ST enables contactless communication between mobile phones and other electronic devices

When equipped with the company's near field communication (nfc) chip, mobile phones are said to be able to upload and download data over the air from any equipment fitted with ST's rf enabled eeprom memory - without consuming any onboard power. ST says this is possible due to passive rfid technology and is suitable for a range of health monitoring devices, where the eeproms could store patient information and other important data. With mobile phones that integrate an ISO 15693-capable NFC router, ST says users can download data and either display the information on the handset or send it to a doctor for real time diagnosis - even when the monitoring device is turned off. The combination of technologies is also said to simplify programming or servicing of consumer electronics and home appliances. Users can place cellphones close to a tv set or a washing machine to read and send traceability information or operating data to the service centre. Similarly, they will be able to reprogram or recalibrate the equipment using a code sent to their phone by the service provider. The M24LR64 eeprom memory device integrates both a standard digital I2C and a passive radio frequency interface. In rf mode, the memory requires no power as it gathers both the energy and the data from the system. The ST21NFCA SoC device integrates all the necessary hardware and software for a complete nfc system, and supports all existing contactless standards for proximity and vicinity, including the ISO 15693 rf technology. "The powerful combination of wirelessly accessible nonvolatile 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, ST's RF Memory marketing manager. "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."