Request for Information-Printable Operational Amplifier (PRINT OP- AMP)

Description Printable electronics enable a host of new applications that require flexible, conformal, and/or large area form factors. In addition, they create an opportunity to leverage the high-throughput, manufacturing techniques (such as roll-to-roll and ink jet printing) developed by the printing industry for low cost products. A major challenge for printable electronics is producing circuits that have moderate to high performance. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) is requesting information on novel research ideas and approaches for producing printable operational amplifiers (op-amps) with performance equivalent of a 741 op-amp. No funding has currently been allocated to this effort, a Broad Agency Announcement and/or other solicitation may or may not result from the findings of this RFI. The technology for printable electronics has been a focus of recent research. Usually a simple transistor device was made and tested. Where circuits were made, they were relatively simple and low performance. There have also been many reports of the solution processing of materials that has not included printing. DARPA/MTO is interested in printable electronic circuits that enable operational amplifiers that have performance that equals or exceeds that of a 741 op amp preferably using organic materials or utilizing printable organic/inorganic material structures and devices. In order to focus onto approaches to those with the greatest potential, a preliminary target is a 741 class of op amp where all of the components are printed. All of the metrics of a 741 op amp are minimum specifications for the printed op-amp and exceeding some metrics is encouraged as long as all of the other specifications are met. Some of the metrics for a 741 op amp are: 1) Supply Voltage* - 22 V 2) Input Voltage Range - 12 V 3) Large Signal Voltage Gain ?50 V/mV (>47dB) 4) Input Resistance ?0.5 M? 5) Bandwidth ?1 MHz 6) Power Consumption ?50 mW *Power rails are maximum operational values i.e. breakdown limits but the op-amp will need to also operate at lower power/voltages #Open loop gain with output load ?2 k? The response to this RFI should include a detailed circuit schematic based on a credible design and simulations shown to support the claims that the metrics/specifications of the printed op-amp can indeed be achieved. Interested parties should submit their position paper by responding to this RFI as described in the instructions below. INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS This announcement contains all information required to submit a position paper. No additional forms, kits, or other materials are needed. DARPA appreciates responses from all capable and qualified sources, including but not limited to universities, university affiliated research centers, federally-funded research centers, private or public companies, and Government research laboratories. Position papers have the following formatting requirements: 1) A one page cover sheet that identifies the title, organization(s), responder's technical and administrative points of contact - including names, addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses of all co-authors; 2) A single overview briefing chart graphically depicting the key ideas; 3) A technical description (limited to 5 pages in minimum 10 point font) of the approach which includes the material properties that need to be demonstrated in order to meet the desired metrics. In addition, a pathway to achieve those properties should be outlined. 4) A schematic (1 page) of the printable op amp with detailed specifications for each of the components. 5) A discussion, limited to one page, on the applications where the proposed technology would have the largest impact. 6) A list of citations (Any significant claims or reports of success must be accompanied by citations, and reference material MUST be attached). 7) The above should be submitted as MS Word, PDF, and/or MS PowerPoint documents. Responders are requested to include - DARPA-SN-09-24: Print Op-Amp in the subject line of any email correspondence. Respondents must submit one original and two paper copies of the full response and one electronic copy of the full RFI response (in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, and/or Microsoft PowerPoint on a single CD ROM). Disks must be clearly labeled with - DARPA-SN-09-24: Print Op-Amp, offeror organization, and points of contact. The full RFI response (original and designated number of hard and electronic copies) must be submitted to: DARPA/MTO, Attn: Dr. Devanand Shenoy, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714. Responses to this RFI are due no later than 4:00PM, Local Time, Arlington, VA, on April 24, 2009. ANY INQUIRIES ON THIS RFI MUST BE SUBMITTED TO DARPA-SN-09-24@darpa.mil. NO TELEPHONIC INQUIRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. DISCLAIMERS AND IMPORTANT NOTES This is an RFI issued solely for information and new program planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Respondents are advised that DARPA is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received, or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Original Point of Contact Devanand Shenoy, Program Manager, MTO, Phone 703-526-4751, Fax 703-526-4751, Email Devanand.Shenoy@darpa.mil