STMicroelectronics Launched the M24LR16E Chip

Published:2011/11/8 21:36:00 Author:Phyllis From:SeekIC

STMicroelectronics has launched a 16-kbit memory that uses energy harvesting technology to enable small electronic items using it to become battery-free electronics applications.

The new M24LR16E chip is part of STMicroelectronics’ dual-interface wireless memory range. These chips act as a bridge between ISO15693 capable NFC phones and electronic devices, transferring live data from the device to a phone or a dedicated RFID reader. The chips behave like a standard tag from the reader’s perspective but, because they also feature a wired interface, they can embedded into a wide range of devices such as consumer electronics products, portable healthcare and wellness devices and home appliances.

Energy harvesting technology allows energy captured from the surrounding environment to be converted into electrical energy. Ambient energy is available in a variety of forms, such as radio waves, waste heat, kinetic energy from movement by a user, or wind or solar energy, is freely available, and has no CO2 or other emissions.

The M24LR16E chip features a low power I2C interface and a 13.56MHz RF interface. This RF interface can harvest ambient radio waves emitted by RFID reader/writers and convert those waves into a voltage output that can then be used to power other electronics components.

ST said that RFID is now used in supply-chain and retail businesses, and that NFC technology will be included in more than 500 million mobile phones sold annually by 2015.

Wireless operation requires an antenna that can simply be etched on the printed circuit board. The electrical power available to drive external devices depends on various factors, such as the RF power of the reader, the distance between the reader and the memory’s connected antenna, and the relative sizes of the reader and memory antennas.

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. The company’s specialties include: Multimedia convergence, power applications, application-specific products containing a large proprietary IP content, multi-segment products ranging from discrete devices to high-performance microcontroller, secure smart card chips and MEMS devices.

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