STMicroelectronics a global semiconductor serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and a supplier of EEPROM memories has announced the strengthening of its position in the Near-Field Communication (NFC) market by extending user’s ability to read, write and transfer information on ST’s dual-interface Memory to a broad range of industrial and consumer applications.

ST’s M24LR64 wireless memory has the unique ability to transmit and receive information from the heart of an application to a smartphone containing NFC technology or to an industrial RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) reader, allowing for transactions, data exchange, object identification and tracking to occur rapidly. NFC is a short-range technology operating at 13.56MHz that is being implemented on smartphones to enable customers to make payments, such as for public transit and in convenience stores, using their mobile devices. The technology can also permit communication between NFC-enabled devices. Partnerships already announced between major US wireless carriers and credit-card companies will drive NFC technology into 30.5% of all handsets shipped in 2015, according to market-research firm IHS iSuppli.

A new App called Dual EE, which operates on the Android operating system, delivers full compatibility with ST’s M24LR64 wireless memory. The app connects an NFC-enabled smartphone to a prototype temperature recorder featuring ST’s unique M24LR64 wireless memory and demonstrates data transfer and storage. These capabilities are easily transferable to a broad range of products, including medical devices, home appliances, consumer electronic products and meters. Adoption of NFC technology and ST’s innovative memory will cut the cord and grant users more freedom in saving and exchanging information wherever they want.

 Major features of the M24LR64

• NFC/RFID compatible ISO15693 wireless interface operating at 13.56MHz
• Low-power wired I2C interface to MCU or chipset
• 64-Kbit memory density
• 32-bit password scheme

 M24LR64 is available now priced at $0.72 for 1000 units. Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities. ST plans to introduce additional members of its dual-interface EEPROM family in the fourth quarter of 2011.