LONDON: German maker of mixed signal Ics, Dialog Semiconductor Plc., is collaborating with Cambridge, Massachusetts-based electronic paper display technology firm E Ink Corporation to develop drivers for paper thin displays.
E Ink makes electronic ink-based flexible reflective displays with 5.5 mm or less thickness, which are known to consume less power than other displays, using its own electrophoresis technology. Kirchheim/ Teck, Germany-based Dialog Semiconductor will now provide a specification for the electrophoretic display driver, facilitating production of a still thinner IC package to minimize the thickness of the overall display module. These ICs will consume lesser power and offer tight integration.
Manoj Thanigasalam, general manager of the display driver business unit at Dialog Semiconductor, said the tie-up is in line with the company's strategic focus of working with advanced display technology partners to create innovative and differentiated driver ICs. The new driver will help E Ink's customers to use the paper-thin electronic paper in their applications. Dialog also expects several other applications for the new product.
E Ink's ink is basically required in consumer and industrial applications such as eBooks, which give the reader a true paper-like visual experience, in cellphone screens, which can give high contrast and brightness in the widest of lightning conditions, in transportation signage and in other electronic display applications.
According to the companies, the paper-thin displays developed by the electrically addressable ink is embedded in a polymer matrix and results in a reflective display technology. There is no need for front or backlight, it is viewable under a wide range of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, and it would not require any power to maintain an image.
The new products using the Dialog chip are expected in the market in the later part of 2006.
E Ink currently makes all-plastic segmented cells that are flexible and conformable. These cells can be used in a range of applications from clocks and watches to electronic shelf displays and preprogrammed signage.
