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.
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."
Source: http://www.oki.com/