MCU enables authorisation and payment module

Zilog and USA Technologies have developed what they believe to be the world's first authorisation, payment and networking module designed specifically for everyday electronic devices.

Zilog and USA Technologies have developed what they believe to be the world's first authorisation, payment and networking module designed specifically for everyday electronic devices.

The eZ-Authorisation, Payment and Networking module (or eZ-APN module) connects everyday devices to a network that provides access to critical data, authorises use or access and accepts cashless/credit card payments, anytime, anywhere.

The new technology is a result of a five-year strategic relationship forged two years ago between two companies committed to developing new and different "intelligent living" technology.

It integrates USA Technologies' patented cashless transaction software, its wireless capabilities and USALive authorisation and transaction processing network with Zilog's award winning eZ80Acclaim 8bit microcontroller.

The eZ-APN module wirelessly connects devices or appliances to a network, transforming them from everyday machines into intelligent tools that promise to change the way companies do business.

It can be added to existing machines or manufactured into new machines enabling them to authorise access, authorise funds, monitor diagnostics or repair issues to provide a higher level of service as well as process credit card and other forms of cashless transactions.

This development opens up new applications and commercial opportunities in industries as diverse as security, fitness and utilities.

"With the introduction of the eZ-APN module, we are opening up a host of new commercial opportunities, turning a variety of unattended terminals and appliances into intelligent tools capable of generating new business streams and expanding revenues", said George R Jensen, Chairman and CEO of USA Technologies.

"This technology is a secure authorisation, payment and networking module that offers developers and manufacturers a low cost, quick-to-deploy, complete turnkey solution to allow them to attach just about any kind of unattended device to a network".

The new combined technology is already in use in vending machines, point-of- sale terminals, unattended kiosks and laundry machines, where transactions are commonplace.

In addition, the technology is intended to be used effectively elsewhere, for example, in equipment servicing the leisure, security, health care, sports and various other commercial markets.

"The rich set of communications features offered by the eZ80 Acclaim, including two UARTs supporting multi-drop mode, I2C, SPI and an IrDA EnDec that facilitates wireless data transfer, made it the ideal choice for integration into the eZ-APN module", said Ramesh Ramchandani, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Zilog.

"The eZ-APN module's cashless transaction, remote monitoring, security and auditing capabilities allow us to identify many new and different applications for this technology".

"We are now in a position to actively pursue opportunities to expand the technology into other application areas such as networking distributed assets and other innovative distributed applications".

Industry analysts estimate that by 2010, the number of everyday devices connected to the internet or global network will peak at approximately 880 million and the total M2M (machine to machine) market will be worth $US250 billion, representing a significant business opportunity for providers of authorisation, payment and networking technology.

USA Technologies and Zilog believe that the eZ-APN module solution will put them among the network leaders in changing lifestyles and the way the world does business.

Other potential applications already under consideration include medical devices, exercise equipment, self serve kiosks and point-of-sale terminals, amusement games, parking meters, golf carts and unattended office equipment in hotels, convention centres and business locations.

"With the low development costs and the ease of implementation of eZ-APN module technology, businesses of all types could potentially install the USA Technologies' networking capability at an affordable price into just about any commercial appliance", commented Jensen.

"This should enable them to market a networked technology with the potential to change the way we do business and deliver services".

"Today, USA Technologies and Zilog embark on an exciting journey that has the potential to create enormous new opportunities for both companies".

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