Crocus, the magnetically enhanced IC specialist, has prototyped a bendable display using flexible sensors and is looking for applications and customers for it.
“Crocus has created a new IP based on magnetic sensors for flexible surface position detection. This enables equipment makers to gain in the added performance of flexible shape devices, while reducing costs,” says Crocus CEO Bertrand Cambou, “we anticipate strong interest.”
From whom?
“The Koreans are developing flexible displays, ” replies Cambou, “the market is going to explode on two years’ time.”
Sony, Samsung, Sharp, LG and AU Optronics all have flexible displays and are working on getting them to market in products.
The Crocus technology allows the thermally-assisted switching MRAM technology to be implemented as an amplifier and magnetic sensor and provide high enough sensitivity and directionality to ensure that only relatively few sensors and magnets need be integrated into a backing foil for the display, making the technology cost effective.
In its 20 x 20cm prototype display, Crocus has embedded about 15 magnets and 15 sensors. The assembly draws less than 10mA of current during a sensing cycle that lasts less than 1ms.
Asked why there’s a need for flexible sensors, Cambou replies: “If you put a shape in front of you that is not flat the image will be deformed.”
It is expected that curved displays, flexible solar panels and mobile phones will use flexible surfaces and designers can use software to correct distorted images.
The sensors operate at up to 250°C.
For more detail: Crocus sensors for flexible displays
