RFID KUTag

KU researchers have developed high-performance, low-cost, and thin RFID tag that will perform well on metal or liquid containers. ...

... "Deavours foresees the KU-Tag, which is thinner than a quarter, transforming internal asset tracking, allowing users to reliably place RFID tags on any object regardless of what it is made of or contains. For example, electronic readers placed throughout a manufacturing plant could send out radio signals to which each tag would respond with its identifying information. " ...

Via University of Kansas, Information and Telecommunication Technology Center: KU RFID Tag

DOD RFID Final Rule Adopted

DOD adopts final RFID rule and will require the use of Gen-2 RFID tags. ...

... "DoD has adopted as final, with changes, an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to include additional commodities and locations that require package marking with passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The rule requires contractors to affix passive RFID tags at the case and palletized unit load levels when shipping packaged petroleum, lubricants, oils, preservatives, chemicals, additives, construction and barrier materials, and medical materials to specified DoD locations.

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (FEB 2007)

(a) Passive RFID tag means a tag that reflects energy from the reader / interrogator or that receives and temporarily stores a small amount of energy from the reader/interrogator signal in order to generate the tag response.
(1) Until February 28, 2007, the acceptable tags are --

(i) EPC Class 0 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 0 specification; and (ii) EPC Class 1 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 1 specification. This includes both the Generation 1 and Generation 2 Class 1 specifications.

(2) Beginning March 1, 2007, the only acceptable tags are EPC Class 1 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 specification. Class 0 and Class 1 Generation 1 tags will no longer be accepted after February 28, 2007. " ...

Via Federal Register: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Radio Frequency Identification (DFARS Case 2006-D002)

RFID Retail Shopping Experience

Media cart application uses RFID technology to enhance the customer shopping experience. ...

... "The store installs tiny tags on each shelf that emit a radio signal, telling the cart where it is. The cart holds a computer with all the digital ads and product data, which is called up automatically ... " ...

Via WFAA: Shopping Aids

RFID Metal Packaging Works as Antenna

QinetiQ and Crown collaborate to develop adaptation of QinetiQ's Omni-ID Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for use on metal packaging. The improvements will enable RFID tags at the unit-level on metal items. Technology advancement is expected to integrate the metal substrate as part of the RFID tag's antenna. ...

... "This will enable brand owners to integrate ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID tags into metal packaging for a wide variety of applications at the single item level. Designed to mitigate issues such as signal reflection, detuning and grounding which reduce or negate RFID's effectiveness on metal packaging or with aqueous-based products, the unique technology leverages several of metal's inherent properties and shifts the format into an advantageous position.

QinetiQ's standalone Omni-ID tags and integrated Omni-ID packaging technology allows a UHF tag to be mounted directly onto the metal substrate. Measuring substantially less than 1mm in thickness, the unique Omni-ID structure collects and focuses RF energy and enables highly efficient coupling to the chip. Another advantage of the system is that RFID chips require only a short coupling antenna rather than the large dipole usually incorporated in UHF tags, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Crown and QinetiQ are continuing development of the technology for metal packaging to further optimize design. In the near future, it is expected that the metal substrate itself will have an integral role in the way the technology functions. Using a beverage or food can as an example, the can itself would serve as the antenna, simplifying production of the RFID tag and further reducing costs. " ...

Via Qinetiq: Crown teams up with QinetiQ to resolve challenges of RFID on metal packaging ...

RFID 3Gen Reader Chipset ...

Anadigm introduces 3rd generation RFID reader chipset, that can be leveraged in high and ultra-high frequency applications and RFID tag types. ...

.... "Anadigm announced the immediate availability of RangeMaster5, the company's third-generation RFID reader 3.3 volt chip set solution that allows system vendors to design and maintain a single combination HF and UHF reader. The Rangemaster5-based system can be customized to read different radio frequency identification (RFID) tag types, with different modulation types and frequencies. RangeMaster5 also fully supports current HF standards as well as the newer standards under study by EPC (Electronic Product Code) Global, Inc. Like previous RangeMaster devices, RangeMaster5 will support UHF protocols- EPC Global Gen 1 and Gen 2 (class 0, 1, 2) as well as ISO18000-6 standards. RangeMaster5 is the third in a family of RFID reader solutions that Anadigm is developing for the rapidly expanding RFID markets. RFID technology is revolutionizing markets as diverse as retail sales - by managing inventory and electronic payments via mobile phones - to medical applications by ensuring that hospital patients receive the correct treatments and medications.

