EEPROM with passive RFID interface

DSP, Micros & Memory

10 November 2010 DSP, Micros & Memory

STMicroelectronics developed the first in a new family of products that provide the flexibility to remotely program or update electronic products, anytime during their lifetime and anywhere in the supply chain. The devices enable manufacturers to update parameters, regionalise or activate software without connecting a programmer or even opening the retail packaging.

The M24LR64 is an EEPROM memory with a standard I²C serial interface, providing communication with most microcontrollers or ASICs, and also a standard ISO15693 RF (radio frequency) interface for wireless communications with RFID readers. The ISO15693 standard incorporates passive RFID technology, which gathers both the energy and the data from the RF system. No power is required to operate the M24LR64 in RF mode, which enables onboard energy savings and provides convenient remote access to electronic product parameters.

By providing a link between the operation of electronic devices and the RFID world, this device aims to enable new types of products, including those requiring asset tracking, data collection, diagnostics or traceability, such as medical devices, industrial equipment and automotive electronics. Computer peripherals and consumer products can take advantage of the M24LR64 feature set for parameter and regional setting update, even when the device is in its package seal. Also, RFID systems requiring additional monitoring, such as cold-chain verification, will also benefit from the device’s high memory density.

The M24LR64 has a 64 Kbit capacity for storage of program code, product parameters, serial numbers, calibration data or event-log data. Its RF ISO15693 interface can be accessed by a wide range of RF readers, covering handheld devices, pad antennas, gate systems and tunnel readers. The memory also communicates with the host system via an industry-standard I²C interface operating at 400 kHz from 1,8 to 5,5 V. It also comes with a flexible 32-bit password protection scheme to protect the application from unauthorised tampering or to prevent unexpected access to memory.

The dual-interface EEPROM can be used with either on-board or off-board antenna types in a variety of form factors, allowing product designers to optimise aspects such as overall dimensions, communication range and PC board complexity.

For more information contact Robin Scholes, Avnet Kopp, +27 (0)11 809 6100.

Share this article:

Categories

DSP, Micros & Memory

EEPROM with passive RFID interface

Further reading:

Publications by Technews