Atmel Next-Generation LF RFID Transponder Provides Maximum Flexibility for Consumer and Industrial Identification Applications

The Atmel ATA5577M1330C-PP enhances the Atmel LF RFID portfolio with a stand-alone, fully functional tag that includes an antenna coil trimmed to an operating frequency of 125kHz.

The new device provides the highest flexibility for universal use, which is a key market requirement. The new Atmel RFID device provides a broad range of data rates from RF/2 to RF/128 (64kBit/s to 1kBit/s at 125kHz), modulation and a variety of coding schemes including ASK, FSK, PSK, Manchester, Bi-phase and NRZ. The Atmel-patented digital Analog Frontend Register enables the chip's analog front end circuitry to adapt to the transponder and reader system for maximum performance. The ATA5577M1330C-PP is the only device on the market where the analog behavior can be tuned in a closed and sealed transponder for increased performance. By eliminating the need to open the transponder for tuning, the on-chip AFE register helps simplify the design and production process significantly.

The new transponder is available in a standard lead-free zero-pin brick package, which is also used by other Atmel IDICR family members. The package molding makes the transponder very robust so that it can be used in rugged environments that are challenging for competing RFID devices, including underwater, on metal or in dirt.

The on-chip memory contains an Atmel-pre-programmed unique ID in two additional memory blocks. These locked blocks guarantee a unique, worldwide traceable Atmel number consisting of the Atmel lot number, wafer lot and sequential die number. This makes the device well suited for use in applications that only require a low, basic level of security, while at the same time ensuring compatibility with all kinds of existing RFID systems.

The ISO11784/ ISO11785 code structure, along with the de-facto-standard-unique format, can be configured according to the requirements of specific 125kHz applications.

Samples of the Atmel ATA5577M1330C-PP in 12mm x 5.9mm x 3mm brick packages are available now. Pricing starts at US$1.93 for bulk shipments of 4,000-piece quantities. To support engineers and to simplify the design of complete RFID systems, Atmel provides evaluation kits (ATA2270-EK1, ATA5505-EK1) with the sample transponders. These kits are based on Atmel's well-known AVRR microcontrollers and provide WindowsR PC software, C source code for programming the AVR device, and PCB Gerber data for the reader board.