Low-cost RFID chip provides complete record of shipping history

A German global supplier of analog and mixed-signal solutions for medical applications has launched a multifunction temperature logger and Smart Label RFID IC.

The ZMD41211 enables logistics customers to monitor and record temperature and humidity throughout the shipping process. Many materials can tolerate temperature fluctuations, but only for a limited amount of time. ZMD's new RFID IC records time as well as temperature, so shippers can determine the total exposure. This avoids the necessity of discarding products that may only have been briefly exposed to temperatures outside the permitted range.

The ZMD41211 is cost-effective for all types of temperature or spoilage-sensitive products, from vaccines to vegetables. It has a built-in timer function that allows the user to customise the monitoring frequency.

An on-chip temperature sensor and EEPROM allows the logging of time and temperature values during the transportation process. ZMD's new temperature logger complies with ISO 15693 RFID technology and can be read and programmed with existing standard compliant systems.

"For perishable products, temperature tracking is vital during the logistics process. Spoiled medication, blood bags or food can be extremely harmful if not properly handled," said Andreas Heldwein, ZMD's business line manager medical. "We developed ZMD41211 with the idea that it be easy to use and to integrate, and tough and versatile enough for use in the real world at a price, which offers great value for money. It's based on custom designs that we've been developing over the years. We're now offering this proven RFID IC as a standard product for a wide range of applications."

ZMD's new RFID IC device is highly integrated. It has an on-chip passive transponder, temperature sensor, timer, and EEPROM.

The ZMD41211 has eight modes of temperature recording. It can be set, for example, to only record temperature values that exceed user-defined limits.

This ensures that memory is not wasted storing data that is within the specified parameters. Alternatively, the device can log up to 720 temperature readings for a complete record of cargo exposure. The measurement frequency is programmable and data is stored in EEPROM so the device works well even in ocean-cargo applications. The chip is also re-usable. Once the data is read, it can be re-programmed to record new temperature information.