Date: 06/05/2009

ST Microelectronics's new hardware kit to develop wireless sensor networks

ST Microelectronics has made available a hardware developer kit (HDK) for building active RFID tags and readers that comply with the global standard for 433MHz active RFID technology, ISO 18000-7. The beta version of the Smart W1000eb Based Sensor HDK is available now from Arira Design.

This web-based sensor HDK simplifies the development of wireless sensor networks for security and asset-monitoring applications. With this kit, engineers can combine standards-compliant active RFID with other wireless-networks and add GPS capabilities. It has built-in MEMS motion sensors and temperature sensors and light sensors.

"By making this Smart Web Based Sensor HDK available, STMicroelectronics has cleared a large hurdle for companies seeking to innovate with active RFID," said David Shannon, senior vice president of Savi Technology. "The HDK enables innovators to quickly and inexpensively develop new products based on the global standard for active RFID and will help expand the market for active RFID."