Microchip Technology ATA556711-TASY

Overview

ATA556711-TASY from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a contactless read/write RFID identification IC operating at 125 kHz, designed as a passive transponder tag with integrated 330-bit EEPROM, on-chip resonant capacitor (75 pF mask option), and configurable modulation support including FSK, PSK, Manchester, Bi-phase, and NRZ. It serves as the data-bearing element in low-frequency RFID systems for access control, asset tracking, and industrial identification.

For engineers reviewing the ATA556711-TASY datasheet, ATA556711-TASY pinout, ATA556711-TASY application, or ATA556711-TASY equivalent, key selection considerations include its e5550/T5557 binary compatibility, password-protected write capability, Answer-On-Request (AOR) mode for anticollision, 67 ms POR delay, and fast write method (5 Kbps).

Technical Context

The ATA556711-TASY implements a fully integrated analog front end (AFE) with coil-based power harvesting, clock extraction from the 125 kHz RF field, and resistive load modulation between Coil 1 and Coil 2 for tag-to-reader communication. Its controller executes opcode-driven command sequences (e.g., "10", "11", "00") and loads configuration from EEPROM Block 0 at power-on.

It supports two operational modes: regular-read (cyclic transmission of Blocks 1–MAXBLK) and block-read (direct access to a single block), both configurable via the 32-bit EEPROM configuration register. Extended Mode (X-mode), enabled by Master Key = 6 or 9, adds binary-programmable data rates (RF/(2ⁿ+2)), inverse data output, sequence start marker, and fast write timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ATA556711-TASY is housed in a 6-pin TSOP-I package (3.0 × 3.0 × 0.6 mm). The device interfaces exclusively through two coil terminals; no VDD/VSS or digital I/O pins are present. Power and bidirectional communication occur entirely via the external antenna coil connected across Coil 1 and Coil 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar contactless R/W IDIC applications.

Compared with T5557-TS and ATA5577-TSY, the ATA556711-TASY uniquely balances e5550 compatibility, password security, AOR anticollision, and fast write speed within the 125 kHz band - making it optimal for upgrade paths from legacy T555x systems requiring enhanced data integrity.

Availability

ATA556711-TASY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for access control systems, industrial asset tracking, animal identification, smart packaging authentication, and ISO/IEC 11784/11785-compliant RFID infrastructure requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for ATA556711-TASY includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains the ATA5567 family as part of its secure RFID solutions portfolio, emphasizing robustness, regulatory compliance, and interoperability in industrial and identification markets.

The ATA5567 product line was designed specifically for contactless, coil-powered 125 kHz identification applications requiring field-programmable memory, protocol flexibility, and tamper-resistant configuration - targeting access control, logistics, and animal ID markets.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ATA556711-TASY in an RFID system?

The ATA556711-TASY functions as a passive, coil-powered RFID transponder tag operating at 125 kHz. It stores and transmits identification data via load modulation of the reader's RF field, supporting read/write operations, password protection, and anticollision via Answer-On-Request mode. Its role is strictly that of a data-bearing endpoint - not a reader or controller - and it requires no external power source.

Does the ATA556711-TASY support ISO/IEC 11784 and 11785 standards?

Yes, the ATA556711-TASY is configurable for ISO/IEC 11784/11785 compliance via its extended mode settings and memory layout. Its traceability data structure (ACL = E0h, MFC = 15h) conforms to ISO/IEC 15963-1, and its modulation schemes - including Bi-phase and FSK variants - align with the physical layer requirements of those standards when configured appropriately in Block 0.

How does the fast write mode of the ATA556711-TASY improve system throughput?

The ATA556711-TASY fast write mode reduces pulse interval encoding gaps - using 12 field clocks for "0" and 27 for "1" - enabling 5 Kbps write speed versus 2 Kbps in standard mode. This cuts programming time per block by ~60%, allowing higher encoding throughput on automated packaging lines and reducing reader dwell time during field-based commissioning.

Can the ATA556711-TASY be used without an external resonant capacitor?

Yes. The ATA556711-TASY offers a mask-programmable 75 pF on-chip resonant capacitor, eliminating the need for an external capacitor in many antenna designs. When this option is selected (as indicated by the "-TASY" suffix), only the coil and IC are required to form a functional LC tank - simplifying PCB layout and reducing BOM count for compact or implantable tags.

What happens if the lock bit is set on a memory block in the ATA556711-TASY?

Once the lock bit (Bit 0) of any 33-bit block is programmed to "1", that entire block - including the lock bit itself - becomes permanently unalterable via the RF field. No subsequent write, protected write, or test-mode command can modify its contents. This hardware-level write protection ensures data immutability for critical fields like traceability or configuration registers.