The prototype is implemented as a hybrid — that is it contains organic (or printed) components as well as classical silicon-based circuitry. The printed components include an electroluminescence display and the RFID antenna as well as the conductive paths. The power control circuits including a rectifier and a dc/dc converter are implemented in conventional silicon-based manner, but the die is directly bonded to the carrier without the need of additional contacts. In addition, the prototype contains a (conventional) micro battery keeping the electroluminescence light on even after the RF field has been removed.

The product results from the cooperation of several German companies: Schreiner Variolight GmbH contributed the electroluminescence components, PolyIC GmbH the printing and RFID technology, H.C. Starck GmbH the materials and Varta Microbattery the power storage.

Possible applications could be in the field of security or payment solutions, explained Oliver Wiesener, manager business development for Schreiner Variolight (Munich).

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