RFID integrated circuit for jewelry and cosmetics

The EM4126 achieves a typical read sensitivity of -19dBm at the chip level, which translates into a typical -21dBm sensitivity at the tag level for a dipole-like antenna with 2dBi gain (25us TARI, 250kHz BLF). Operating over a temperature range from - 40 to 85°C, the UHF RFID IC features forward link data rates of 40-160kb/s and return link data rates of 40-640kb/s. The device is suitable for applications such as supply chain management, tracking and tracing, container identification, access control and asset control.

It also contains more memory than competitive item-level tags. Its 224-bit non-volatile memory (16-bit PC Word and 208-bit UII/EPC Code) enable support of ISO or EPC data structures and allow for SGTIN 198 encoding as an enhanced alternative to SGTIN-96. SGTIN-198 encoding uses alphanumeric serialisation represented as a string of up to 20 7-bit characters allowing for more flexibility and human-readable codes. The encoded string is left-justified and unused characters are zero filled.

Michel Willemin, CEO, EM Microelectronic, comments: “The EM4126 is an excellent example of EM’s desire to bring high performance and more convenience to the retail RFID market. By enabling the use of alphanumeric encoding in a compact, long read-range jewelry or luxury item tag, EM brings value to and simplifies the lives of both the retailer and of the luxury goods manufacturer. A smaller, more readable tag enhances the merchandising of such items.”