3M Unveils Multi-Bit Transponder and Other Progress in Developing Low-Cost Organic Chips for RFID Applications.Business Editors Smart Labels conference BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2004 - Achievements and Challenges Are Outlined at 'Smart Labels' Conference - Addressing a conference here devoted to radio frequency identification See RFID. (RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) A data collection technology that uses electronic tags for storing data. The tag, also known as an "electronic label," "transponder" or "code plate," is made up of an RFID chip attached to an antenna. ) technology for retailing, security and other applications, a 3M scientist today presented a paper unveiling the company's progress in creating organic semiconductor chips that could pave PAVE Cardiology A clinical trial–Post AV Node Ablation Evaluation the way for mass production of low-cost RFID tags An electronic identification device that is made up of a chip and antenna. For reusable applications, it is typically embedded in a plastic housing, and for tracking shipments, it is usually part of a "smart" packaging label. . With major retailers having indicated they will soon require RFID tags to replace bar codes as a more efficient means of tracking and controlling inventory, lower-cost non-silicon-based integrated circuits Integrated circuits Miniature electronic circuits produced within and upon a single semiconductor crystal, usually silicon. Integrated circuits range in complexity from simple logic circuits and amplifiers, about 1/20 in. (1. could significantly reduce the financial burden this change would impose on companies that supply products to retailers. Plastic-based chips may provide a solution, if they can be engineered to achieve the required level of performance. At the Smart Labels conference at Boston's Longshore long·shore adj. Occurring, living, or working along a seacoast. [Short for alongshore.] Marriott hotel, Dr. Paul Baude, who is heading the Pentacene RFID program at 3M, reported on the development of a multi-bit transponder A receiver/transmitter on a communications satellite. It receives a microwave signal from earth (uplink), amplifies it and retransmits it back to earth at a different frequency (downlink). A satellite has several transponders. on chips using a vapor-coated organic semiconductor known as pentacene. The circuits are patterned on a glass substrate with laser-ablated polymer shadow-masks. The transponders are directly powered by alternating current, eliminating the need for diodes. Baude said these are significant milestones toward a commercially viable low-cost organic chip, but added that several technical challenges must still be overcome before organic semiconductors become a feasible substitute for silicon in RFID applications. "Pentacene-based RFID transponder development is at the R&D feasibility stage, and this work illustrates the utility of using these low-cost-based materials and manufacturing schemes for simple RFID applications," according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Baude. The paper presented by 3M is the work of Baude and 3M scientists David Ender, Tommie Kelley, Michael Haase, Dawn Muyres, and Steve Theiss. About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com. Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon are trademarks of 3M. |
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