Stable fully-printed polymer resistive read-only memory and its operation in mobile readout system

Abstract

The read-only memory (ROM) is a key component for a wide range of printed electronics applications. The resistive type ROM based on conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) would be a promising technology of choice, which can be “manufactured-on-demand” via digital printing for high throughput and material saving. However, the instability issues associated with the conventional PEDOT: PSS and its interface with contact electrodes would be a critical hurdle preventing the technology from practical applications. This work proves that, by removing the hydrophilic acidic groups in conventional PEDOT: PSS, these instability issues can be well addressed. The ROM tags fabricated based on the modified PEDOT: PSS of neutral pH and inkjet printed silver electrodes present extremely stable performance under both aging and electrical stress tests in air ambient. A self-designed memory readout circuit board, communicating with mobile phone through near field communication, is also implemented to demonstrate the feasibility of using the ROM tags in real mobile systems. It is shown that, without any encapsulation, the ROMs can have stable output under high humidity condition (>60% RH), after either being stored in the ambient condition for 30 days or being operated after 20000 reading cycles.