Advanced Flexible Design Increases Reader Performance, Reduces IC Footprint
Using advanced design practices to increase reader efficiency while reducing the integrated circuit (IC) footprint, Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE: TXN) (TI) has announced the availability of a high-frequency (13.56 MHz), multi-standard radio frequency identification (RFID) reader IC product family. The advanced package design of the TRF7960(1) family measures 5x5mm, and supports ISO/IEC 14443A/B, ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3 and TIs contactless commerce and Tag-It portfolio.
Several key performance attributes are built in with the reader designer in mind. To maximize read range and reliability, the integrated on-board linear voltage regulators that turn up the analogue, digital and power amplifiers provide power supply noise isolation. The reader has an integrated analogue front end and data framing system for all the supported standards. The dual receiver input configuration of the TRF7960(1) reader family detects Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Phase Modulation (PM). This feature helps to eliminate read holes created when antenna orientation in the operating environment changes the tag return signal from AM to PM resulting in more consistent tag reads.
By providing an internal clock for the microcontroller, the TRF7960(1) powered reader uses only a single 13.56MHz crystal rather than the standard two crystals, reducing the total bill of materials of the end reader product. Designed with fewer components, TIs reader IC consumes less power, takes up less space, and can therefore address sensitivity and noise attenuation issues. Other integrated functions include error checking, data formatting, framing and anti-collision support for multi-reader environments. The TRF7960(1) is designed for both fixed and handheld reader devices.
Power consumption for the overall reader is reduced by providing seven flexible manual or automated configuration settings which shut down unused sections of the reader to save power. The TRF7960(1) IC operates between 2.7 to 5.5 Vdc input supply voltage and when in power down mode, consumption is less than 1 micro Amp while standby current is less than 120 micro Amp.
There are two ICs available. The TRF7961 supports ISO/IEC 15693, and ISO/IEC 18000-3 standards and TIs Tag-It portfolio. The TRF7960 supports the standards listed above plus the ISO/IEC 14443A/B standard and TIs contactless commerce portfolio. With a high level of integration, lower power consumption and a smaller footprint, both devices are available today from TI and its authorized distributors in the standard 32-pin QFN (IC to board) connection packages. A reference design and source code for an evaluation module, with TIs MSP430 ultra-low-power microcontroller, is available for easy evaluation of the TRF7960(1) family (software license agreement required).
About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments is the worlds largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analogue technologies to meet our customers real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Education Technology business. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.
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