NXP Semiconductor introduces its latest UCODE product, UCODE DNA

     NXP Semiconductors announced the launch of its latest UCODE product, UCODE DNA, the world's first UHF (ultra-high frequency) RAIN RFID tag IC that combines remote reading performance with cryptogenic verification. With this new tag IC, developers don't have to choose between contactless performance and application security needs, UCODE DNA allows them to do both in a single RAIN RFID tag IC. This new tag IC is ideal for a wide range of applications, such as electronic highway levy, electronic vehicle registration, license plate verification, access control, asset tracking, brand protection, parking, as well as fast visitor processing and special services for large venues, sports venues or amusement parks.

     Cryptographic authentication provides dynamic security, with each transmission being different from the last, minimizing the likelihood of data being imitated (the ability to simulate data). The new UCODE DNA uses a 128-bit key based on the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm to provide encryption security according to the ISO/IEC 29167-10 standard. It is also designed according to the GS1 EPC Gen 2 V2 air interface standard, which supports cryptographic verification of RFID systems operating in the UHF frequency range (860 MHz to 960 MHz).

     Martin Gruber, general manager of NXP Semiconductor's Secure Mobile and Retail business group, said: "UCODE DNA will disrupt the RAIN RFID tag market, eliminating the need for users to choose between security and read range. NXP is a trusted provider of secure contactless solutions and our technology is already used in a wide range of sensitive applications, such as e-passports, contactless bank cards, event tickets and e-identity cards. By combining cryptographic security with remote access, we open up huge possibilities for new markets, new use cases and new applications, and we are excited to see how this technology develops."

     UCODE DNA provides developers with a trusted configuration (security protection) service that generates an encryption key during manufacturing and inserts it into the UCODE DNA tag IC. This not only reduces the time it takes to deploy RAIN RFID systems, but also allows developers with no prior encryption experience to quickly get started in new applications. In addition to providing unprecedented encryption protection for RAIN RFID system developers, UCODE DNA offers large user memory (up to 3Kbit (3KB)), it also has BlockPermalock functionality, EPC (Electronic product code) of up to 448 bits, and a read sensitivity of -19 dBm.