ST facilitates contactless communication between mobile phones and other electronic devices

SWITZERLAND: The latest secure microcontrollers and non-volatile memory technologies from STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) open new possibilities for interaction between mobile phones and other electronic devices.

Equipped with ST’s NFC chip, a mobile phone can easily upload and download data over the air from any equipment fitted with ST’s industry-unique RF-enabled EEPROM memory, from personal health monitors to TV sets and washing machines, without consuming any on-board power.

“The powerful combination of wirelessly accessible non-volatile memories and Near Field Communication is set to change the way users interact with all kinds of electronic devices using their mobile phone,” said Sylvain Fidelis, RF Memory Marketing Manager, STMicroelectronics.

“The only company to provide both NFC and Dual-Interface EEPROM solutions, ST enables simple and power-stingy contactless data exchange in a wide variety of applications, including diagnostics, parameter update, remote activation and asset tracking across medical, consumer, and industrial fields.”

ST’s Dual-Interface EEPROMs enable RF access to parameters stored in electronic devices using passive RFID technology that does not consume any on-board power.

For example, in various health-monitoring devices, these EEPROMs store patient information and other important data. With mobile phones that integrate an ISO 15693-capable NFC router, such as ST’s ST21NFCA, it is possible to download the data and either display the information on the handset or send it to the doctor for real-time diagnosis--even when the monitoring device is turned off.

The combination of the NFC and Dual-Interface EEPROM technologies can also greatly simplify programming or servicing of consumer electronics and home appliances. Users just need to place their cellphone close to a TV set or a washing machine to read and send traceability information or operating data to the service center. Similarly, they will be able to re-program or re-calibrate the equipment using a code sent to their phone by the service provider.

ST’s M24LR64 EEPROM memory device integrates both a standard digital I2C and a passive radio frequency (ISO 15693) interface. In RF mode, the memory requires no power as it gathers both the energy and the data from the system. This enables on-board energy savings and provides an easy and convenient way to remotely program or update electronic products, anytime and anywhere.

ST’s ST21NFCA System-on-Chip solution integrates all the necessary hardware and software for a complete NFC (Near Field Communication) system, supporting all existing contactless standards for proximity and vicinity, including the ISO 15693 RF technology. This solution combines flexible microcontroller architecture with embedded non-volatile memory for easy firmware and functional upgrade and multiple connectivity channels able to address different phone system architectures.

ST will soon expand both its Dual-Interface EEPROM and NFC product lines to allow a greater range of applications and possibilities.