Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a semiconductor technology provider, has developed a single-chip radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for mobile devices to enable anytime, anywhere access to product information.

An RFID is an automatic identification method that stores and remotely retrieves data using RFID tags or transponders. RFID tags can be incorporated into products for identification purposes using radiowaves.

"RFID chip reader systems allow consumers to pull context-specific information into their mobile devices while on-the-go," said Dr. Chilhee Chung, senior vice president of Samsung Electronics System LSI division, Seoul, Korea, in a statement. "Our mobile RFID single-chip technology is an important step in the evolution of ubiquitous computing environments."

The global demand for mobile RFID is expected to grow from $26.9 billion in 2007 to $701 billion by 2010, for a compound annual growth of 196 percent, according to market research firm RoA Group.

The chips can be embedded into devices such as mobile handsets and handheld readers used in retail stores. Samsung plans to embed the chips onto card-type readers that plug into mobile handsets. This will provide consumers with immediate access to the new technology.

Designed for a UHF range of 900MHz, Samsung's chip integrates an analog front end, a base-band modem, a processor, and a memory chip. The chip's 6.5mm x 6.5mm small form factor and ultra low power consumption level of 850mW make it work well with mobile applications.