RFID reader ICs handle many standards

High-frequency multistandard RFID reader IC product family leverages advanced design practices to increase reader efficiency while reducing the IC footprint.

Texas Instruments has developed a high-frequency (13.56MHz) multistandard RFID reader IC product family using advanced design practices to increase reader efficiency while reducing the IC footprint.

The advanced package design of the TRF7960/1 family measures 5 x 5mm, and supports ISO/IEC14443A/B, ISO/IEC15693, ISO/IEC18000-3 and TI's contactless commerce and Tag-It portfolio.

Several key performance attributes are built in with the reader designer in mind.

To maximise read range and reliability, the integrated onboard 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, TI's 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 anticollision 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 5.5V DC input supply voltage and when in power down mode, consumption is less than 1uA while standby current is less than 120uA.

There are two ICs available.

The TRF7961 supports ISO/IEC15693 and ISO/IEC18000-3 standards and TI's Tag-It portfolio.

The TRF7960 supports the standards listed above plus the ISO/IEC14443A/B standard and TI's 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 authorised distributors in the standard 32-pin QFN (IC to board) connection packages.

A reference design and source code for an evaluation module, with TI's MSP430 ultra-low-power microcontroller, is available for easy evaluation of the TRF7960/1 family (software licence agreement required).

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