Atmel launches low cost 34cent RFID chip for next generation access control

Access Control System Diagram



RFID block diagram









Atmel has launched a low cost, One Time Programmable (OTP) transponder chip for next-generation access control systems. Application areas include, for example, hotel rooms, engineering departments, offices, time recording systems and parking lots, as well as customer loyalty and membership cards. The IDIC ATA5575M1 provides OTP functionality, which simplifies the production process and provides increased flexibility compared to read-only devices. Customers can program the required code before shipping, reducing the lead time and time-to-market by many weeks.
A new architecture enables longer read distances with different types of coils and readers. The write distance has been reduced since a short write distance is sufficient and helps to minimize both cost and chip size. Large write distances are also in many cases unfavorable due to the risk of multiple tag programming.
Further system cost reduction results from the integration of the optional trimmed 250- or 330-pF on-chip capacitors. These capacitors eliminate the need for external components, since a coil is all that is needed for a complete system, enabling extra-small access control systems. Since the ATA5575M1 measures only about 0.9 square millimeters, the chip can be used in almost any transponder package, including glass transponders for very small tags such as plastic key housings.
A unique ID is vital for guaranteeing access to secured areas and enabling traceability of the end product. The device's user memory contains a unique, manufacturer-programmed ID. In standard applications, the system designer can simply lock the tag and use this pre-programmed unique ID as is. In applications requiring an individual, unique ID, the designer can overwrite the existing ID by using the desired customer-specific code.
As the ATA5575M1 is an LF device, it can be used worldwide. It is insensitive to rugged environments and can also be used under conditions that normally complicate the application of RFID devices, e.g. under water, on metal, in dirt, out-of-sight, or worn on the body.
The ATA5575M1 transponder IC supports ASK modulation and Manchester coding with a fixed bit rate of RF/64 and is designed for passive identification systems with a 100 to 150 kHz magnetic field. It can replace almost all available LF RFID read-only devices with the 'unique format'.
Samples are available now as wafer or die-in-waffle pack. Pricing for the ATA5575M1 as wafer shipment start at US$0.34 in quantities of 15k pieces and is available as 64- or 128-bit memory version. To support the engineer and to simplify the design of complete RFID systems, Atmel provides the evaluation kit ATA2270-EK1 including ATA5575M1 sample tags. The kit is based on Atmel's well-established AVR microcontrollers and is accompanied with a Windows PC software, C-source code for the AVR and PCB Gerber data for the reader board.