Texas Instruments has released a multi-function reader (MFR) evaluation kit, labeled S4100. Based on TI's MFR module, a flexible and low-cost device that supports dual frequencies (LF--134.2 kHz, and HF--13.56 MHz) and accepts multiple protocols (ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 14443), the new kit is designed to help systems integrators and engineers quickly and easily design and implement RFID solutions for contactless payment, ticketing, loyalty, and logical and physical access control.

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The S4100 MFR evaluation kit includes a fully housed reader, samples of high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) transponders, an additional MFR module, a software resource CD with technical documentation, and a "Getting Started" guide to help users with set-up.

In addition to standard application firmware, the S4100 MFR evaluation kit also features a platform-independent software application programming interface (API), developed by Fairfield, Ohio-based DataBrokers, Inc., to facilitate the development of PC-based software. The API is also compatible with TI's HF S6500 Long-Range Reader and S6350 Mid-Range Reader, as well as TI's future HF readers. This enables the creation of a single software application to drive a multitude of readers in a variety of application environments. The modular firmware architecture of the MFR evaluation kit combined with serial firmware programmability provides system scalability and reader programmability for stand-alone or host-controlled, multi-point applications.

The purchase price for the S4100 MFR evaluation kit is $595.