TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

Smarter RFID Tag Applications Enabled by FRAM

R. Colin Johnson | Date: 10-09-09 | Comments

MaxArias' wireless FRAM family opens the door to enhanced data collection capabilities, making updates fast and easy.

Smarter radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are on their way now that Ramtron International has added wireless access to its ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM). The new wireless FRAM family�called MaxArias�supports smart RFID applications that instantly update up to 1,000 16-bit data values at a distance of 10 meters (30 feet) using the latest standard protocol�the UHF EPC Class1 Generation 2.

"Ramtron is creating a new category of wireless memory products that enable new data collection capabilities," said Ramtron Senior Marketing Manager Dan Secrest.

MaxArias microchips, when mounted in a flat millimeter-sized RFID tag with a tiny UHF antenna, can store data about the item to which they are attached, which can be queried by an electronic reader that "pings" it with a radio frequency (RF) signal. No battery is required because the energy to operate the microchip is harvested from the RF signal.

Other RFID technologies use floating-gate transistors to store data in blocks that can only be read and written together a limited number of times, making updates slow and cumbersome. MaxArias, on the other hand, uses ferroelectric transistors whose data values can be individually changed up to 100 trillion times, making updates fast and easy. FRAMs also use less power to change data values and have a 20-year data retention time.

A whole range of smarter applications are being developed for the instant wireless updating capabilities of these FRAM-based RFID tags. For instance, the latest readings from your gas, electricity and other usage meters can be wirelessly communicated to meter readers, eliminating the need to manually enter the data values. Meter readers merely need to be within 30 feet of the meter's RFID tag when they ping for updates.

A variety of applications that used to require a battery-powered device can now become battery-free. For instance, toll booths today allow automated collection using a battery-powered device attached to the visor of your car, but with MaxArias a wireless chip could be embedded in a visor sticker that never requires a battery change.

Tracking high-value assets with MaxArias chips will enable them to store their own history. For instance, electronic pedigree applications (called e-pedigrees) store an electronic document with an X M L file that describes the life history of a product as it moves through an arbitrarily complex supply chain. The FDA, for instance, recommends that expensive prescription drugs be tracked from manufacturer to consumer by updating an e-pedigree file embedded in the drug's container at each step in the supply chain, making it easier to track down the sources of contaminated or counterfeit drugs.

Other smart applications for MaxAria wireless memories include animal immunization histories, electronic vehicle registration, inventory control, manufacturing control, laboratory analysis, automatic lap counting for runners, automatic logging of security patrols, ticketing at theme parks, building security, biometrics, facilities maintenance records and consumer smart cards.

MaxArias wireless memory is also immune to magnetic or irradiating fields.