Printed memory developed for secure documents

Sara Ver-Bruggen - 28 Jun 2011

Thinfilm, the Scandinavian firm developing a suite of printed memories for applications ranging from toys to disposable price tags, has developed its core technology for secure documents and high-volume consumer applications.

The Passive Array Memory is a roll-to-roll printed, non-volatile rewriteable memory with double the capacity of Thinfilm's standard 20-bit-single-line memory, currently being piloted in toys and games. More storage capacity allows information to be encoded, making the technology suitable for securing documents, ticketing and other applications where encryption, or user-programmed stored ID, is desirable.

Thinfilm's 40-bit Passive Array Memory devices are in test production with the aim of making samples available later in 2011. Memories with higher densities - up to 121 bits per array - are under development also, with planned production in 2012 (up to 121 bits per memory array).

The passive array architecture separates the memory from the read-write electronics, dispensing with the need for active circuitry within the memory array and memory cell.

Thinfilm's roadmap is expanded from standalone memories to also include printed electronic system products.

Stepping stone

Speaking at LOPE-C in Germany, Thinfilm CEO Davor Sutija explained: 'The passive array memory is an important stepping stone, both towards developing low-cost ubiquitous consumer electronics and in creating higher density printed memories suited for high-volume production.'

Later this year Thinfilm Addressable Memory prototypes will also be available with transfer to production planned for 2012. These printed memories are designed for applications such as ID tags, sensor tags, disposable price labels, and other smart tags.

Thinfilm's patented array architecture makes high-density printed memories possible. Storage capacity for passive array memories depends on how finely patterns can be printed. High-volume roll-to-roll printing techniques are evolving to enable compact memories with higher densities.

With the Palo Alto Research Centre, a Xerox technology R&D company in California, Thinfilm is prototyping devices that include printed transistors and its Addressable Memory, where the transistors drive logic for reading and writing data to the memory cells.

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