Device-circuit interactions and impact on TFT circuit-system design

This paper reviews the importance of device-circuit interactions (DCI) and its consideration when designing thin film transistor circuits and systems. We examine temperature- and process-induced variations and propose a way to evaluate the maximum achievable intrinsic performance of the TFT. This is aimed at determining when DCI becomes crucial for a specific application. Compensation methods are then reviewed to show examples of how DCI is considered in the design of AMOLED displays. Other designs such as analog front-end and image sensors are also discussed, where alternate circuits should be designed to overcome the limitations of the intrinsic device properties

Flexible Ultralow-Power Sensor Interfaces for E-Skin

Thin-film electronics has hugely benefitted from low-cost processes, large-area processability, and multi-functionality. This has not only stimulated innovation in display and sensor technology, but has also demonstrated great potential for integration of components for human-machine interfaces. For electronics to be deployed as sensor interfaces and signal processing, the quest for low power is compelling due to the inherently limited battery lifetime. This review will present the state-of-the-art in thin film electronics and demonstrate examples of low-cost printable transistors and biosensors that are flexible/stretchable for wearable and other applications. Ultralow power design for thin-film transistors will be discussed from the standpoint of reducing both operating voltage and operating current, taking into account the challenges in meeting frequency requirements. Compact models for circuit design will be reviewed along with new insights into ultralow power transistors and high gain amplifier circuits. Finally, a concept for an integrated system comprising sensors and interfacing circuits will be demonstrated, which has the potential to enable battery-less operation.EPSRC under Project EP/M013650/1 EU under Projects DOMINO 645760, 1D-NEON 685758 and BET-EU 692373 IEEE Electron Devices Society PhD Student Fellowship China Scholarship Counci

Device-Circuit Interactions and Impact on TFT Circuit-System Design

This paper reviews the importance of device-circuit interactions (DCI) and its consideration when designing thin film transistor circuits and systems. We examine temperature- and process-induced variations and propose a way to evaluate the maximum achievable intrinsic performance of the TFT. This is aimed at determining when DCI becomes crucial for a specific application. Compensation methods are then reviewed to show examples of how DCI is considered in the design of AMOLED displays. Other designs such as analog front-end and image sensors are also discussed, where alternate circuits should be designed to overcome the limitations of the intrinsic device properties