Our product range of NeoTAG® HF RFID transponders/ RFID chips is constantly being expanded and new transponder versions are regularly added. In connection with the use of our transponders, we have compiled a large amount of background information on mounting, function, design, operating behaviour, etc. due to the many applications in which the products are used. As a supplement to our Product Information HF RFID Transponder data sheet, this article contains further technical explanations and application-supporting information.
Each RFID IC has a limited amount of data memory in which digital information is stored. The unique identifier (UID) of each RFID chip is programmed into the memory, e.g. by the manufacturer of the IC. This ensures that there is no second transponder that carries an identical UID. In addition, the UID provides information about the manufacturer and the type of RFID IC used. This information is stored unchangeably in the IC.
In addition to the UID, most RFID ICs have a further memory area that the user can program as desired for his application (user memory).
All memory blocks in the semiconductor are subject to ageing. The manufacturers of RFID ICs specify the data retention time in the data sheet, e.g. 50 years at a maximum of +55° C (data retention time). Ageing is accelerated as soon as the RFID IC is exposed to higher ambient temperatures than the maximum temperature specified for this parameter.
Since our RFID transponders are frequently exposed to ambient temperatures of more than +55° C in their application, it is of great interest to know to which value the data retention time is reduced in the respective application.
The temperature dependence of the data retention time can be described by the following characteristic curve:
There is usually no clear information from the RFID IC manufacturers on the data retention time when the specified temperature of +55° C is exceeded. The information we provide on the data retention time is based on internal investigations in which our transponders are used at increased ambient temperatures and on technical statements by the chip manufacturers. The values stated are guide values and serve as orientation.
We have compiled the following application examples. After completing the number of cycles mentioned, the data retention of the memory cell can theoretically be exhausted:
- ╸ 1,5 h @ +80° C after 20000 cycles
- ╸ 1,5 h @ +110° C after 12500 cycles
- ╸ 1,5 h @ +134° C after 10000 cycles
- ╸ 1,5 h @ +150° C after 6000 cycles
- ╸ 1,5 h @ +180° C after 870 cycles
- ╸ 90 h @ +180° C after 14 cycles
- ╸ 5 h @ +200° C after 100 cycles
- ╸ 2 h @ +220° C after 167 cycles
After the data retention time has expired, changes may occur in the contents of the semiconductor memory cells. To prevent data loss, the data retention time should be observed in the use of the RFID transponder.
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