Murata reduces UHF RFID tag size in close-coupling applications; launches compact cost-effective UHF RFID reader/writer module

MAGICSTRAP is Murata's multilayer ceramic RFID module which includes the IC alongside antenna matching circuitry sufficiently wideband for worldwide UHF use. It can be used with an external antenna such as a metallic antenna pattern on a tag inlay, or using the ground plane of a PCB or the foil layer of a pharmaceutical blister pack as an antenna, and now, without any booster antenna at all in close-coupled applications. MAGICSTRAP conforms to EPC Global C1G2 and its overall dimensions are just 3.2 x 1.6 x 0.55mm. This means any UHF reader in the world complying to this standard can be used to communicate with MAGICSTRAP in the near field. A simple loop antenna needs to be connected to the R/W-device in order to use this function. This interoperability by compliance to a global standard distinguishes it from solutions operating in other frequency bands like HF or LF.

Read ranges for MAGICSTRAP in close coupling can exceed 10mm when mounted on non-metallic surfaces and reach more than 5mm on metallic surfaces, depending on the output power of the reader device.

The small size makes the MAGICSTRAP with the close coupling function the ideal choice for anti-counterfeit schemes, process control, and asset management solutions.

Murata will be demonstrating MAGICSTRAP in close-coupling applications on booth T096 at the RFID/SITL show at Paris Nord Villepinte, 23-26 March 2010. Murata will also be exhibiting different tag designs that can be used for custom tag developments, PCB-tracking and RFID Cards using MAGICSTRAP and demonstrating MAGICSTRAP's compatibility with readers from various manufacturers.

Also launching at the show is a compact, cost-effective UHF RFID reader/writer module that is 80% smaller in volume than competing solutions on the market. Measuring just 23 x 13 x 2.8mm, the reader/writer module can easily be incorporated into the next generation of mobile devices and portable RFID readers.

Features of the UHF RFID reader/writer module include compact case size (23 x 13 x 2.8mm), frequency range of 860-960MHz and an output level of +17dBm. The module has a 50? termination to the antenna and features UART, SPI and I2C interfaces. It is surface mountable and ISO 18000-6C compliant. Supply voltage is 3.6V and current consumption is 800mA maximum. It is suitable for inventory management, anti-counterfeit schemes, point of sale technology and many more applications.