UK firm installs printed electronics pilot line for touchscreen sensors

Sara Ver-Bruggen - 23 Nov 2010

UK-based Conductive Inkjet Technology (CIT) has completed the installation of a pilot line that will be used in the production of touchscreen sensors for mobile electronics.

The line will coat film used to make the sensors for CIT's partner Atmel in the US. Volume production will start in the latter part of 2011.

Agreement

The pilot line marks an important step in CIT's efforts to commercialise a process for depositing conductive inks for application in several electronics markets. Terms of Atmel and CIT's partnership were initiated in December 2009. Atmel agreed to pay for preferential access to CIT's capacity subject to certain milestones being reached, including the installation and validation - by Atmel - of a dedicated pilot line production at CIT's premises in Cambridge.

Through Atmel, CIT has been working closely with mobile phone manufacturers to develop its deposition technology. The company has modified its materials and process, to eliminate any visible line traces and potential reflectivity from screens. This was achieved by printing sub-micron lines, which CIT managed to reduce down from 8µ widths.

Payment

Due to the scale and potential of the touchscreen sensor market, driven by smart phone and tablet PC applications, CIT has extended its exclusive access granted to Atmel, in late 2009, for up to 10 years depending on the progress of the technology's adoption. Atmel will make a prepayment of over €7 million to CIT in respect of future supplies of its materials.

Atmel is a leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of integrated circuits for mobile electronics and other IT applications.

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