FLEXIBILITY · Flexible Multifunctional Bendable Integrated Light-Weight Ultra-Thin Systems

FLEXIBILTIY aims at significantly advancing the competitiveness of Europe in the area of multifunctional, ultra-lightweight, ultra-thin and bendable OLAE systems. The developed OLAE components include disposable and rechargeable batteries, solar cells, DC charging electronics, loudspeakers, audio amplifiers, analogue signal generators, motion and temperature sensors, RF receiver circuits, as well as a touch screen. By combination of these components, a variety of novel multifunctional OLAE systems is enabled. Based on a fully printed sound module, the following complex demonstrators are developed:•\tTextile integrated audio module including broadcast radio and solar supply•\tActive receiver tag for wireless streaming of acoustic data and advertising•\tSecurity tag system with acoustic alarm, motion and/or temperature sensorsFor the realisation of these systems, the advantages of several flexible OLAE technologies are combined, while keeping cost issues in mind: e.g. a) R2R printing offering ultra-low costs per area for components requiring large areas (e.g. loudspeaker, high-power audio amplifiers and solar cells), 3-D integration, as well as the integration of heterogeneous devices on one single substrate; and b) compact (down to 10 micrometer gate length), super-fast (> 200 MHz transit frequency, mobilities > 10 cm2/Vs), low-loss IGZO thin-film technology to enable wireless communication systems. To make efficient circuit development in standard CAD tools possible, design-kits including scalable models and automated layout templates are developed. Interface and packaging issues are studied for full system integration on a common flexible foil enabling bending radii down to 1 cm. FLEXIBILITY combines the complementary competences of 3 large companies, 4 SMEs, 1 research institute and 3 universities. Involved countries are Austria, Finland, Germany, Italy, Greece and Switzerland.