Press Release
EM Microelectronic Announces EPC™ Gen2 Chip with Best-In-Class Range
EM4124 offers market’s highest read sensitivity for EPC Gen2 chip
Marin, Switzerland – March28th, 2012 – Today, EM Microelectronic, the semiconductor company of the Swatch Groupand a world-leading supplier for RFID circuits, announced the EM4124, its latest EPC™ Gen2 chip which offers best-in-class read range. The new device is a rewritable EPC™ Class 1 Gen2 circuit, compliant with the ISO 18000-6 Type C and Type D (TOTAL) standards.
With a typical read sensitivity of -19dBm, the EM4124 enables the development of RFID tags with -21dBm sensitivity (assuming a 2dBi gain dipole-like antenna). Therefore, properly designed EM4124-based EPC™ Gen2 tags will offer the longest range in their class.
Each device is delivered with a 64-bit manufacturer-programmed, serialized and locked unique identifier (TID/UID) to ensure full traceability. Furthermore, 256 bits of non-volatile memory enable the support of user-programmable ISO and EPC™ data structures; a 112 bit EPC code, a 32 bit kill password and a 32 bit access password.
The EM4124 also supports a tag-talk-only protocol called TOTAL. This reduced-complexity protocol is ideal for applications which require rapid detection of numerous fast moving items.
Label manufacturers will benefit from the EM4124’s robust design, which results in higher assembly yields. The device also supports wideband antenna tuning thanks to its parallel-inductance matched design.
Through strict compliance to the EPC™ Gen2 standard, the EM4124 assures end users that their RFID tags will work seamlessly around the globe. The factory-programmed TID field, in addition to the EPC™ code, provides enhanced insurance against data inconsistencies and tag cloning.
EM4124 Availability
The EM4124 is sampling now as gold-bumped die or in sample tag format.
More information about the circuit and development kit is available at
For samples and details, please contact: .
About EM Microelectronic
EM Microelectronic is a Swiss semiconductor manufacturer that designs and produces ultra-low-power, low-voltage digital, analog, mixed-signal and wireless integrated circuits for battery-operated and field-powered devices in consumer, automotive and industrial applications. The company’s product portfolio includes RFID circuits, Bluetooth Low Energy and other low power RFICs, smart card ICs, microcontrollers, voltage reset and microcontroller supervisory ICs, watchdogs, regulators, LCD drivers and displays, sensor and optoelectronic ICs and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). EM also produces display and touch modules.
EM Microelectronic is one of the electronic systems companies within the Swatch Group, producing and assembling ultra-low power, miniaturized and accurate microelectronic components and systems.
Additional company and product information is available at
Media contact:
Monika B. Ailinger
MarCoMedia GmbH
Tel +41 41 850 44 24
Fax +41 41 850 45 29
Company contact:
Thomas Gyger, MarCom Manager
EM Microelectronic
Tel +41 32 755 51 00
Fax +41 32 755 54 03