RangeMaster5 is a three-chip set comprised of two dynamically programmable analog signal processors (dpASP) in conjunction with an RFID State Machine. This enables system designers to develop universal RFID readers that can support both HF and UHF, changing between HF and UHF baseband frequencies dynamically, in a few microseconds. RangeMaster5 also features the ability to dynamically change between protocols and frequencies allowing for optimized RFID tag reading. By allowing standardization around a single printed circuit board to support multiple end products and markets, RangeMaster5 simplifies and improves product development. This next generation of RangeMaster not only reduces development time and ownership costs of fixed systems, but also enables portable designs by reducing supply voltage requirements and power consumption. " ...

RFID 3Gen Reader Chipset: Via Anadigm: Anadigm Reveals Third Generation Chipset for Combination HF and UHF RFID Readers ...

RFID Position Determination ...

AXCESS International introduces an enhanced method for providing positioning and directional capabilities for RFID applications. Their product is called the Dual Activator, built on their ActiveTag platform. ...

... "The Dual Activator product is based on the Company's ActiveTag platform that enables automatic tracking of personnel, assets and vehicles in multiple industries that use this capability for security, logistics and operations effectiveness. The patent pending solution is available now for purchase. The Dual Activator provides a high precision method for determining the position of people, vehicles and assets. Many other RFID systems don't have the ability to provide dependable positioning and rely on guestimation techniques or added switches to determine the location and direction of objects. AXCESS' enhanced product offers a more precise method which is cost and installation friendly. The ability to determine location and direction of the RFID tag is required to provide effective and secure perimeter control. The dual activator, connects directly to two transmit antennas to offer a radio frequency signal that awakens the tags as they pass through each antenna field. It writes its own ID to the tag, which is then retransmitted, along with the tag's unique ID, to provide the tag's location and direction at time of activation. " ...

RFID Position Determination: Via Axcess: AXCESS International Enhances Unique RFID Method for Precision Position Determination of Enterprise Assets and Personnel ...

RFID Radar: Europe Deployment ...

Trolley Scan deploys RFID radar in Europe. ...

... "Trolley Scan (Pty) Ltd, a Johannesburg, South Africa based developer of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technologies announced the delivery of the first commercialised version of an amazing new RFID technology that they have trademarked RFID-radar. The first clients are an IT company based in Europe. Said Mike Marsh, Managing Director of Trolley Scan - The delivery of the first RFID-radar system to our client in Europe, marks the end of a hectic six months of development. Just six months ago we stumbled by chance on a method of measuring the distance, with great accuracy and over long distances, that a signal travelled from a transponder back to a reader. We have had to build concept proving equipment, conduct extensive field tests and design the first version of the commercial equipment. The testing included 14000 range measurements to verify consistency and accuracy. " ...

RFID Radar: Europe Deployment: Via Trolley Scan: TROLLEY SCAN (SOUTH AFRICA) DELIVERS FIRST COMMERCIALISED RFID-RADAR SYSTEM ...

Gen2 RFIDReader Chipset: RangeMaster2 ...

RangeMaster2 is Generation 2 RFID reader chipset ...

... "Anadigm announces immediate availability of RangeMaster2, the company's second generation RFID reader 3.3 volt chip set solution that allows system vendors to design and maintain a single universal reader that can be customized to read different radio frequency identification (RFID) tag types, with different modulation types and frequencies. RangeMaster family fully supports HF and UHF protocols- EPC Global Gen 1 and Gen 2 (class 0, 1, 2) and ISO18000-6 standards. RangeMaster2 is the second in a family of RFID reader solutions that Anadigm is developing for the rapidly expanding RFID markets. RFID technology is revolutionizing markets as diverse as retail sales - by managing inventory and electronic payments via mobile phones - to medical applications by ensuring that hospital patients receive the correct treatments and medications.

