Wave Issue 0507 2/18/05 Article 7-01

***Radical New Active Matrix Technology from Rolltronics Will
Enable a Whole New Generation of Large Displays and Affordable
Signs

MENLO PARK, Calif.
Feb. 15, 2005

A Vision of the Future. Imagine digital signs that have high
contrast, low power consumption, and a lightweight, thin
profile. Rolltronics Corporation has invented a new EM
switching technology called FASwitch to make this possible.

Rolltronics demonstrated a new technology that may eliminate
the need for semiconductor transistors in some display
products. At the Flexible Displays Conference recently held in
Phoenix, Arizona, Rolltronics unveiled the world's first
display prototype using their FASwitch active matrix
technology. The display utilized electronic ink technology
from E Ink Corporation, a leading developer of electronic
paper displays (EPD).

The first commercial application of FASwitch will be large-
area displays targeted initially at the signage market. The
combination of the FASwitch active matrix backplane, with
electronic paper technologies, like E Ink's, creates an ideal
digital sign with high contrast, low power consumption, and a
lightweight, thin profile.

According to Rolltronics, FASwitch's new approach changes all
the rules. A transistor is just a switch. So Rolltronic set
out to create an affordable universal switch without silicon
to replace expensive transistors currently used in active
matrix arrays. The applications are vast. FASwitch has the
potential to drive virtually all FPD display technologies, as
well as sensors and circuits, to improve functionality and
dramatically reduce costs.

FASwitch electrostatically-driven membrane switches are
patterned with metal traces to form active matrix switch
arrays that can be produced with the same roll-to-roll
processes that are used in the flexible circuit industry.

www.rolltronics.com