DALLAS–Using advanced design practices to increase reader efficiency while reducing the integrated circuit (IC) footprint, Texas Instruments Incorporated announced the availability of a high-frequency (13.56 MHz), multi-standard radio frequency identification (RFID) reader IC product family. The advanced package design of the TRF7960(1) family measures 5x5mm, and supports ISO/IEC 14443A/B, ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3 and TI’s contactless commerce and Tag-It portfolio.

Several key performance attributes are built in with the reader designer in mind. To maximize read range and reliability, the integrated on-board linear voltage regulators that turn up the analog, digital and power amplifiers provide power supply noise isolation. The reader has an integrated analog 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 anti-collision 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 5.5 Vdc input supply voltage and when in power down mode, consumption is less than 1 micro Amp while standby current is less than 120 micro Amp.

The TRF7961 supports ISO/IEC 15693, and ISO/IEC 18000-3 standards and TI’s Tag-It portfolio. The TRF7960 supports the standards listed above plus the ISO/IEC 14443A/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 authorized 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 license agreement required).