Low-cost ITO alternative rolls for touch panels

UniPixel Inc. has developed an embossing technology for printing electronic devices without the need for photolithography or screen printing and targeting the UniBoss process for the touch panel market.

The UniBoss is a robust, low-cost alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) in display transparent touchscreen applications. ITO is commonly used to make transparent conductive coatings for many display and other applications. Its high-cost and rigidity has researchers looking for a replacement technology.

DisplaySearch forecasts the touch panel market to grow from $3.6 billion in 2008 to $9 billion in 2015, with capacitive touch seeing a 27 percent CAGR over the same period and reaching $4.2 billion.

"We can increase the touch response speed and accuracy, as well as reduce the power requirements of current ITO-based systems," said Robert Petcavich, UniPixel's chief technology officer and senior VP.

Besides touch panels, potential applications for UniBoss include fabrication of both flexible and rigid PCB and RFID antennas.

UniPixel is scaling up the process for full scale production and plans pilot production quantities of available by the third quarter this year.

The company will showcase the UniBoss technology during the Society for Information Display event. Petcavich will address "ITO-Less Touch Screen Electrodes" issues in a talk at the adjacent SID Market Focus Conference.

- Nicolas Mokhoff
EE Times