ST offers dual-port EEPROM and app for NFC

Peter Clarke

September 8, 2011

Peter Clarke

LONDON – STMicroelectronics NV has developed a dual-port EEPROM that can be used for near-field communications and RFID applications. The company has also developed a free Android application called Dual EE that will enable NFC-enabled smartphones to access the dual-port memory where it is installed in tags and similar NFC and RFID devices. In addition, ST is making the source code for the app available for free so that developers can create their own NFC-enabled Android applications.

The M24LR64 is a dual-interface EEPROM that can be connected directly to a wireless antenna as used in an RFID tag to transfer data wirelessly between the RFID or NFC reader and an electric tag attached to an object, allowing the equipment to be read or updated without being switched on, ST said.

The memory has a 64-kbit capacity, low-power wired I2C interface to an MCU or chipset, and a 32-bit password.

ST said the chip would allow for transactions, data exchange, object identification and tracking to occur using NFC operating at 13.56-MHz. It is expected that 30 percent of all handsets shipped in 2015 will have NFC opening up a market for smart posters and smart objects with embedded tags that can send digitally readable information.

The Dual EE app connects an NFC-enabled smartphone to a prototype temperature recorder that includes the M24LR64 wireless memory and demonstrates data transfer and storage. These capabilities are easily transferable to a broad range of products, including medical devices, home appliances, consumer electronic products and meters, ST said.

said Benoit Rodrigues, General Manager of ST’s Memories Division. “The introduction of the unique memory and the Android app is further evidence of ST’s ability to develop new and innovative technologies and solutions for the fast-growing NFC market, complementing our world-leading product portfolio for NFC, which also includes secure elements, SIM ICs and NFC controllers for mobile devices.”

The Dual EE app can be downloaded free of charge from the Android Market and source code is available on the ST website at www.st.com giving developers a head start to designing their own Android NFC applications that are able to communicate with dual-interface EEPROM products.

The M24LR64 is priced at $0.72 per unit for 1000 units. ST plans to introduce additional members of its dual-interface EEPROM family in the fourth quarter of 2011.


Related links and articles:

Tag writing app targets NFC-enabled Android smartphones and tablets

Startup has ultrasound alternative to NFC

Initiative to help EEs find the right apps

Thin Film offers passive plastic NVM