27.09.2005 – 14:01

Atmel Corporation

Atmel Targets Low-frequency RFID Applications With Introduction of Contactless RF IDIC(R) Featuring Fast Anti-Collision Functionality and 1-kBit Memory

Heilbronn, Germany (ots/PRNewswire)

Atmel(R) Corporation
(Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the development  and fabrication
of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced today the
availability of its new LF RFID IC ATA5558 with integrated
anti-collision  functionality. The ATA5558 is a contactless
Read/Write (R/W) RFID device  for multi- or single-tag applications
in the low frequency (LF) range, such  as animal identification,
laundry management, industrial automation, item  tagging, and ISO
cards. The ATA5558 extends Atmel's broad RFID product  portfolio
ranging from standard read-only up to high-security crypto devices.

The need for RFID is growing substantially due to its increased
performance and enhanced functionality. Compared with bar codes, RFID
provides extended read/write distances, line-of-sight is not
necessary, and data can be changed whenever needed. Low-frequency
RFID provides advantages such as insensitivity in rugged environments
(e.g., against water, dirt and dust).

The ATA5558 provides an integrated anti-collision feature, thus
enabling reading more than one tag simultaneously. Standard tags
interfere with each other as they transmit at the same time, whereas
the anti-collision functionality ensures that one tag talks after the
other. The ATA5558's multi-tag identification is based on a
deterministic anti-collision algorithm which requires unique tag
identification information (Tag IDs).

Furthermore, the ATA5558 features 1-kbit memory, allowing storage
of larger amounts of data, and password protection that prevents
unauthorized read and/or write access to protected user definable
memory pages for increased safety. Specific programming (public mode)
makes sure that the ATA5558 can also be used as a standard Read/Write
device when the anti-collision function is not needed. The integrated
capacitor enables easy system design since a coil is the only
external part needed.

Atmel, a pioneer in the RFID area and member of EPCglobal,
provided the industry's first read-only RFID ICs in the late 1980's.
Since 1995, Atmel has also been offering the world's most flexible
read/write RFID ICs. Today, Atmel is a key player in
low-frequency-based 125 kHz RFID ICs for access control systems. The
portfolio also includes ICs addressing the 13.56 MHz, UHF and
Microwave frequency ranges.

Samples of the new LF RFID IC ATA5558 as die in tray packages are
available now. Pricing starts at US$ 0.98 (10 k).

Footnote
    IDIC(R) = Identification ICs (registered trademark of Atmel)
    LF = Low Frequency
    RFID = Radio Frequency IDentification
    UHF = Ultra High Frequency

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of
microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory
and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's
broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is
able to provide the electronics industry with complete system
solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications,
computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere
You Are(R).

NOTE: Atmel(R), IDIC(R), logo and combinations thereof, Everywhere
You Are(R) and others are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names
may be trademarks of others.

Information

Atmel's LF RFID ATA5558 product information may be retrieved at
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=3774

Press Contacts
    Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and
    Automotive Products
    Phone: +49-7131-67-2081, Email:  susanne.van-clewe@hno.atmel.com
    Clive Over, Director of Press Relations -- USA and Asia
    Phone: +1-408-451-2855, Email:  cliveover@atmel.com
    Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager -- Europe
    Phone: +33-1-30-60-70-68, Email:  veronique.sablereau@atmel.com

Web site: http://www.atmel.com

Contact:

Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive
Products, +49-7131-67-2081, or susanne.van-clewe@hno.atmel.com; or
Clive Over, Director of Press Relations -- USA and Asia,
+1-408-451-2855, or cliveover@atmel.com, or Veronique Sablereau,
Corporate Communications Manager -- Europe, +33-1-30-60-70-68, or
veronique.sablereau@atmel.com, all of Atmel