Pelikon

Core Business and Technology

The central offering from Pelikon was its proprietary display technology, the pSEL??? (printed segmented electroluminescence) display. This technology utilized a flexible liquid crystal (LC) layer and was distinct in its ability to operate effectively across all lighting conditions, from total darkness to direct sunlight. This all-weather readability was a key differentiator for their products. Pelikon's development and manufacturing capabilities were focused on printed AC electroluminescent displays, placing them at the forefront of the plastic electronics supply chain within the UK at the time.

The company's intellectual property and technical expertise centered on creating adaptable display solutions that could be seamlessly integrated into complex product designs. Their technological advancements allowed for the creation of interfaces that could change their appearance and function???a concept often referred to in their marketing as "morphing keypad solutions." This enabled manufacturers to design products with keypads that could reconfigure themselves based on the device's operating mode, offering a streamlined and context-aware user experience.

Products and Services

Pelikon's product portfolio was a focused collection of components and integrated solutions designed to power dynamic and advanced user interfaces.

Display and Interface Products

• pSEL??? Displays and Keypads: This was the signature product line, leveraging their Printed Segmented Electroluminescence technology. These flexible displays were used for creating segmented characters, icons, and dynamic graphics that could be manufactured with an extremely thin profile. The inherent flexibility and high visibility made them ideal for non-flat surfaces and demanding environmental conditions.
• Morphing Keypad Solutions: Pelikon provided the technology and expertise to implement keypads that could dynamically change their visible layout and function. This was achieved through the use of their flexible displays and specialized backlighting that could illuminate or hide specific icons and keys, enabling a single surface to serve multiple functional roles.
• Animated Backlites and Panels: The company developed sophisticated backlighting solutions that went beyond simple uniform illumination. These animated backlites could be used to highlight specific areas of a control panel or keypad, guide user interaction, or provide visual feedback, greatly enhancing the aesthetic and functional appeal of the host device.
• Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs): Pelikon also supplied standard and customized liquid crystal display products, complementing their pSEL??? offerings and providing a broader range of display solutions to their customers.

Electronic and System Services

• Display Drivers and Controllers: To ensure the proper function and dynamic capability of their display hardware, Pelikon developed and provided the necessary electronic components. These display drivers and controllers were critical for managing the power, timing, and graphical content of the pSEL??? and morphing interface solutions. The company's ability to offer a complete solution, from the physical display panel to the driving electronics, made them an attractive partner for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Market Applications

The display solutions developed by Pelikon were highly versatile and found applications across several high-volume consumer and industrial sectors. The key markets served included:

• Mobile Phones and Portable Devices: This was an early and critical application, where the demand for dynamically reconfigurable keypads was high, particularly in feature phones and early smart devices where physical buttons were still prevalent.
• Home Appliances: Their interfaces were used in domestic appliances such as washing machines, ovens, and other white goods, where elegant, easy-to-clean, and multi-functional control panels were a rising design trend.
• Control Panels and Industrial Equipment: The robust nature and all-lighting readability of the pSEL??? technology made it suitable for industrial control panels, medical equipment, and other professional instruments that required reliable displays in various operational environments.
• Fitness Equipment: Pelikon???s solutions were also integrated into fitness machines, providing clear, dynamic, and stylish display interfaces for monitoring performance and controlling workout programs.

Corporate History and Acquisition

Pelikon Ltd. was a venture capital-backed entity, having secured substantial funding over its operational lifespan. The company was founded by Richard Blakesley and Chris Barnardo.

In a significant corporate event that speaks to the value of their niche technology, Pelikon Ltd. was acquired by the U.S. multinational Multi-Fineline Electronix (MFLEX) in December 2008. MFLEX, a major provider of flexible printed circuit and component assembly services, acquired Pelikon to integrate its printed display and morphing keypad expertise directly into its own flexible circuit manufacturing capabilities. Following the acquisition, Pelikon Ltd. became a subsidiary of Multi-Fineline Electronix Singapore Pte., Ltd. The acquisition, valued at approximately $10.7 million, was recognized at the time as a significant transaction in the printed electronics sector, underscoring the successful commercialization of Pelikon???s innovative display technology from the UK to the global electronics supply chain.