November 16, 2005
XRAG2
STMicroelectronics has launched a UHF contactless memory chip, the XRAG2, which complies with the latest EPC specifications. The chip has been designed to fulfill the requirements of supply chains regarding interoperability, security, and performance. The XRAG2 was preceded by the XRA00.
STMicroelectronics favors an open standard for RFID applications and its new offering is intended as a Very Long Range RFID systems solution. The chip is full-featured and has been designed for use with electronic tags and labels that are to be used in the range of 860-960 MHz. This range will enable the tag to be read anywhere in the world independent of the regulations that vary with the region.
The XRAG2 fosters reliable and speedy reading; it has an anti-collision mechanism that allows the reader to identify and read all the tags in its range. The chip is robust enough to work in noisy environments. In the presence of more than 10 readers, the chips can operate in the dense reading mode. The tags are supported by a password-protection mechanism and a KILL command for disabling tags to prevent unauthorized access to tags once a tagged product has been purchased.
The XRAG2 has a 432-bit memory with two configurations, i.e. three memory banks with 64 bits TID, 304 bits for EPC code and 64 bits reserved or four memory banks with 128 bits user, 64 bits TID, 176 bits for EPC code and 64 bits reserved. The XRAG2 can retain data for 40 years and can undergo 10,000 Write/Erase cycles. The chip has been developed using CMOS technology with embedded EEPROM. The chip will be available once bulk production starts in December 2005. It is priced at $ 0.07 for 100,000 pieces.
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