STMicroelectronics speeds in with new dynamic NFC-tag ICs

STMicroelectronics has increased the I2C-interface performance in the latest generation of its ST25DV-I2C dynamic NFC-tag ICs which let the host system access the tag’s on-chip EEPROM quickly and easily.

Writing to the EEPROM on these latest ST25DV-I2C tags is now as fast as standard EEPROM, says ST, and allows flexible use of the tag to reduce system bill-of-materials costs. Designers can configure the tag’s I2C address to ensure co-existence with other devices on the bus.

These dynamic tags are compliant with the NFC Forum Type-5 specification and contain up to 64Kbits of EEPROM, with features including configurable password protection for user memory and an interrupt pin that can be programmed to respond to various events detected at the RF interface. Familiar features, including support for fast transfer mode and energy harvesting, have been retained.

ST’s fast transfer mode leverages a 256-byte buffer to accelerate handling large files such as a host-system firmware update. Integrated circuitry to control energy harvesting provides an unregulated output voltage for powering external components in battery-less applications.

The ST25DV-I2C supports contactless interaction with 13.56MHz RFID readers and NFC phones, permitting common use cases such as tap-to-connect pairing with NFC data exchange format messages. The new tags also extend wireless capabilities, including support for arbitration that allows more convenient access to data written into the EEPROM through the RF interface.

ST says its ST25DV tags can achieve multiple uses throughout the lifetime of a product, including configuration and product tracking, user features, field maintenance and end-of-life management. And the ST25DV-I2C can help boost productivity and efficiency in industrial applications such as smart metering, asset tracking and logistics. It can also help improve use of medical equipment, smart-home devices and lighting, smart retail labels and consumer products.

These latest ST25DV-I2C series dynamic tags are available in SO-8, TSSOP-8, and chip-scale packages including 8-lead UFDFPN, 12-lead UFDFPN, and WLCSP-10.

Available for free sampling and purchase on ST’s eStore, prices start from $0.33 for orders of 1,000 pieces in the SO8 package with 4Kbit EEPROM.

For more information go to https://www.st.com/st25dv-i2c