Ams introduces NFC smart sensor ics for wireless temperature recorders

     Ams Semiconductor has announced the introduction of the AS39513, an integrated circuit for NFC sensor labels and data logists that can be used in smart labels to enable more efficient and accurate monitoring of conditions during storage and transportation of food, pharmaceutical and healthcare products. The new device is a complete digital sensor with an NFC front end that can be easily integrated into smart tags. Any authorized NFC reader, such as a smartphone or tablet, can read the unique ID stored in its internal memory as well as the temperature and other data recorded.

     Smart labels based on AS39513 enable manufacturers, shippers and retailers to keep a detailed data record of the status of individual packages in transit and confirm that perishable goods such as fresh food are in good condition upon arrival. The AS39513 provides a complete solution for temperature monitoring and NFC connectivity, including an NFC front end, temperature sensors, and analog interfaces for connecting external sensors. Other features integrated on the chip include a real-time clock, a 10-bit ADC, a configurable data logging engine, a 9kbit password-protected EEPROM, and a serial peripheral interface (SPI) that connects to an external microcontroller. The AS39513 is available in a convex bare or chip size package with a thickness of only 0.3mm.

     The AS39513 is powered by a single (standard 1.5V) or dual (3V) battery and can store 1,020 time-stamped sensor measurements. The product is fully compliant with ISO15693 and NFC-V(T5T) standards and can be read by NFC mobile phones within a few centimeters. With a dedicated ISO15693 reader, the reading range can be extended to a range of 1-2 meters, allowing multiple AS39513 labels to be read simultaneously in a cabinet or refrigerator. The new AS39513 replaces the AMS SL13A sensor label with better temperature sensor performance, providing accuracy of +0.5°C in the critical -20°C to 10°C range and ±1°C in the extended -20°C to 55°C range.

     The AS39513 integrates temperature sensors and is ideal for smart labels in the cold chain for monitoring products such as food, pharmaceuticals and health products. It also comes with an amsCoolsLog engine for full control and configuration of logging patterns and timing. The temperature measurement can be triggered periodically, when the temperature exceeds a set threshold, or by an external device.

     The Cool-Log engine is one of the major innovations of the AS39513, offering operational flexibility and relatively low power consumption without requiring a microprocessor. In standby mode, the AS39513 uses only 2uA current and can autonomic record temperature data for more than a year on a single 30mAh battery [actual label life may vary with measurement frequency, battery chemistry, and temperature-related discharge conditions.] . This superior low-power performance allows smaller and cheaper batteries to be used, paving the way for the market for farm-to-table goods labeling applications. Operating in passive mode, the chip draws energy from the reader's RF field, which can provide up to 4mA(1.8V) of current to external circuits.

     GiancarloCutrignelli, head of marketing for the wireless sensor business at Ames Semiconductor, said: "The AS39513 is a fully integrated smart wireless sensor that allows manufacturers, transporters and retailers to verify that medicines, food and other goods are properly stored and shipped. It allows companies in the supply chain to obtain detailed records of temperature and other conditions stored in a single package, and to reject shipments if necessary.

     "In addition, the use of modern RFID assembly processes and printed batteries can help customers reduce production costs and meet the most stringent environmental regulations, such as RoHS.REACH and EU Directive2006/66/EC, making smart sensor labels truly single-use and eco-friendly." "GiancarloCutrignelli added,