Epson Flexible Microprocessor
Wednesday, February 9th, 2005Seiko Epson Corp. (”Epson”) has announced that it has developed the world’s first*1 flexible 8-bit asynchronous microprocessor using low-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistors (LTPS-TFTs) on a plastic substrate. With energy consumption reduced by 70% compared to the synchronous microprocessors now in everyday use, Epson is now researching potential applications for its invention. The results of Epson’s research were announced at ISSCC2005, the International Solid-State Circuit Conference, held earlier this month in San Francisco in the United States.
The combination of Epson’s original SUFTLA*2 technology, LTPS-TFTs technology, and asynchronous circuit design technology has made it possible for Epson to create stable displays that are large in size, and that use substrates that are both flexible and variable in shape. SUFTLA is an Epson developed technique that makes it possible to transfer LTPS-TFT circuits onto flexible substrates.[…]
*1: According to Epson research.
*2: Surface Free Technology by Laser Ablation /Annealing. SUFTLA is a trademark or registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corp.
