Secure NFC/RFID tags feature multiple memory options

16th February 2015

Barney Scott

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STMicroelectronics has combined wide memory range, strong data protection and best-in-class data retention and write-erase cycles in its SRTAG NFC/RFID tags, opening up possibilities for short-range wireless connectivity in applications such as consumer electronics, computer peripherals, home appliances, industrial automation, and healthcare products.

ST’s SRTAG ICs provide NFC Forum Type 4 Tag RF interface and built-in NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) message support. The embedded EEPROM memory density spans from 512b to 64kb, covering a wide spectrum of applications including content-rich virtual business cards and smart signs. The SRTAG series delivers state-of-the-art RF performance and features a user-programmable digital CMOS output that eliminates the need for an external component to trigger the host wake-up.

ST’s NFC tags boast unparalleled robustness, with data retention of 200 years (20 times higher than the industry standard) and 1m erase-write cycles (10 times higher than the industry standard). A temperature range of -40 to +85°C ensures faultless performance and durability in the harshest operating conditions.

ST says that its SRTAGs also outperform existing solutions in data protection, coupling the market’s strongest 128b password protection with a 20b counter for read/write access control that virtually eliminates any risk of tag cloning or tampering.

SRTAG applications include NFC smart posters and advertising, image-enhanced NFC business cards, NFC tokens for automated Bluetooth pairing and secure access to WiFi networks, as well as NFC tags for asset tracking, maintenance records, and product identification.

The SRTAG16K and SRTAG64K are available in production volume, the SRTAG2KL, SRTAG2KL-P, and SRTAG512L are sampling to lead customers. Prices for orders of 1,000 pieces start at $0.17 for the 512b version.