OKI Starts Mass Production of New LED Printhead Using LEDs with built-in switching function
Drawing on EFB technology, minimizes resource consumption by reducing chip width by 22%
TOKYO, May 17, 2010 -- OKI Data Corporation, an OKI Group company specializing in printer business, today announced the successful development by LED development subsidiary, OKI Digital Imaging, of a new LED array based on its proprietary Epi Film Bonding technology(*1). The technology in question adds a switching function to LEDs, whose sole conventional function is to emit light. This capability has been used to reduce chip width 22%. Future LED printers introduced by OKI Data will incorporate new LED printheads based on these LED arrays.
Conventional LEDs have a two-terminal structure comprised of an anode and a cathode. In a technology made possible by Epi Film Bonding, the new LED array features a three-terminal structure comprised of an anode, cathode, and gate, adding switching functions to the conventional LED function of emitting light. The new LEDs reduce the number of wires required in the chip and reduce chip width by 22%. They also make it possible to deploy a single power line on the substrate on which LEDs are mounted, halving the number of substrates. The new LED array will be manufactured at OKI Digital Imaging’s new manufacturing facility in Gumma Prefecture which started operations in April 2010.
There are two types of the new LED printhead which mounts the new LED array; resolutions of 1,200 dpi and 600 dpi. The parts used on these LED printheads are the same, except for the LED array, allowing shortened development time and enhanced productivity and maintenance.
"OKI Data currently operates in 120 countries worldwide, focusing on non-impact printers and leveraging the inherent advantages of LED printheads, including compact dimensions and high-speed, high-precision printing," said Harushige Sugimoto, President of OKI Data Corporation. "Since we first began developing non-impact printers, we have focused special attention on LED technologies. In September 2006, to minimize resource use and to achieve the high densities and higher resolution, OKI Digital Imaging developed Epi Film Bonding technology. This technology eliminates the need for adhesives and makes it possible to bond thin film materials via intermolecular bonding forces. OKI Digital Imaging was the world's first company to incorporate this technology into commercial products. We expect to apply this technology to a range of applications, including LED printheads."
To date, OKI Digital Imaging has shipped over 12 million printheads. (A4 conversion)
Glossary
- *1 :Epi Film Bonding Technology
Developed for LED printer print heads, the technology enables thin films to be released and to be bonded to dissimilar materials. The OKI Group was the world's first company to achieve high-volume production of LED printheads based on this technology, which enables higher-density semiconductors and multi-layers and contributes to the development of low power consumption devices. A long-standing conviction at the OKI Group is that this technology will open the way forward to the development of various innovative compound circuit ICs.
About Oki Digital Imaging Co., Ltd.
Established in 1999, Oki Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets LED devices, LED array boards, and LED printheads for the global market. These products are key components of printers and facsimile devices. As a member of the OKI Group, Oki Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. plays a major role within the group. Visit the company website at http://www.odij.co.jp/index_en.html.
About Oki Data Corporation
Oki Data Corporation specializes in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of business printing solutions that strengthen the communication capabilities of organizations around the world. OKI Data Corporation currently has agents in 120 countries worldwide through which it offers innovative, leading-edge products and services. It is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based OKI Electric Industry Co. Ltd., which was established in 1881 as Japan’s first telecommunications manufacturer. For more information, please visit http://www.oki.com/.
- The names of the companies and products mentioned in this document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies and organizations.
- The term “LED” conventionally refers to Light Emitting Diode. However, since the new LED array has a three-terminal structure, OKI Data will use the term to mean Light Emitting Device.
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Phone: +81-3-5403-1247
- * Information in the press releases is current on the date of the press announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice.