"Essential for XR Devices"... What is '2Metal COF' Developed by LG Innotek?

Display High-Resolution Support... Expected to Enhance User Immersion

[Asia Economy Reporter Sunmi Park] LG Innotek announced on the 15th that it is strengthening its market penetration by introducing the essential product for extended reality (XR) devices, the ‘2 Metal COF’. COF (Chip on Film) is a semiconductor packaging substrate that connects the display and the main board. It helps minimize the display bezel and reduce the size of modules in TVs, laptops, monitors, smartphones, and more. It is also called an ultra-fine flexible circuit board that can replace conventional flexible printed circuit boards.

LG Innotek's 2Metal COF. A film-type semiconductor substrate with the world's smallest thickness and width, it is a key component for XR devices.

While existing COFs implemented circuits on only one side, the most distinctive feature of the 2 Metal COF is that it forms circuits on both sides. It precisely processes holes called ‘micro via holes’ on a thin film and implements ultra-fine circuits on both sides. The size of the product’s via holes is 25㎛ (micrometers). Considering that the thickness of a human hair is 100㎛, the holes are made at a quarter of the thickness of a hair.

The smaller the via holes, the more pathways are created connecting the top and bottom surfaces of the product, and more pattern circuits for electrical signals can be made. This not only enables faster signal transmission between electronic devices but also allows for ultra-high-definition screens. With better pixels, XR devices that provide a high level of immersion can be created.

It is a thin and flexible film type that can be freely folded or rolled up. By reducing the mounting space for components, set manufacturers can secure more space to include additional components. The thickness has also been minimized. The film thickness is only 70㎛, which is the thinnest among semiconductor substrates.

Recently, as the metaverse era has begun in earnest, the demand for displays that bend or fold has increased, and flexibility is also required for the components mounted on them. The 2 Metal COF, which can be bent freely, is an important reason why it is considered a product that fits the current trend in the display industry.

LG Innotek is also actively promoting to North America and Japan, where many XR device manufacturers are located. Son Gil-dong, Executive Vice President and Head of the Substrate Materials Division, said, “Based on the technological capabilities and quality developed over 50 years of substrate business, we will lead the 2 Metal COF market,” and added, “We will create differentiated customer value with products applicable to various applications.”