Atmel Launches Low-cost LF RFID IC with OTP Functionality and Unsurpassed Read Performance for Small-sized Access Control Systems

Increased flexibility, shorter lead-time, faster time-to-market

San Jose, CA -- November 19, 2009 - Atmel® Corporation  today announced the availability of the LF OTP (One Time Programmable) transponder IDIC® ATA5575M1. The device is a new member of Atmel's broad, well-known RFID transponder family and has been optimized for next-generation access control systems. Application areas include, for example, hotel rooms, engineering departments, offices, time recording systems and parking lots, as well as customer loyalty and membership cards. The ATA5575M1 provides OTP functionality, which simplifies the production process and provides increased flexibility compared to read-only devices. Customers can program the required code before shipping. As a result, the lead time and time-to-market are drastically reduced.

The device's new architecture enables outstanding read distances with different types of coils and readers. The write distance has been reduced since a short write distance is sufficient. This helps to minimize both cost and chip size. Moreover, large write distances are in many cases unfavorable due to the risk of multiple tag programming. Further system cost reduction results from the integration of the optional trimmed 250- or 330-pF on-chip capacitors. These capacitors eliminate the need for external components, since a coil is all that is needed for a complete system, thus enabling extra-small access control systems. Since the ATA5575M1 measures only about 0.9 square millimeters, the chip can be used in almost any transponder package, including glass transponders for very small tags such as plastic key housings.

A unique ID is vital for guaranteeing access to secured areas and enabling traceability of the end product. The device's user memory contains a unique, manufacturer-programmed ID. In standard applications, the system designer can simply lock the tag and use this pre-programmed unique ID as is. In applications requiring an individual, unique ID, the designer can overwrite the existing ID by using the desired customer-specific code.

Since the ATA5575M1 is an LF device, it can be used worldwide. It is insensitive to rugged environments and can also be used under conditions that normally complicate the application of RFID devices, e.g. under water, on metal, in dirt, out-of-sight, or worn on the body.

The ATA5575M1 transponder IC supports ASK modulation and Manchester coding with a fixed bit rate of RF/64 and is designed for passive identification systems with a 100 to 150 kHz magnetic field. It can replace almost all available LF RFID read-only devices with the 'unique format'.

Availability and Pricing

Samples are available now as wafer or die-in-waffle pack. Pricing for the ATA5575M1 as wafer shipment start at US$ 0.34 in quantities of 15k pieces. The ATA5575M1 is available as 64- or 128-bit memory version. To support the engineer and to simplify the design of complete RFID systems, Atmel provides the evaluation kit ATA2270-EK1 including ATA5575M1 sample tags. The kit is based on Atmel's well-known AVR® microcontrollers and is accompanied with a Windows® PC software, C-source code for the AVR and PCB Gerber data for the reader board.

Information

Product information on Atmel's new LF RFID IC ATA5575M1 is available at: http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=4654.

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of capacitive touch solutions, microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets.