Fujitsu Limited

Fujitsu Develops High Capacity, High Speed Chip with Embedded FRAM for RFID Tags

New Chip Tracks Products from the Factory Floor through the Distribution Channel while Monitoring Quality Control

Tokyo, 27 February 2003 — Fujitsu Limited today announced the development of the MB89R116, an FRAM⁽¹⁾-embedded chip for radio frequency identification (RFID)⁽²⁾ tags that can, at high speeds, read/write data 100 times greater than bar-codes and 30 times⁽³⁾ greater than tags using EEPROM. The new chip, which is available starting today, is designed for precision tracking of product quality as products move through distribution channels, and can be used for a wide variety of products.

Radio frequency tags, also known as "smart tags," are small product labels that contain a LSI chip with wireless and memory functions. The non-volatile memory can be used to store detailed product and logistics information, which can be written and read without requiring physical contact with a reader module. This technology has been attracting attention as a key structural element in the realization of a ubiquitous networked society.

Take, for example, a temperature-sensitive product such as a bottle of wine. With a radio frequency tag attached to the bottle, the ambient temperature could be logged into the tag at every step in its distribution channel. Retailers could discover instantly whether the wine has been damaged by not being kept at the proper temperature during shipment. This is just one example of the precise quality-control management that this technology makes possible.

Fujitsu's new device can be used to improve logistics management for a wide variety of goods, from foodstuffs, books, apparel, or appliances to airplane luggage or parcel shipments, enabling the delivery of high quality products and value-added services.

The device complies with ISO/IEC15693⁽⁴⁾, the most widely used international standard for contactless tags.

Special Features of Fujitsu's High Capacity, High Speed Chip for RFID Tags

• Large capacity, rewritable memory Radio frequency tags using EEPROM storage are typically 64 to 256 bytes. With FRAM, this product stores 2,000 characters, which makes it possible to log more detailed data during distribution as part of a thorough quality-management system.
• High speed memory read and write With embedded FRAM that operates at roughly 50 times the speed of EEPROM, radio frequency tags using this product will process information at roughly double the speed of tags based on EEPROM storage. This minimizes the time it takes to transmit information between the tag and the reader module, the typical bottleneck with high-capacity radio frequency tags.
• Compact and inexpensive While offering high capacity and performance, low-power FRAM technology actually reduces the circuit size for this product, keeping it small and inexpensive. This lowers its cost threshold, so RFID tags can be used effectively even in mass-produced products.

Sample Delivery: February 27, 2003
Sample Pricing: $0.65 worldwide
Sales Target: 5 million/month

Glossary

1 FRAM:

Ferroelectric random access memory A form of non-volatile memory that uses a ferroelectric layer as capacitors to store data. Offers some of the advantages of both RAM and ROM-fast access, indefinite rewritability and low power consumption.

2 radio frequency identification (RFID):

A wireless ID recognition system. Also known as wireless tags or smart tags. Comprised of an antenna and a chip with wireless features. Used in a variety of applications, and embedded in a variety of different plastic forms, such as cards and seals.

3 30 times:

greater capacity compared to RFID tags embedded with 64-byte EEPROM.

4 ISO/IEC15693:

An international standard for non-contact smart tags. Also known as vicinity tags, these can operate at a range of 10 to 70 cm.

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About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting technologies, high-reliability/performance computing and telecommunications platforms, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts make Fujitsu uniquely positioned to unleash the infinite possibilities of the broadband Internet to help its customers succeed. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 5 trillion yen (about US$38 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002.
For more information, please see: www.fujitsu.com

About Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd

Established in 1986, Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd (FMAL), wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702), is a leading provider of microelectronics and flat panel displays (TFT-LCD) in Asia. With locations in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, the FMAL team of skilled engineers and marketing experts are uniquely positioned to provide sales and technical support to its customers throughout the Asia Pacific region. FMAL offers the latest in cutting edge technology through an extensive R&D network comprising ASIC Design Centres in Singapore and ShenZhen, China; Application Labs in Singapore and Shanghai; and an MCU/Flash/System Design Centre in Hong Kong.
For more information, please see: www.fmal.fujitsu.com

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All other product names and company names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective firms.