Murata Intros RF IC on Tiny Ceramic Substrate

Logistics Insight Asia - Technology & Market Trends, 23/7/2008

Murata a Japanese-based manufacturer of electronics components, modules and devices, has announced a new RFID module that combines inductive coupling and ceramic. Magicstrap, otherwise known as the LXMS31 series, comprises Murata's LTCC (low temperature co-fired ceramic) substrate, plus RF IC and packaging. The module, which Murata claims is easy to mount using ordinary adhesive, is readable over the 800 MHz to 1,000 MHz band at a distance of 5 meters (16.4 feet), and can be employed in Europe, the United States and Japan. Magicstrap is designed for tracking a product throughout its lifecycle. According to Murata, the company's strengths in multi-layer ceramic technology have allowed it to embed all of the necessary RF circuitry, including antenna filters, matching circuitry and 10kV ESD protection, within the module's LTCC substrate, with the RF IC then mounted on top. The overall package dimensions are 3.2 by 1.6 by 0.7 millimeters (0.13 by 0.06 by 0.03 inches). The module's internal circuitry is connected to the antenna pattern via inductive coupling.

Murata, www.murata.com