RangeMaster2 is a two-chip set comprised of a dynamically programmable analog signal processor (ASP) in conjunction with an RFID State Machine. This enables system designers to develop a universal RFID tag reader that can support multiple protocols and frequencies for Universal Fixed Readers, Portable/Handheld Readers, Combination Bar Code and RFID Reader/Scanners. By allowing standardization around a single printed circuit board to support multiple end products and markets, RangeMaster2 simplifies and improves product development. This next generation of RangeMaster not only reduces development time and ownership costs of fixed systems, but also enables portable designs by reducing supply voltage requirements and power consumption. " ...

Gen2 RFIDReader Chipset: RangeMaster2: Via Anadigm: Anadigm Introduces Second Generation Chipset for Universal HF and UHF RFID Reader Systems: RangeMaster2 - a Dynamically Programmable Analog Signal Processor Solution that Enables Fixed and Portable "Universal" RFID Reader Applications ...

RFID Electronic Identification Technology: Animals

Animal RFID tags are based on passive tag technology. ...

RFID Electronic Identification Technology: Animals: Via USDA: Animal Electronic Identification

... "All transponders contain a microchip and an antenna. Transponders can be classified as active or passive depending on whether their power source is internal or external. Passive transponders are used in livestock because they get their power from the reader device (antenna). The power antenna transmits radio frequency bursts and the passive transponder returns a coded signal to a separate antenna. A transmission link, via radio waves, is established between the transponder and the reader device (antenna). Animal electronic identification technology uses passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) because it is cost effective and offers the characteristics desired for animal identification. RFID technology does not suffer from signal absorption by tissue or moisture, and it can be packaged differently without affecting performance. " ...

RFID Innovation: Grocery Industry ...

Partnership aims to sustain RFID innovation in Canadian grocery industry ...

RFID Innovation: Grocery Industry: Via Grocery Innovations Canada 2005: Global Standards Organization GS1 Canada Joins Grocery Innovations Canada ...

... "John F.T. Scott, President of CFIG said, CFIG’s partnership with GS1 Canada, who is responsible for EPC/RFID standards in Canada, sends a clear signal to the industry that GIC continues to grow and remains the place for the grocery industry to converge and learn about the very latest in technology, new product development, innovative retail strategies and upcoming trends that influence and impact the grocer’s day-to-day business. " ...

Grocery Innovations Canada 2005 (GIC), is Canada’s premier grocery industry exposition and conference. The event is considered a must-attend by key industry players and attracts more than 6,000 industry attendees. GIC runs October 24 through 25 at the Toronto Congress Centre. GIC 2005 is produced in partnership by Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG); with the Food and Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC); and the Canadian Association of Sales and Marketing (CASMA) with support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Canadian Grocer. These organizations represent the strength, innovations and leadership behind Canada’s $70.1 billion grocery industry.

GS1 Canada is a not-for-profit organization that promotes and maintains global standards for the identification of goods, locations and related e-commerce communication, such as bar code issuance and maintenance. GS1 Canada is the only authorized source for globally unique company prefixes in Canada, a standard term and condition of trade globally. It provides a range of educational opportunities, maintains ECCnet Registry, Canada’s national product registry, and offers one-stop access to product images and dimensions. As technologies like Electronic Product Codes (EPC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) continue to drive the e-commerce revolution, GS1 Canada will provide the leadership to help ensure that Canadian companies can participate competitively.

RFID BioSensors Applications ...

Research center is investigating the convergence of RFID and sensors to enable increased food safety. Biosensors are defined as a type of biomolecular probe that measures the presence or concentration of biological molecules, biological structures, etc., by translating a biochemical interaction at the probe surface into a quantifiable physical signal such as light or electric pulse.

RFID BioSensors Applications: Via AUDFS: Radio Frequency Identification Sensors ...

... "Auburn University Detection and Food Safety (AUDFS) project to use RFID technology combined with sensors for detection of pathogens in food. AUDFS aims to integrate the breakthroughs in the detection of food borne illnesses with advances in wireless and biosensor technologies. " ...

References on RFID and Biosensors applications:

... "Via Wired: RFID Gussied Up With Biosensors: But many companies are now combining the tags with sensors that can detect the presence of biological and chemical agents, or signal that a perishable item has expired. " ...

