ZMD launched the ZMD41211, its multifunction temperature logger and Smart Label RFID IC. The ZMD41211 enables logistics customers to precisely monitor and record temperature and humidity throughout the shipping process. It has a built-in timer function that allows the user to customize the monitoring frequency. An on-chip temperature sensor and EEPROM allows the logging of time and temperature values during the entire transportation process. The RF interface is easy to use. The temperature logger complies with ISO 15693 RFID technology and can be read and programmed with existing standard compliant systems. The device has an on-chip passive transponder, temperature sensor, timer, and EEPROM. Temperature logging requires only a small external coil and a 1.3V battery. It is fully wireless and ISO 15693 compliant.

The ZMD41211 has 8 modes of temperature recording. It can be set, for example, to only record temperature values that exceed user-defined limits. This ensures that memory is not wasted storing data that is within the specified parameters. Alternatively, the device can log up to 720 temperature readings for a complete record of cargo exposure. The measurement frequency is programmable and data is stored in EEPROM so the device works well even in ocean-cargo applications. The chip is also re-usable. Once the data is read, it can be re-programmed to record new temperature information. Adding sensors, for example to monitor humidity, is easily done with the on-chip I2C bus interface. User configuration and calibration of the IC is straightforward, and can be done wirelessly over the RFID link, which is fully ISO/IEC 15693 compliant and operates at 13.56 MHz with a range of 1 meter. This makes it compatible with virtually all RFID systems and easy to scan in a warehouse, truck or ship.

The 13.56 MHz RFID clock is also used as a synchronization source for the IC's internal timer, allowing it to offer 3% timer accuracy without the cost of a crystal oscillator. Temperature readings are accurate to within 1°C over the full measuring range of -30 to +50 °C. With reduced precision, the device will operate to +80°C, ensuring control in all types of shipping environments. The ZMD41211 is available as bare die at EURO 1.47 per IC in volumes of 5K. A packaged version will be available from 2009. ZMD also offers customization for high volume applications.