Scientists produce all-printed RFID tag
1 October 2008
News
The idea of RFID tags that are cheap enough to become as ubiquitous as barcodes has been a long-held vision. To achieve this requires RFID tags that cost only a few cents each. While current RFID tags based on silicon are capable of meeting the required technical performance, they fail to meet the challenging cost target. Lowering the cost of RFID tags requires a new approach.
One of the most promising alternatives to silicon is organic semiconductors – carbon-based materials that can be used to make transistors and rectifying diodes, two important components for an operational RFID transponder. Key research institutions and start-ups across the world have, over the past few years, raced to push the performance of materials and device architectures to the point where they have successfully demonstrated organic RF tags and organic RFID tags operating at 13,56 MHz. These demonstrations have been made from individually printed components such as capacitors, diodes and transistors that are then connected together, or else use photolithography to pattern the transistors and diodes. None have been truly printed on a single substrate.
At the Organic Semiconductor Conference (OSC-08) held in Frankfurt, Professor Cho from Sunchon University in Korea, presented for the first time an all-printed 13,56 MHz 1-bit RFID tag. This is seen as an important step towards achieving truly low cost RFID tags that are manufactured by the kilometre. Using only a gravure printer, a pad printer and an ink-jet printer, the researchers were able to fabricate a complete operational tag including antenna, rectifier and ring-oscillator.
For the printable rectifier, the researchers invented a new Schottky diode based on silver, zinc oxide and aluminium-silicon alloy inks. For the printable transistors, used for the ring oscillators, the researchers used single-walled carbon-nanotubes, which are also a member of the organic semiconductor family.
Further reading:
From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity
Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...
KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...
Otto Wireless Solutions announces promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to technical director
Otto Wireless Solutions
News
Otto Wireless Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to the position of technical director, effective 1 August 2025.
Read more...
DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...
World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
SACEEC celebrates standout industrial innovation on the KITE 2025 show floor
News
Exhibitor innovation took the spotlight at the KITE 2025 as the South African Capital Equipment Export Council announced the winners of its prestigious New Product & Innovation Awards.
Read more...
SA team for International Olympiad in Informatics
News
The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa has named the team that will represent South Africa at this year’s International Olympiad in Informatics.
Read more...
Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
Read more...
printer friendly version