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Flexibility
Rugged
construction
Data integrity
Unique
identification
Compatibility
2,4,8,16,32
or 64 bytes of non-volatile memory
Flexibility.
The e-tag system has been designed to allow the e-tag memory to
be used in a variety of ways in order to suit different application
requirements. It is possible to use the e-tag memory to store any
type of computer file, including compressed or zipped files for
example. Multiple files and file structures can be stored on the
same e-tag. Alternatively the e-tag memory can be addressed directly
as non-volatile RAM to store binary data if this is required.
Other features such as password protection, read and write protection
also provide the system designer with means to tailor the use of
e-tags to their particular requirements.
Rugged
construction .
The e-tag system has been designed to ensure completely error free
storage and retrieval of data under extremely harsh operating conditions.
The data storage chips have been tested for 6 weeks continuous storage
at 150 degC which is estimated to be equivalent to 200 years storage
at 25 degC or 30 years at 55 degC
The e-tags themselves have been exhaustively tested under extremes
of climatic and mechanical conditions including radiation hardness,
electromagnetic compatibility, over voltage protection and resistance
to solvents. In addition to laboratory qualification testing, reliability
evidence is available from field trials involving all 3 branches
of the UK armed forces.
Data
Integrity
Error detection and correction is automatically carried out on each
read and write operation ensuring error free operation even if the
e-tag probe becomes disconnected momentarily or in the presence
of interference or power drop outs.. The integrity of any stored
file is also monitored during data retrieval using standard checksum
techniques. The system can also be configured to prevent operator
errors by protecting tags with passwords or write protection. Means
of checking that data is not being written back to the wrong tag
by mistake are also provided.
Unique
Identification
Each e-tag is manufactured with a unique identifier of serial number
which is fixed permanently in memory at the time of manufacture
(the numbering range covers up to 5 billion tags). In addition each
e-tag can be initialized with a customer designated identity or
serial number of any length or format - either at the time of manufacture
or at the point of installation onto an asset. This customized identifier
can also be used to distinguish the project or application with
which the tag is associated and can be set to be read only so that
it cannot be altered. Supplementary project identification information
can also be added at a later time and similarly set to be read only.
Compatibility
All e-tags are compatible with the e-tag reader probes both mechanically
and software wise. The interface software provided will automatically
recognize the tag memory size and report on the storage space that
is available to the application. E-tag readers are available for
most common operating systems found on PCs or hand held computers
such as Windows, Windows NT, Windows CE and Palm OS. The communications
used are to RS232 standards and can be adapted to be compatible
with all forms of serial data communications. The detailed signaling
protocol is made available to allow systems designers to build custom
probe interfaces if required.
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