[sdiy] Printable electronics?

[Aaron Lanterman]

It would be cool if this sort of technology ever got off the ground...  
see DARPA BAA announcement below.

- Aaron

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Printable electronics enable a host of new applications that require  
flexible, conformal, and/or large area form factors.  In addition,  
they create an opportunity to leverage the high-throughput,  
manufacturing techniques (such as roll-to-roll and ink jet printing)  
developed by the printing industry for low cost products.  A major  
challenge for printable electronics is producing circuits that have  
moderate to high performance.  The Defense Advanced Research Projects  
Agency's (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) is requesting  
information on novel research ideas and approaches for producing  
printable operational amplifiers (op-amps) with performance equivalent  
of a 741 op-amp.  No funding has currently been allocated to this  
effort, a Broad Agency Announcement and/or other solicitation may or  
may not result from the findings of this RFI.

The technology for printable electronics has been a focus of recent  
research.  Usually a simple transistor device was made and tested.   
Where circuits were made, they were relatively simple and low  
performance.  There have also been many reports of the solution  
processing of materials that has not included printing.

DARPA/MTO is interested in printable electronic circuits that enable  
operational amplifiers that have performance that equals or exceeds  
that of a 741 op amp preferably using organic materials or utilizing  
printable organic/inorganic material structures and devices.  In order  
to focus onto approaches to those with the greatest potential, a  
preliminary target is a 741 class of op amp where all of the  
components are printed.  All of the metrics of a 741 op amp are  
minimum specifications for the printed op-amp and exceeding some  
metrics is encouraged as long as all of the other specifications are  
met.  Some of the metrics for a 741 op amp are:

1)     Supply Voltage*                 ±22 V

2)     Input Voltage Range           ±12 V

3)     Large Signal Voltage Gain     ≥50 V/mV (>47dB)

4)     Input Resistance                ≥0.5 MΩ

5)     Bandwidth                         ≥1 MHz

6)     Power Consumption             ≤50 mW

*Power rails are maximum operational values i.e. breakdown limits but  
the op-amp will need to also operate at lower power/voltages

#Open loop gain with output load ≥2 kΩ

The response to this RFI should include a detailed circuit schematic  
based on a credible design and simulations shown to support the claims  
that the metrics/specifications of the printed op-amp can indeed be  
achieved.

Interested parties should submit their position paper by responding to  
this RFI as described in the instructions below.

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS

This announcement contains all information required to submit a  
position paper.  No additional forms, kits, or other materials are  
needed.

DARPA appreciates responses from all capable and qualified sources,  
including but not limited to universities, university affiliated  
research centers, federally-funded research centers, private or public  
companies, and Government research laboratories.  Position papers have  
the following formatting requirements:

1)     A one page cover sheet that identifies the title,  
organization(s), responder's technical and administrative points of  
contact - including names, addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email  
addresses of all co-authors;

2)     A single overview briefing chart graphically depicting the key  
ideas;

3)     A technical description (limited to 5 pages in minimum 10 point  
font) of the approach which includes the material properties that need  
to be demonstrated in order to meet the desired metrics.  In addition,  
a pathway to achieve those properties should be outlined.

4)     A schematic (1 page) of the printable op amp with detailed  
specifications for each of the components.

5)     A discussion, limited to one page, on the applications where  
the proposed technology would have the largest impact.

6)     A list of citations (Any significant claims or reports of  
success must be accompanied by citations, and reference material MUST  
be attached).

7)     The above should be submitted as MS Word, PDF, and/or MS  
PowerPoint documents.

Responders are requested to include “DARPA-SN-09-24: Print Op-Amp”  
in the subject line of any email correspondence. Respondents must  
submit one original and two paper copies of the full response and one  
electronic copy of the full RFI response (in Microsoft Word, Adobe  
PDF, and/or Microsoft PowerPoint on a single CD ROM). Disks must be  
clearly labeled with “DARPA-SN-09-24: Print Op-Amp,” offeror  
organization, and points of contact. The full RFI response (original  
and designated number of hard and electronic copies) must be submitted  
to:

DARPA/MTO, Attn: Dr. Devanand Shenoy,
3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington,
VA 22203-1714.

Responses to this RFI are due no later than 4:00PM, Local Time,  
Arlington, VA, on April 24, 2009. ANY INQUIRIES ON THIS RFI MUST BE  
SUBMITTED TO DARPA-SN-09-24 at darpa.mil. NO TELEPHONIC INQUIRIES WILL BE  
ACCEPTED.

DISCLAIMERS AND IMPORTANT NOTES

This is an RFI issued solely for information and new program planning  
purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Respondents are  
advised that DARPA is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of  
the information received, or provide feedback to respondents with  
respect to any information submitted under this RFI.

In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not  
offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding  
contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses  
associated with responding to this RFI.

Original Point of Contact

Devanand Shenoy, Program Manager, MTO,
Phone 703-526-4751,
Fax 703-526-4751,
Email Devanand.Shenoy at darpa.mil


Contracting Office Address:
3701 North Fairfax Drive
Arlington, Virginia 22203-1714
Primary Point of Contact.:
Devanand K. Shenoy,
Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
devanand.shenoy at darpa.mil
Phone: 703-526-4751
Fax: 703-526-4751