Printed sensor system rolls off the press

LONDON – Thinfilm Electronics ASA (Oslo, Norway) said it has printed an integrated electronic system.

The system includes printed memory, sensor and logic and is designed to detect whether temperature thresholds have been exceeded while recording data digitally for later retrieval and display. Such labels could provide item-level tracking of quality data for pharmaceuticals and perishable foods.

The prototype sensor is a collaborative effort. Palo Alto Research Center led the development of the organic logic circuitry within design rules and functional specifications provided by Thin Film. PST Sensors provided the fully-printed thermistor, and Acreo supplied the electrochromic display.

"The promise of printed electronics rests on its ability to catalyze the coming technology wave often referred to as the Internet of Things. Making electronics ubiquitous requires not only cheap components but also ways of integrating them. The ability to store, process, and communicate local information makes ordinary objects aware of their environment. These smart objects become our agents, gathering actionable data, and displaying it when we need to get involved," said Thinfilm CEO Davor Sutija.





"This demonstration is a key step towards Intelligent Packaging, and contributes directly to the Bemis Intelligent Packaging Platform that we are creating with Thin Film," said Don Nimis, president of Shield Pack, a division of Bemis Company Inc.

Additional circuitry, including a timer function and wireless communication, will be added to the system. Commercial availability is expected by the end of 2014.


Related links and articles:

www.thinfilm.no

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