6. Printed RFID and Smart Objects for New High Volume Applications

Printed electronics opens up completely new application fields for electronics, where there is no electronics today. By printing conductive, semi conductive, dielectric and other functional materials in roll-to-roll processes on plastic films it is possible to realize electronic devices that are thin, flexible, low cost and available in very high volumes. Even though the overall performance of such printed electronic devices is typically lower compared to standard silicon based electronics, printed electronics could be integrated directly into packaging, to make consumer goods smart: e.g. integrated radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that transmit information in an electronic way or so called Smart Objects that enable, for example, dynamical optical elements to appear on packages, tickets or brand products. The technology of printed electronics is young and still not mature, therefore it is important to start with first products in niche markets where the advantages of printed electronics are obvious and where both the manufacturer and the user can learn about the use of such devices. To enter mass markets, some challenges still need to be faced, especially in the field of material and process optimization, but also at the system level, in order to find the best ways to integrate printed electronics with low cost goods. This chapter describes the status quo, first products and market outlook for printed electronics with a focus on printed RFID and printed Smart Objects.