security documents, smart packaging, disposable electronics or textiles.

The research is done in the framework of Holst Centre’s (initiated by imec and TNO) industrial affiliation program on thin-film electronics and with support from the EU through the project COSMIC that developed complimentary thin film circuit technologies on foil for applications like gate driver for flexible displays, ADC, ALU and RFID tags.

About imec

Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China, India and Japan. Its staff of over 2,080 people includes more than 670 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2013, imec's revenue (P&L) totaled 332 million euro. Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be. Stay up to date about what’s happening at imec with the monthly imec magazine, available for tablets and smartphones (as an app for iOS and Android), or via the website http://www.imec.be/imecmagazine

Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.) and imec India (Imec India Private Limited).

Contact

Hanne Degans, Press officer and communications specialist, T: +32 16 28 17 69, Mobile : +32 486 06 51 75, hanne.degans@imec.be