... "Via Washington Technology: Growin’ on empty: RFID’s many uses outpace available funds: EDS is focusing on bundling together RFID and biosensor technologies for supply-chain management and homeland security purposes, Schick said. We’re looking at how to mesh the two technologies together, he said. " ...

... "RFID no use against CBRN terrorism and criminal contamination: Before anybody lets Biosensor RFID tags loose in the food supply chain, it should be established what is the acceptable level of false alert for such systems. If the system only falsly reported the presence of a pathogen once in a million times, then we would have a Bioterror alert every single day of the year, rendering the emergency services useless. " ...

RFID LowFrequency Mobil Speedpass ...

The Mobil Speedpass is enabled by RFID technology operating at a low frequency of 134 KHz. It is an example of RFID used in a payment application, as compared to the wave of recent retailer RFID applications in the supply chain .

Via Network World: RFID (radio frequency identification)

... "Exxon Mobil uses RFID technology in its Speedpass payment system. Customers wave a small transponder in front of a sensor on a gas pump, debiting their account. Low-frequency RFID applications range from 3 KHz to 300 KHz; Speedpass operates at 134 KHz. " ...

Reference material on Speedpass RFID operating at 134Khz low frequency:

... "Analysis of the Texas Instruments DST RFID: DSTs of the type found in SpeedPass and automobile ignition keys are designed for short range scanning - on the order of a few centimeters. ... The DST, however, operates at 134 kHz. Signals at this considerably lower frequency penetrate obstacles more effectively, which may facilitate eavesdropping ... " ...

... "Texas Instrument’s ISO 14443 payment platform promises faster data transfer rates and more security: Speedpass, for example, uses a 134-KHz RFID platform made by Texas Instruments. The data transmission speed is around 10 to 15 kilobits per second, according to Richardson. " ...

... "Mobil tags (supplied by Texas Instruments) are excited by and interrogated with a 134 KHz signal because of its ability to provide solid coverage. Early field trials, however, revealed interference problems when the much lower-power tag-to-reader link operated at that frequency. The tags now deployed still use a 134 KHz downlink, but a 902 MHz uplink solves the interference problem. " ...

... "Psion Teklogix: Understanding RFID and Associated Applications: Low-frequency RFID systems are typically 125 KHz, though there are systems operating at 134 KHz as well. This frequency band provides a shorter read range (< 0.5m or 1.5 ft) and slower read speed than the higher frequencies. LF RFID systems have the strongest ability to read tags on objects with high water or metal content compared to any of the higher frequencies. LF tags are typically slightly more expensive than HF or UHF tags. Typical low-frequency RFID applications are access control, animal tracking, vehicle immobilizers, healthcare applications, product authentication and various point-of-sale applications (such as Mobil/Exxon SpeedPass). " ...

MultiProtocol RFID Reader Platform Launched ...

MultiProtocol RFID Reader Platform Launched: Via WJ Communications: WJ Communications Launches a High Performance Multi-Protocol RFID Reader Platform: Unique Modular Design and Software Defined Radio (SDR) Approach Developed to Provide OEMs and System Integrators Highly Flexible Reader Solutions ...

... "The WJ SR2200 high-performance RFID Reader Platform introduces new technology and design attributes that will greatly enhance its read performance. A unique MCA(TM) (Modular Component Architecture) has a reader engine core that is based on the latest high-performance DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and controller processors. WJ has applied its expertise to develop DxP(TM) (DSP extreme processing) that exploits the inherent power of the hardware to provide an unmatched level of performance and sensitivity in today's demanding environments. Other innovations that will enhance performance include an Autonomous Reader Mode. " ...

Low Frequency RFID Device ...

Low Frequency RFID Device: Via Atmel Corporation: Atmel Targets Low-frequency RFID Applications with Introduction of Contactless RF IDIC® Featuring Fast Anti-collision Functionality and 1-kBit Memory ...

... "The ATA5558 is a contactless Read/Write (R/W) RFID device for multi- or single-tag applications in the low frequency (LF) range, such as animal identification, laundry management, industrial automation, item tagging, and ISO cards. The ATA5558 extends Atmel's broad RFID product portfolio ranging from standard read-only up to high-security crypto devices. The need for RFID is growing substantially due to its increased performance and enhanced functionality. Compared with bar codes, RFID provides extended read/write distances, line-of-sight is not necessary, and data can be changed whenever needed. Low-frequency RFID provides advantages such as insensitivity in rugged environments (e.g., against water, dirt and dust). " ...

