STMicroelectronics lets phones communicate with other devices via NFC
07 December, 2010
category: NFC
STMicroelectronics (ST) has announced the launch of its new NFC and RF-enabled EEPROM technologies allowing for communication between mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Equipped with ST’s NFC chip, a mobile phone can upload and download data over the air from any equipment fitted with ST’s EEPROM memory, from personal health monitors to TV sets and washing machines, without consuming any on-board power, according to the company.
ST’s Dual-Interface EEPROMs enable access to parameters stored in electronic devices using passive RFID technology. For example, in various health-monitoring devices these EEPROMs store patient information and other important data.
With mobile phones that integrate an ISO 15693-capable NFC router, such as ST’s ST21NFCA, it is possible to download the data and either display the information on the handset or send it to the doctor for real-time diagnosis – even when the monitoring device is turned off.
ST says the solution can be also be used in diagnostics, remote activation and asset tracking across medical, consumer, and industrial fields, as well as for domestic use with consumer electronics, such as TVs or washing machines. Users just need to place their cell phone close to an appliance to read and send traceability information or operating data to the service center. Similarly, they will be able to re-program or re-calibrate the equipment using a code sent to their phone by the service provider.
ST’s M24LR64 EEPROM memory device integrates both a standard digital I2C and a passive radio frequency (ISO 15693) interface. In RF mode, the memory requires no power as it gathers both the energy and the data from the system, enabling on-board energy savings.
ST’s ST21NFCA System-on-Chip supports all existing contactless standards for proximity and vicinity, including the ISO 15693 RF technology, combining flexible microcontroller architecture with embedded non-volatile memory for firmware and functional upgrade, and features multiple connectivity channels able to address different phone system architectures.
ST will give a live demonstration of the technology at CARTES and IDentification 2010 held in Paris on December 7-9.