STMicroelectronics and Feig Electronic Collaborate on Contactless Product Personalization for Fast, Flexible, Cost-Efficient Logistics

Rhea-AI Summary

STMicroelectronics has partnered with Feig Electronic to develop an innovative contactless solution aimed at enhancing logistics processes. This technology utilizes NFC and allows for efficient personalization of palletized goods within a 1m x 1m x 1m readable area, significantly improving supply chain flexibility. By employing ST25DV dynamic tags, the system eliminates the need for manual programming, thereby reducing costs and time in product setup. This collaboration is designed to improve productivity in sectors such as smart manufacturing and medical devices.

Positive

• Introduction of an innovative contactless personalization solution that enhances logistics efficiency.
• Extended readable range to 1m x 1m x 1m allows for quick batch programming of products.
• Elimination of costs related to inline programming by utilizing NFC technology.
• Supports various high-tech sectors, including industrial and medical devices, enhancing product flexibility.

Negative

• None.

STMicroelectronics and Feig Electronic Collaborate on Contactless Product Personalization for Fast, Flexible, Cost-Efficient Logistics

• Convenient NFC-based solution extends readable area to 1m x 1m x 1m for fast personalization of palletized items
• Leveraging ST25DV dynamic tags, eliminates powering-up or removing items from palettes or boxes

Geneva, Switzerland, and Weilburg, Germany, July 1, 2021-- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and Feig Electronic, a leading RFID-reader and antenna specialist, have combined their RFID know-how in a time-saving logistics solution that can help cut numerous costs and enhance flexibility for vendors of high-tech products such as smart industrial, consumer, and medical devices.

Together the Companies have created a production-ready contactless system capable of personalizing palletized items containing ST’s ST25DV NFC dynamic tags in just a few seconds, eliminating the need to power-up or even remove the products from their packaging. With this system, end users can eliminate the costs associated with inline programming and leverage contactless NFC technology to enjoy efficient, economical, and flexible stock-management and logistics.

A typical application configures setup parameters such as manufacturer ID, serial number, and default language in new products before they are shipped. Historically a laborious and time-consuming process that requires connecting each unit to a programmer, basic setting up can now take place at any convenient point in the supply chain using this new contactless solution.

The innovative solution extends the readable range for contactless NFC interactions beyond the typical distance of only a few centimeters, to create a 1m x 1m x 1m readable space. By connecting the Feig ID LR2500 long-range reader/writer to two pairs of long-range antennas positioned on either side of the reading area, the Feig system can simultaneously program batches of products containing the ST25DV dynamic NFC tags placed in the reading area.

“Our ST25DV dynamic NFC tag is a catalyst for creative contactless applications that enhance numerous activities including smart manufacturing, asset tracking, and brand protection,” said Sylvain Fidelis, ST25 Marketing and Applications Manager, STMicroelectronics. “In this case, the tag’s dual RF and host interfaces and large built-in non-volatile memory let Feig’s powerful long-range system update the personalization settings of already-packaged products quickly and efficiently.”

“Working with ST, we have produced a game-changing innovation that enables product manufacturers to boost productivity, save factory space, and benefit from extra flexibility to organize product personalization and shipping,” said Wolfgang Meissner, Senior Product Manager at Feig Electronic GmbH. “Leveraging features of the ST25DV, the use case we have demonstrated can be extended to activities such as updating existing inventory with latest firmware before dispatch.”

Note to Editors

ST’s ST25DV dynamic tag is compliant with the NFC Forum Type-5 specification and contains up to 64Kbits of EEPROM, an I²C interface that allows the tag to connect to a host microcontroller or processor, and energy-harvesting circuitry. An integrated buffer of 256 Bytes permits high data-transfer speeds suitable for exchanging larger files such as firmware upgrades.

Ready to be embedded in a wide range of IoT and Industry 4.0 products, ST25DV tags allow battery-free communication throughout the product lifetime, from in-factory customization and tracking to field maintenance and end of life. For further information about the ST25DV please visit: https://www.st.com/st25dv-i2c.

The Feig Electronic RF Long Range Reader ID LR2500 combines a powerful transmitter, operating up to 12 Watts, with a high-sensitivity receiver to cover an enlarged and at the same time homogeneous tag detection range. Due to its fast data processing and the outstanding anti-collision performance, the reader is suitable for applications with a high number of tags inside the reading area.

Feig multiplexers and long-range antennas with automatic tuners matched to the readers allow an easy setup of the equipment. For further information about the ID LR2500 please visit: https://www.feig.de/en/products/identification/application/#industrial

To see high-speed contactless personalization from ST and Feig Electronic in action, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dj6bGwlZ9E

About STMicroelectronics
At ST, we are 46,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An independent device manufacturer, we work with more than 100,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and 5G technology. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

For Press Information Contact:

Michael Markowitz
Director Technical Media Relations
STMicroelectronics
Tel: +1 781 591 0354
Email: michael.markowitz@st.com

Andreas Löw
Marketing-Corporate Communications
Feig Electronic
Tel: +49 6471 3109-344
Email: andreas.loew@feig.de

Attachments

• T4362S -- Jul 1 2021 -- ST_Feig NFC warehouse automation_FINAL FOR PUBLICATION
• T4362S -- Jul 1 2021 -- ST_Feig NFC warehouse automation_IMAGE

FAQ

What is the new technology developed by STM and Feig Electronic?

STM and Feig Electronic have developed a contactless personalization solution that uses NFC technology to enhance logistics efficiency.

How does the contactless solution from STM improve supply chain operations?

The solution allows for the quick personalization of palletized items within a 1m x 1m area, eliminating the need to remove items from packaging.

What advantages does the ST25DV dynamic tag offer?

The ST25DV dynamic tag eliminates inline programming costs and allows for fast configuration of setup parameters for new products.

What sectors can benefit from the new collaboration between STM and Feig?

The collaboration supports sectors such as smart manufacturing, consumer electronics, and medical devices.

When was the partnership between STM and Feig Electronic announced?

The partnership was announced on July 1, 2021.