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are®.

Walmart RFID Compliance Using SAP Netweaver Platform ...

Walmart RFID Compliance Using SAP Netweaver Platform: Via SAP: SAP RFID Rollout Signals Major Savings for Midsize Flag-Maker: Annin & Co. Gears up for Wal-Mart Requirement Within Three Months and Sets Cost-Cutting Course to Master Retail Market Challenges ...

SAP Netweaver Platform enables Walmart RFID Compliance for flag manufacturer ...

... "SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Annin & Co., the world's oldest and largest flag manufacturer, has implemented the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology within the SAP NetWeaver platform to meet WalMart's RFID requirement for key vendors. Annin, a midsize enterprise that manufactures more than 10,000 different flags and flag accessories, implemented the pilot project within three months, which will allow the company to achieve Wal-Mart compliance by January 2006. Annin also anticipates that its investment in RFID technology from SAP will bring significant cost savings. The announcement was made at the EPCglobal U.S. Conference 2005, being held in Atlanta, Georgia, September 13 - 15. " ...

Annin & Co is the world’s oldest and largest flag manufacturer. Starting from a sail loft in downtown New York City making signal flags for sailing ships in the 1820’s, Annin incorporated in 1847 and has since grown to four manufacturing locations. Annin now has worldwide distribution. As the official flag manufacturer to the United Nations, Annin’s international flags are the standards for exactness, followed by the rest of the world.

Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated

Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES FIRST COMPANY TO SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS’ GEN 2 TECHNOLOGY: Zebra, Texas Instruments and ThingMagic demonstrate Gen 2 technology, proving Zebra’s flexibility to handle RFID tags from multiple sources, to help accelerate the adoption of Gen 2 ...

RFID leaders collaborate to demonstrate RFID Gen2 performance ...

... "Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business and process improvement, recently collaborated with Texas Instruments and ThingMagic to demonstrate EPC Gen 2 tags from Texas Instruments in a Zebra printer/encoder during the EPCglobal Fast Moving Consumer Goods Business Action Group meeting in Houston, Texas. Zebra is the only company to successfully demonstrate printer/encoder communication with Gen 2 inlays from several leading suppliers. Highlighting the meeting’s Gen 2 Live theme, the demonstration featured Zebra’s R110Xi printer/encoder, embedded with ThingMagic’s RFID reader module and Texas Instruments’ EPC Gen 2 inlays incorporated into label rolls. " ...

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold more than four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company’s businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

Founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, MA, ThingMagic is a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID), sensing and embedding computing technologies. Mercury4, ThingMagic’s fourth generation agile RFID reader, builds on and substantially enhances the company’s original platform created for early field tests of the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Designed to meet the business needs of a future where networked objects are pervasive, the Mercury4 line of RFID readers also includes an embedded reader, Mercury4e, and a handheld reader, Mercury4h. Mercury4 RFID readers are the only intelligent, network-ready RFID readers, and the only devices that can read any RFID tag.

RFID Test Lab: Integration Simulation

RFID Test Lab: Integration Simulation: PEAK Opens Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Test and Integration Laboratory ...

Peak has created an RFID test and integration lab to support RFID business process simulation ...

... "PEAK Technologies, an RR Donnelley company (NYSE: RRD), announced that it has opened a new Radio Frequency Identification Test and Integration Laboratory at the company’s headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. The new state-of-the art RFID Test Lab is located within PEAK’s existing 20,000 square-foot warehouse in Columbia, providing an application environment that simulates a warehouse/distribution center for testing RFID technology. PEAK’s RFID Test and Integration Lab allows customers to understand the best ways to utilize the technology through a detailed lab process that includes testing packaging composition in terms of RFID signal propagation; tag placement and orientation; read range validation and antenna selection; portal and product-conveyor performance; and a host of other best-fit solutions. " ...

