Single-chip RFID readerfor mobile devices debuts

Keywords: RFID reader single chip  mobile handsets 

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd has come up with a single-chip RFID reader for mobile devices.

"We are enabling anytime, anywhere mobile access to information," said Dr. Chilhee Chung, senior VP of Samsung Electronics' System LSI division.

While it can be embedded into devices such as mobile handsets and handheld readers used in retail stores, initially the major application for Samsung's new RFID reader chip is expected to be in card-type readers that plug into mobile handsets.

Designed for a UHF range of 900MHz, Samsung's new chip integrates an analogue front-end, a baseband modem, a processor, and a memory chip. The chip's 6.5-by-6.5mm small form factor and ultralow power consumption level of 850mW are ideal for mobile applications.

According to market research firm RoA Group, the global demand for mobile RFID is expected to grow from Rs.1,06,389.07 crore ($26.9 billion) in 2007 to Rs.2,772,443.78 crore ($701 billion) by 2010, for a CAGR of 196 per cent.