Murata reduces thickness of RFID modules by half to target paper tags for mainstream retail applications: Low placement accuracy requirement eases manufacture and cuts costs
Hoofddorp, Netherlands: Murata has reduced the size of its tiny RFID module MAGICSTRAP®, making it suitable for paper label inlays for mainstream retail applications. The size of this second generation of the MAGICSTRAP module is 1.6 x 1.0 x 0.25 mm; the module's thickness has been reduced by more than half and its volume by 89% compared to first generation MAGICSTRAP devices. MAGICSTRAP RFID modules can be mounted using ordinary adhesive, with only millimetre accuracy, onto almost any conductive surface to act as the antenna. Murata's MAGICSTRAP therefore represents an easy to implement “Zero Defect” tag solution that requires only minimal knowledge of RF electronics. Its low placement accuracy requirements allow RFID inlays for paper tags to be manufactured without sophisticated component placement machinery which results in substantial cost savings for manufacturers.
Murata’s MAGICSTRAP RFID module combines the latest in ceramic materials with a breakthrough in inductive coupling technology to produce a durable, stable and very easy to mount module. Each module comprises Murata’s LTCC (low temperature co-fired ceramic) substrate, plus RF IC and packaging. Murata’s strengths in multi-layer ceramic technology have allowed the company to embed all the necessary RF circuitry, including antenna filters, matching circuitry and 10kV ESD protection, within the LTCC substrate of the module.
A typical RFID system for a paper tag inlay would be an antenna pattern of metal foil with a MAGICSTRAP module mounted on it. Due to its unique patented inductive coupled connection technology, MAGICSTRAP does not require soldering and can be mounted with only millimetre accuracy using ordinary non-conductive adhesive. Manufacturers can avoid investment in sophisticated placement machinery; the modules can even be mounted by hand, representing a more cost-effective solution. Where placement machinery is used however, the lower accuracy requirement means that the throughput of such machines can be increased to approximately double. In supply chain management applications outside paper tags, MAGICSTRAP can be mounted on almost any conductive surface which can act as an antenna due to Murata's sophisticated embedded antenna matching circuitry.
The module’s embedded wideband antenna matching circuit allows MAGICSTRAP to be readable over the band 860-960MHz at a distance of up to 5m. This means the same module can be used worldwide (in Europe, the US and Japan), saving cost and inventory for manufacturers. MAGICSTRAP complies with EPC Global Class 1 Gen 2.
NOTE: Mass production is planned for the end of 2009 and samples are available now.
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