Layout-to-Bitmap Conversion and Design Rules for Inkjet-Printed Large-Scale Integrated Circuits

Abstract

Digital inkjet printing (IJP) can greatly reduce the manufacturing cost and waste of flexible large-area electronics by adding micro-fine patterns onto plastic foils. Advanced system design using IJP has been limited by the lack of an electronic design automation (EDA) approach. An EDA approach based on a vector-based layout drawing requires parameterized IJP design rules. This study proposes a layout-to-bitmap (L2B) conversion procedure and line-based design rules that leverage the existing circuit layout EDA tools for advanced IJP designs. The L2B conversion is accomplished by optimizing the parameters of the horizontal and vertical lines by varying the drop spacings and platen temperatures. Next, the line-based layouts are converted to bitmap files which are used as IJP input data for printing multiple metal layers. This study systematically investigated the development of an IJP process employing Ag nanoparticles. The physical characteristics of the proposed process were evaluated based on theories concerning inkjet-printed bead formation. The design rules for fabricating printed thin-film transistor (TFT) circuits were documented. Documentation is the first step in creating an IJP process design kit for advanced electronics design. Using the optimized L2B conversion procedure and the design rules, a 10 × 10 array of printed organic TFTs was fabricated to demonstrate the reliability of the developed process. Additionally, the fabricated printed organic TFTs indicated that the proposed process could be extended to large-scale system designs.

Spatiotemporal Measurement of Arterial Pulse Waves Enabled by Wearable Active-Matrix Pressure Sensor Arrays

“…Active-matrix sensor arrays based on printed TFT arrays are also rare (Table S3). In addition to our previously developed fundamental inkjet printing design rules, − the advanced design rule for large-area electronic devices and delicately optimized fabrication process in this work made it possible to develop ultrathin (2 μm) TFT arrays with a 100% yield and high uniformity (RSD < 10%).…”

“…The cartridge and platen temperatures were set at 40 and 50 °C, respectively. Layout-to-bitmap conversion and design rules are explained in our previous works, − and their extension into large-area arrays is described in Figure S1.…”

Inkjet-Printed Dual-Mode Electrochromic and Electroluminescent Displays Incorporating Ecofriendly Materials

“…In addition, the ecological footprint of displays could further be reduced utilizing sustainable fabrication methods such as inkjet printing, which allows low processing temperatures, low material waste, and easy customizability. Due to its industrial maturity, inkjet printing is becoming a significant fabrication method for the cost-efficient fabrication of electronic devices and complex integrated circuits. − Recently, we have shown inkjet-printed DMDs based on the EC and electrofluorochromic properties of polyindenofluoren-8-tryarylamine, as well as an inkjet-printed electrochromic display comprised of 33 individually addressable pixels, whose biodegradability was confirmed according to international standards. , This highlights the advantages of DMDs and the sustainable benefits of ecofriendly materials when combined with the freedom of design offered by inkjet printing.…”

Printable inks and deformable electronic array devices

“…In addition to unit components, large scale production compatible with conventional industrial processes is required. The medium-scale integration of 10–100 printed TFTs has been successfully demonstrated, 221 and the printing is now facing increasing demand for large-scale integration, enabling the fabrication of 100–1000 monolithic devices on a flexible substrate. This requires electronic design automation (EDA) tools with process design kits containing parameterized process information (design rules, device models, and so on).…”