PEAK Technologies, an RR Donnelley company, is an international provider of automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) systems, enterprise mobility solutions and ongoing service and support. PEAK's primary applications include solutions for warehousing, manufacturing, distribution and field-based operations. PEAK's market leadership and strong financial management provide stability and assurance that solutions are delivered with long-term support. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland (USA), PEAK Technologies has more than 800 employees with locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

RFID Technology Design Acquisition

RFID Technology Design Acquisition: Agilent Technologies signs agreement to acquire the business of Eagleware-Elanix, a leading provider of high-frequency EDA software

... "Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and privately held Eagleware Corp., which does business as Eagleware-Elanix, today announced they have signed a definitive agreement for Agilent to acquire substantially all of the assets and business of Eagleware-Elanix, a leading provider of system and circuit design software for the communications industry. " ...

Eagleware-Elanix provides system and circuit design software that leads in providing power, speed and accuracy to developers of communication products. The company's suite of software solutions includes system-level and digital signal processing (DSP) analysis, simulation, synthesis, and libraries; and high-frequency design tools including system architecture design and analysis, linear simulation, non-linear and electromagnetic (EM) simulation, synthesis, RF board and microwave IC (MIC) layout, and libraries of high-frequency simulation models. Engineers worldwide rely on Eagleware-Elanix tools in the design of cellular telephones, radar systems, cable TV systems, satellite communications systems, mobile base-station equipment, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices, and wireless networking products. Eagleware-Elanix is headquartered in Norcross, Ga.

Authenticated RFID Drug Security: PKI Technology

Authenticated RFID Drug Security: PKI Technology: 3M and Texas Instruments Implement Authenticated RFID to Combat Counterfeit Drugs ...

3M and TI collaborate to deliver authenticated RFID solutions, based on PKI technology, that secure the drug supply ...

... "3M and Texas Instruments today announced they have teamed up to implement a strategy to battle drug counterfeiting and boost pharmaceutical supply chain security. The companies are offering an integrated security solution for the pharmaceutical market's first authenticated radio frequency identification (RFID) industry platform. The Authenticated RFID Platform is a multi-layered, transaction-based security solution where each item is uniquely and securely authenticated. A Texas Instruments RFID tag placed on each package delivers a machine-readable security stamp containing a digital signature that is based on Public-key Infrastructure (PKI). Dispensing sites can use this digital signature as strong evidence that the product came from the original manufacturer. " ...

Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company’s businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.

Universal UHF RFID Reader

Universal UHF RFID Reader: Anadigm® Announces RangeMaster™ for Universal UHF RFID Tag Reader Systems: This Two-chip Solution is an Industry First to Enable a Customizable “Universal” RFID Reader System ...

Anadigm delivers a universal RFID reader operating at various frequencies, including UHF ...

... "Anadigm® announced the immediate availability of RangeMaster™ – the industry’s first solution that allows system vendors to design and maintain a single “universal” reader that can be customized to read different radio frequency identification (RFID) tag types, with different modulation schemes and frequencies. RangeMaster™ fully supports EPC Global Gen 1 and Gen 2 (class 0, 1, 2) and ISO18000-6 standards. RangeMaster™ is the first in a family of RFID reader solutions that Anadigm is developing for the rapidly expanding RFID markets. RFID technology has the potential to revolutionize markets as diverse as retail sales - by eliminating the check-out line and controlling inventory – to ensuring that your luggage gets on the right airplane. " ...

Anadigm® brings platform-based design to the analog world with pre-qualified software and hardware components that allow complex analog circuits to be implemented in an analog equivalent to the FPGA. Designed to implement signal conditioning, filtering, data acquisition, closed-loop control, and other analog functions in a wide range of embedded systems, Anadigm® FPAAs are the first programmable analog Ics that can adapt on the fly to perform multiple functions, adjust to different environmental conditions, or compensate for aging equipment. Founded in January 2000 as a venture-backed technology spin-off from Motorola, Anadigm® maintains U.S. headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. And European headquarters in Crewe, UK.

RFID Growth Spain Market

RFID Growth Spain Market: Eagleware-Elanix Signs Captura Electronica as the Spanish Distributor for Its System & Circuit Design Software Targeted to Communications System Developers ...

