Atmel Corporation

Atmel Germany Gmbh

Atmel Automotive Gmbh

Dirk Ziebertz

Ulrich Friedrich

Martin Fischer

Michael Pangels

Jens Masuch

Udo Karthaus

Kim Kueter

Volkhard Flassnoecker

A method and apparatus for locating a transponder is provided. A carrier signal is transmitted by a base station and a transponder transmits a locating signal that is generated through phase modulation and backscattering of the carrier signal sent by the base station when the transponder is within a transmission range of the base station, whereby the transponder is located on the basis of the locating signal.

Locating a backscatter-based transponder

A method includes transmitting, from a base station, a first request and receiving, from a transponder, a first code transmitted responsive to the first request. The method includes transmitting, from the base station, first encoded transmission information comprising a base station code encoded using the first code and a first identification. The base station transmits a second request, and a second code, transmitted by the transponder responsive to receiving the second request and encoded using a base station code extracted from the first encoded transmission information using the first code and the first identification, is received. Second encoded transmission information, including a second identification encoded using the second code, is transmitted from the base station. The second identification information may be extracted using the second code, access to a transponder memory region provided based on comparing the extracted second identification information to a stored version of the second identification.

Secure data exchange with a transponder

A method and a device are provided, in particular a transponder, for generating a random number by a linear feedback shift register, wherein a first seed is generated by means of a first automaton, a second seed is generated by means of a second automaton, the first and second automata operate using different functional principles, so that the first and second seeds have different properties, and the shift register is reloaded with the first and/or second seed.

Device and method for generating a random number

A method for wireless data transmission between a base station and a transponder is provided, whereby a message, comprising at least one command and one data sequence, is transmitted by the base station, the message is received and evaluated by the transponder, at least one key is provided in the transponder after receipt of the command and before complete receipt of the message and the key is transmitted to the base station, the key is detected by the base station, and parts of the message, still to be transmitted, and/or subsequent messages are encoded by the base station with the key.

Method, transponder, and system for rapid data transmission

A method for data exchange is provided, whereby a first code is generated by a transponder, which is transmitted to a base station, a first transmission information is generated by the base station by encoding a base station code with a first identification and the first random number code, the first transmission information is transmitted to the transponder and the base station code is extracted by the transponder, a second code is generated by the transponder, which is transmitted to the base station upon an associated request from the base station, whereby before a transmission to the base station the second code is encoded with the extracted base station code, a second encoded transmission information comprising a second identification is generated by the base station with use of the second code and transmitted to the transponder, and at least one memory region of the transponder is released for read and/or write access after the second identification was verified as valid. The invention relates further to a transponder and to a system for secure data exchange.

Method, transponder, and system for secure data exchange

A method and apparatus for wireless data transmission is provided between a base station and a backscatter-based transponder, in which the transponder generates a presence signal after initialization or at predetermined time intervals, independent of data transmitted by the base station. The presence signal is generated by phase modulation and backscattering of a carrier signal transmitted by the base station.

Method for wireless data transmission

A method for wireless data transmission, for example for RFID systems, between a base station and a transponder is provided. For wireless data transmission between a base station and a transponder, data are wirelessly and bidirectionally transmitted between the base station and the transponder through a first interface of a first interface type using a first data transmission protocol, and data are wirelessly and bidirectionally transmitted between the base station and the transponder through at least one second interface of a second interface type using a second data transmission protocol. The first data transmission protocol and the second data transmission protocol correspond at least in part.

Method for wireless data transmission and a transponder

An RF transponder includes an input circuit, a read/memory circuit, and a circuit arrangement for holding a control state. The circuit arrangement includes a first storage device (e.g. a D-flip-flop) for storing the control state dependent on received control signals, and a second storage device (e.g. a capacitor and a transistor) for holding the control state during a period of inadequate energy supply to the circuit arrangement, e.g. while the transponder is in a field gap of the electromagnetic field emitted by a base station with which the transponder communicates. In an operating method, the control state is held by the second storage device during a period of inadequate energy supply. Then, when adequate energy is again supplied, the transponder resumes the control state that was held by the second storage device. The transponder continues to operate properly according to an anti-collision procedure in a system of several transponders communicating individually with a base station.

Method and circuit arrangement for holding a control state during inadequate power supply in an RF transponder or remote sensor

A transponder receives its operating energy from an external source such as a radio signal or a battery. Such transponders are used for example in a vehicle or in a remote sensor. The response range of the transponder is increased by converting the received energy into an operating voltage which in turn is used to generate a function voltage required for performing a current function sequence. The generated function voltage is checked to determine at least one characteristic of the generated function voltage. The determined function voltage characteristic, for example a voltage value directly representing the function voltage, is then used to acknowledge or reject a result of performing the function sequence. Thus, the time duration for performing any current function sequence is flexibly adapted to the current requirements of that function sequence, whereby the power consumption of the transponder is optimally reduced and the response range respectively increased.

Circuit arrangement and method for increasing the functional range of a transponder

A security device for a transponder with a kill and/or cloak function is provided. The security device includes a memory device, in which a first, open password is stored, an input, into which a second, secret password is coupled, a cryptologic device, which is connected to the input and generates a checksum from the second password, and a comparison unit, which compares the checksum and the first password and which upon an agreement generates a kill and/or cloak control instruction to activate and/or deactivate a kill and/or cloak mechanism, which can be tapped at an output. A method for configuring a security device and a method for operating a transponder, and a transponder having the security device are also provided.

Security device for a transponder

A receiving/backscattering arrangement for carrying out a contactless data transmission includes an integrated circuit having two antenna contacts, a series arrangement of three high quality capacitances connected between the two antenna contacts, whereby the middle capacitance is an MOS varactor, a controllable variable voltage source connected across the MOS varactor, and a control unit that controls the voltage source. The receiving/backscattering arrangement is especially a passive transponder with a rectifier connected between the antenna contacts, or a semi-passive transponder including a battery or solar cell, to provide the required supply voltage for the circuit. The arrangement achieves a large communication range, for receiving and modulating an interrogation signal, and backscattering the modulated response signal with a high efficiency and low losses. The integrated circuit structure is compact and economical.

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Eberstadt, Germany

Dirk Ziebertz