ST PR: New Dual-Interface EEPROM Enables Remote Access to Electronic Device Parameters

Hi,

The announcement below was released today, March 2, 2010.

KEY MESSAGES
. New dual-interface EEPROM enables manufacturers to update product
parameters, regionalize or activate software without connecting a programmer
. RFID-compatible EEPROMs simplify lifetime management and enable new
features and capabilities
DOCUMENTATION:
http://www.st.com/stonline/products/families/memories/dual_interface.htm
(This page provides links to datasheets, a web-seminar, video, and an
FAQ....)
URL for PR on st.com
http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/cms/press/news/year2010/p2397.htm
PHOTO: File available by request


STMicroelectronics Launches New Dual-Interface EEPROM Enabling Remote Access
to Electronic Device Parameters

New RFID-compatible EEPROMs simplify lifetime management 
and enable new features and capabilities

Geneva, March 2, 2010 - STMicroelectronics , a world leader in RF
Memory and EEPROM ICs, has announced sample availability of the first in a
new family of products that provide the flexibility to remotely program or
update electronic products, anytime during their lifetime,  and anywhere in
the supply chain. The new devices enable manufacturers to update parameters,
regionalize or activate software without connecting a programmer, or even
opening the retail packaging. This pioneering way to access the memory will
allow businesses to add new functions and capabilities to their products,
but also reduce manufacturing costs, simplify inventory management, and
respond more quickly to changing market demands.

The M24LR64 is an EEPROM memory with a standard I2C serial interface,
providing communication with most microcontrollers or ASICs, and also a
standard ISO15693 RF (radio frequency) interface for wireless communications
with RFID readers. The ISO15693 standard is passive RFID technology, which
gathers both the energy and the data from the RF system. No power is
required to operate the M24LR64 in RF mode, which enables on-board energy
savings and provides easy and convenient remote access to electronic product
parameters.

"This highly innovative ability to program or read a memory wirelessly, as
well as electrically, will provide tremendous added-value to our customers,
enabling highly flexible supply-chain management and also stimulating new
types of products with powerful features and capabilities," said Benoit
Rodrigues, General Manager, Memories Division, STMicroelectronics. "Moreover
this new memory is compatible with existing RFID equipment, thereby
delivering a wide range of solutions and an accessible technology to product
manufacturers"

Based on two industry-standard interfaces, the new dual-interface product
line provides a link between the operation of electronic devices and the
RFID world. This will enable new types of products, including those
requiring asset tracking, data collection, diagnostics, or traceability,
such as medical devices, industrial equipment, and automotive electronics.
Computer peripherals and consumer products will take advantage of the
M24LR64 feature set for easy and convenient parameter and regional setting
update, even when the device is in its package seal. Also, RFID systems
requiring additional monitoring, such as cold-chain verification, will also
benefit from the high memory density of the M24LR64.

The M24LR64 has a 64-Kbit capacity for storage of program code, product
parameters, serial numbers, calibration data, or event-log data. Its RF
ISO15693 interface can be accessed by a wide range of RF readers, covering
hand-held devices, pad antennas, gate systems and tunnel readers. The memory
also communicates with the host system via an industry-standard I2C
interface operating at 400kHz from 1.8 to 5.5V. It also comes with a unique
and flexible 32-bit password protection scheme to protect the application
from unauthorized tampering or to prevent unexpected access to memory.

The Dual-Interface EEPROM products can be used with either on-board or
off-board antenna types in a variety of form factors, allowing product
designers to optimize aspects such as overall dimensions, communication
range, and pc-board complexity. The M24LR64 is available in TSSOP-8, SO-8,
and MLP 2 x 3 packages, or as bare die, at prices from $0.90 for orders of
1000 pieces. Sampling has already begun, with volume production scheduled
for Q2 2010. ST plans to introduce additional members of the Dual-Interface
EEPROM family in the second half of 2010.

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering
semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics
applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise,
manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic
partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC)
technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence
markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on
Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2009, the Company's net
revenues were $8.51 billion. Further information on ST can be found at
www.st.com.

P2397D