Date: 09/09/2011

Dual-interface EEPROM allows wireless access of data via NFC and RFID

STMicroelectronics has announced the M24LR64, a wireless EEPROM memory device, which can transmit and receive information from the heart of an application to a smartphone containing NFC technology or to an industrial RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) reader, allowing for transactions, data exchange, object identification and tracking to occur rapidly. ST released this device to address the growing use of NFC in transaction applications such as making payments, public transit access using their mobile devices. NFC technology is estimated to get into 30.5% of all handsets shipped in 2015, according to market-research firm IHS iSuppli.

A new App called Dual EE, which operates on the Android operating system, delivers full compatibility with ST's M24LR64 wireless memory. The app connects an NFC-enabled smartphone to a prototype temperature recorder featuring ST's unique M24LR64 wireless memory and demonstrates data transfer and storage. These capabilities are easily transferable to a broad range of products, including medical devices, home appliances, consumer electronic products and meters. Adoption of NFC technology and ST says its innovative memory will cut the cord and grant users more freedom in saving and exchanging information wherever they want.

"The combination of this new Android app and our innovative dual-interface wireless EEPROM memory will allow users to communicate with a wide range of electronic devices via their NFC-enabled smartphones," said Benoit Rodrigues, General Manager of ST's Memories Division. "The introduction of the unique memory and the Android app is further evidence of ST's ability to develop new and innovative technologies and solutions for the fast-growing NFC market, complementing our world-leading product portfolio for NFC, which also includes secure elements, SIM ICs and NFC controllers for mobile devices."

Together, the dual-interface EEPROM and Android app provide a launch pad for consumer-tech innovations offering users new types of benefits via NFC. The memory can also operate with RFID equipment used in the supply chain. The Dual EE app can be downloaded free of charge from the Android Market, and has already been validated on leading smartphones. The source code of this sample application is available on the ST website at www.st.com giving developers a head start to designing their own Android NFC applications that are able to communicate with dual-interface EEPROM products.

ST's M24LR64 is a dual-interface EEPROM that can be connected directly to a wireless antenna as used in an RFID tag to transfer data through the energy in radio waves between the RFID or NFC reader and an electric tag attached to an object, allowing the equipment to be read or updated without being switched on. ST says it is the only product of its type in the market able to communicate with RFID and ISO15693-capable NFC readers, as well as the system's own processor and this dual interface simplifies the design of products that provide new features for NFC users that can also be managed easily in the supply chain using RFID, also feature a 32-bit password data protection scheme, enabling control of wireless read-and-write memory access.

RFID is increasingly being used within supply chains and is especially useful in managing inventory, as it drastically reduces the amount of time used in the past to count items. Electronic products containing an ST wireless EEPROM such as the M24LR64 can be identified individually, activated on safe delivery, and updated with regional settings or new firmware at the point of sale. Since the tags can be read from inside the devices, all this can be carried out without opening packaging or breaking manufacturers' seals. These capabilities enhance security, control, flexibility and convenience for OEMs and retailers.

Available: Now
Price: $0.72 each for 1K units