Epson Develops the World's First Flexible 8-Bit Asynchronous Microprocessor
Singapore, April 19, 2005: Seiko 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.
"Saving," has long been the key theme to Epson's electronic device development with Epson products well known for their energy saving, space saving and resource saving. In the current project, Epson is aiming to build on its traditional strengths to firmly establish the field of flexible microelectronics technology.
Using the asynchronous circuit design technology, Epson has been able to:
Make a stable 8-bit microprocessor composed of 32,000 LTPS-TFTs
Achieve energy consumption 70% lower than the synchronous design
Reduce electromagnetic radiation by 20dB
The current invention is the first time in the world for an operational 8-bit asynchronous microprocessor to be formed on a flexible substrate.
Epson believes that technologies allowing flexibility will be of critical importance, as society becomes ever more familiar with ubiquitous and mobile devices. Epson's forthcoming R&D into asynchronous microprocessors will concentrate on establishing this technology on a practical level, as well as searching for potential applications.
*1: According to EPSON research.
*2: Surface Free Technology by Laser Ablation /Annealing. SUFTLA is a trademark or registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corp.
Specification
Circuit size
32,000 transistors (LTPS TFT)
Gate length
4 µm
Compatibility
with the Epson original S1C88 8-bit microcomputer series
External dimension
27.0 mm x 24.0 mm
Thickness
200 µm
Weight
140 mg
Range of operating voltage
3.5-7 V
Maximum frequency
5V, 500 KHz
Consumption current
180µA (at 5V, 500 kHz)
Pictorial
EPSON S1C63656
About EPSON
Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, projectors and LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
Epson is a network of 84,899 employees in 110 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1,413 billion yen in fiscal 2003.
About the EPSON Group
Epson Singapore Pte Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seiko Epson Corporation, Japan. As the Regional Headquarters of Seiko Epson Corporation, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd handles sales and marketing of information-related equipment such as printers, scanners and projectors, electronic devices including semiconductors, LCDs and crystal devices, and system devices in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Australia and New Zealand.
