Easy-to-use NFC platform comprising highly integrated NFC chips and development tools removes barriers to wireless-solution development

OXFORD, UK, 19 February, 2015 - RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, is making Near Field Communication (NFC) applications easier to design and more accessible by introducing the Panasonic NFC tag platform, which comprises a versatile set of NFC ICs and easy-to-use development tools.

The NFC chips simplify tag design by integrating RF, signal-conditioning and host interface circuitry, as well as non-volatile 4Kbit FeRAM memory, in a compact surface-mount package. The device connects directly to an external antenna, and supports RF, serial and tunnel communication modes to manage data exchanges between host, reader, and tag.

The development tools also now available from RS include a selection of NFC tag boards containing the IC, antenna and a host connector, as well as evaluation kits that comprise the NFC tag board and a generic microcontroller board. Using either approach helps relieve wireless-design challenges and allows engineers to quickly configure a prototype and begin testing their application using an NFC-enabled mobile handset or dedicated reader/writer. Embedded NFC tags designed using these tools allow innovative ways of communicating with smart posters, home appliances, wearable devices, or office equipment such as printers. NFC also simplifies pairing of Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® devices.

RS is currently stocking four types of NFC tag ICs. The MN63Y1210 IC is for NFC Forum Type-3 communication, and the MN63Y1208, MN63Y1212 and MN63Y1213 are capable of supporting Type-3/Type-4 communication. RF interfaces are compliant with JIS X 6319-4 (FeliCa) and ISO/IEC 14443 13.56MHz standards. The host interface can be a 38.4kbps UART or 1Mbps serial port when using the MN63Y1210. The MN63Y1208 and MN63Y1213 have an I2C host interface capable of supporting AES128-encrypted communication.

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About RS Components
RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers. With operations in 32 countries, we offer around 500,000 products through the internet, catalogues and at trade counters to over one million customers, shipping more than 44,000 parcels a day. Our products, sourced from 2,500 leading suppliers, include semiconductors, interconnect, passives and electromechanical, automation and control, electrical, test and measurement, tools and consumables.

Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2014 had revenues of £1.27bn.

For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-online.com.

About PAISEU
Panasonic Automotive and Industrial Systems Europe (PAISEU) is a company that provides unparalleled expertise to leading car manufacturers, industrial customers and OEMs.  It researches, develops, manufactures and supplies key electronic components, devices and modules up to complete solutions across a broad range of industries; and provides production equipment which builds the manufacturing lines of global corporations.

Globally, Panasonic's Automotive and Industrial Systems company is responsible for over one third of Panasonic's overall revenue.

For further product information, please visit: http://eu.industrial.panasonic.com/

Editorial Contacts:                                                            
Lisa Townsend                                                                    
PR Manager - EMEA                                                        
RS Components                                                                 
lisa.townsend@rs-components.com
+44 (0)1536 209026                                                           

Aakriti Kaushik
Product Marketing PR Manager
RS Components
aakriti.kaushik@rs-components.com
+44 (0) 1865 207546

PR Agency Contact:
Janice Fenton
Account Director
Publitek Technology PR
janice.fenton@publitek.com
+44 (0) 1225 470000

Further information is available via these links:

Twitter: @RSComponents; @alliedelec; @designsparkRS
RS Components on Linkedin
http://www.linkedin.com/company/rs-components

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