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February 9
News Release
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Epson Develops
the World's First Flexible 8-Bit Asynchronous Microprocessor
– TOKYO, Japan, February 9, 2005 –
Seiko Epson Corp.
("Epson") has announced that it has developed the
world's first*1 flexible 8-bit asynchronous microprocessor using low-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistors (LTPS-TFTs) on a plastic substrate. With energy consumption reduced by 70% compared to the synchronous microprocessors now in everyday use, Epson is now researching potential applications for its invention. The results of
Epson's research were announced at ISSCC2005, the International Solid-State Circuit Conference, held earlier this month in San Francisco in the United States.
The combination of Epson's original SUFTLA*2 technology, LTPS-TFTs technology, and asynchronous circuit design technology has made it possible for Epson to create stable displays that are large in size, and that use substrates that are both flexible and variable in shape. SUFTLA is an Epson developed technique that makes it possible to transfer LTPS-TFT circuits onto flexible substrates.
"Saving," has long been the key theme to
Epson's electronic device development with Epson products well known for their energy saving, space saving and resource saving. In the current project, Epson is aiming to build on its traditional strengths to firmly establish the field of flexible microelectronics technology.
Using the asynchronous circuit design technology, Epson has been able to:
1. Make a stable 8-bit microprocessor composed of 32,000 LTPS-TFTs,
2. Achieve energy consumption 70% lower than the synchronous design, and
3. Reduce electromagnetic radiation by 20dB.
The current invention is the first time in the world for an operational 8-bit asynchronous microprocessor to be formed on a flexible substrate.
Epson believes that technologies allowing flexibility will be of critical importance as demand for ubiquitous mobile devices continues to grow.
Epson's forthcoming R&D into asynchronous microprocessors will concentrate on establishing this technology on a practical level, as well as searching for potential applications.
*1: According to Epson research.
*2: Surface Free Technology by Laser Ablation /Annealing. SUFTLA is a trademark or registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corp.
Outline
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Circuit size
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32,000 transistors (LTPS TFT)
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Gate length
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4
 m
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Compatibility
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With the Epson original S1C88 8-bit microcomputer series
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External dimension
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27.0 mm x 24.0 mm
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Thickness
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200 m
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Weight
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140 mg
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Range of operating voltage
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3.5-7
V
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Maximum frequency
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5V,
500 KHz
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Consumption current
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180
A (at 5V, 500KHz)
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About Epson
The Epson Group increases its corporate value through its innovative and creative culture. Dedicated to providing its customers with digital image innovation, its main product lines comprise information-related equipment such as printers and projectors, electronic devices including displays, liquid crystal panels for projectors, semiconductors and quartz devices, and precision products such as watches. Epson products are known throughout the world for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
The Epson Group is a network of 84,899 employees in 110 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., which is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Group had consolidated sales of 1,413 billion yen in fiscal 2003.
Contact:
Seiko Epson Corp.
Corporate Communications
Contact us by e-mail
URL: http://www.epson.co.jp/
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