ZMD RFID Time & Temperature Recording IC Saves Medicines, Saves Lives

Low-cost RFID chip provides complete record of shipping history

DRESDEN, GERMANY — NOVEMBER 12, 2008 — ZMD AG, a global supplier of
analog and mixed-signal solutions for automotive, industrial, medical, and
consumer applications, today launched the ZMD41211, a multifunction
temperature logger and smart-label radio-frequency identification (RFID)
integrated circuit (IC). Using the ZMD41211, logistics customers can
precisely monitor and record temperature and humidity throughout the
shipping process. This is a key capability, since many materials can
tolerate temperature fluctuations but only for a limited 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 customize the monitoring frequency.
An on-chip temperature sensor and EEPROM allows the logging of time and
temperature values during the entire transportation process. The RF
interface is easy to use. 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,” stated Andreas Heldwein, ZMD medical
business line manager.

“We developed the ZMD41211 with the idea that it be easy to use and
integrate, yet tough and versatile enough for use in the real-world.” It
is 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. Temperature logging
requires only a small external coil and a 1.3V battery. The ZMD41211 offers
the lowest-cost recording solution on the market, and because it is fully
wireless and ISO 15693 compliant, it is easy to implement in existing
supply chains.

The ZMD41211 has 8 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. The ZMD41211 is also highly
customizable. Adding sensors, for example to monitor humidity, is easily
done with the on-chip I2C bus interface.

User configuration and calibration of the IC is straightforward and can be
done wirelessly over the RFID link, which is fully ISO/IEC 15693 compliant
and operates at 13.56 MHz with a range of 1 meter. This makes it compatible
with virtually all RFID systems and easy to scan in a warehouse, truck or
ship.

The 13.56 MHz RFID clock is also used as a synchronization source for the
IC’s internal timer, allowing it to offer 3% timer accuracy without the
cost of a crystal oscillator. Temperature readings are accurate to within
1°C over the full measuring range of -30 to +50 °C. With reduced precision,
the device will operate to +80°C, ensuring control in all types of shipping
environments.

The ZMD41211 is available as bare die at $1.91 (EURO 1.47) per IC in
volumes of 5K. A packaged version will be available from 2009. ZMD also
offers customization for high volume applications.

The URL for this news release is
http://www.zmd.biz/press_releases.php?lang=english.

Download the ZMD41211 photo image at
http://www.zmd.biz/downloads.php?content=pictures

For more information visit
http://www.zmd.biz/rfid.php?group=rf&content=about

About ZMD
Founded in 1961, ZMD AG is a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal
integrated circuits for applications in automotive, mobile medical
appliances, and industrial automation. ZMD specializes in the design and
marketing of high temperature, high voltage and ultra low power
application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and application-specific
standard products (ASSPs). Its advanced circuit-design expertise allows it
to offer ICs with operating temperatures as high as +160°C, and voltages
from 0.85 V to 40 V. Headquartered in Dresden, Germany, ZMD has 270
employees worldwide and serves customers from the company’s offices in
Dresden (Germany), Stuttgart (Germany), London (England), Paris (France),
Milan (Italy), Melville (NY), Pocatello (ID), Tokyo (Japan), and Hsinchu
City in Taiwan. ZMD has design centers in Dresden & Stuttgart (Germany),
Varna (Bulgaria) and Madison (Wisconsin). www.zmd.biz

Contacts:
Gabriele Taschler, ZMD AG, Manager, Global Marketing Communications,
taschler {at} zmd(.)de, T: +49.351.8822.668

Barbara Kalkis, Maestro Marketing & PR, kkalkis {at} compuserve(.)com, T: +1 408
996 9975

-ends-

ZMD AG
Zentrum Mikroelektronik Dresden AG
Grenzstrasse 28
01109 Dresden, Germany
www.zmd.biz

ZMD America
201 Old Country Road, Suite 204
Melville, NY 11747
T: 1 631 549 2666
www.zmd.biz