... "Eagleware-Elanix Corporation, a leading supplier of system and circuit design software for the communications industry, announced today that the company has added Captura Electronica sccl of Spain to its roster of international distributors. " ...

Eagleware-Elanix Corporation provides system and circuit design software that leads in providing power, speed, and accuracy to developers of communication products. The company’s suite of software solutions includes system-level and digital signal processing (DSP) analysis, simulation, synthesis, and libraries; and high frequency design tools including system architecture design and analysis, linear simulation, non-linear and electromagnetic (EM) simulation, synthesis, RF board and microwave IC (MIC) layout, and libraries of high frequency simulation models. Engineers worldwide rely on Eagleware-Elanix tools in the design of cellular telephones, radar systems, cable TV systems, satellite communications systems, mobile base-station equipment, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices, and wireless networking products.

UHF RFID Tag Readers

UHF RFID Tag Readers: Anadigm® Announces RangeMaster™ for Universal UHF RFID Tag Reader Systems. This Two-chip Solution is an Industry First to Enable a Customizable “Universal” RFID Reader System ...

Anadigm introduces universal approach to UHF RFID readers and tags ...

... "Anadigm® today announced the immediate availability of RangeMaster™ – the industry’s first solution that allows system vendors to design and maintain a single “universal” reader that can be customized to read different radio frequency identification (RFID) tag types, with different modulation schemes and frequencies. RangeMaster™ fully supports EPC Global Gen 1 and Gen 2 (class 0, 1, 2) and ISO18000-6 standards. RangeMaster™ is the first in a family of RFID reader solutions that Anadigm is developing for the rapidly expanding RFID markets. RFID technology has the potential to revolutionize markets as diverse as retail sales - by eliminating the check-out line and controlling inventory – to ensuring that your luggage gets on the right airplane. " ...

Anadigm® brings platform-based design to the analog world with pre-qualified software and hardware components that allow complex analog circuits to be implemented in an analog equivalent to the FPGA. Designed to implement signal conditioning, filtering, data acquisition, closed-loop control, and other analog functions in a wide range of embedded systems, Anadigm® FPAAs are the first programmable analog Ics that can adapt on the fly to perform multiple functions, adjust to different environmental conditions, or compensate for aging equipment. Founded in January 2000 as a venture-backed technology spin-off from Motorola, Anadigm® maintains U.S. headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. And European headquarters in Crewe, UK.

RFID 1356Mhz Smart Card Reader

RFID 1356Mhz Smart Card Reader: Atmel Introduces AVR Microcontroller-based 13.56 MHz Contactless Smart Card Reader ...

... "Atmel Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced today the world's smallest and lowest-cost 13.56 MHz RFID single chip reader. Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers allow devices to wirelessly interrogate and write to tags and Smart Cards. This technology is now being used in applications such as consumer, healthcare, transportation and logistics products. Smaller than a US dime, the AT90RF135602 is ideal for portable devices. Combined with its low power consumption and intelligent power management, the AT90RF135602 is especially suited for small, battery-powered handheld devices. It integrates, in a single BGA package, an RF block developed by a leading RFID design company and an Atmel AVR high performance RISC microcontroller. " ...

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are®.

RFID Applications For Metrology ...

Abstracts for the Gossamer Spacecraft Exploratory Research and Technology

... "It is envisioned that integrated into the solar sail next to each antenna are flexible, single-chip, solar-powered, low noise amplifier and signal processing circuits together with a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag will radiate the measurement results to the spacecraft bus. The Phase I effort will evaluate RFID designs and configurations for performing sail metrology, and will identify viable plasma wave and dust detection sensor configurations for solar sail spacecraft. " ...

RFID Innovation

Innovation Alive and Well at Texas Instruments as Company Celebrates 75th Anniversary

TI celebrates 75 years of innovation, including advances in RFID technology ...

... "While our core business has been real-time signal processing with digital signal processors, or DSPs, and analog semiconductors, we're still actively innovating in the calculator market and other areas as well, said TI president and CEO Rich Templeton. TI's graphing calculators have become an educational rite-of-passage for students, Templeton said. Also, we're the world's largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems, which are used in an ever-increasing range of applications from inventory tracking and authentication to temperature sensing and condition monitoring. " ...

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company’s businesses include Sensors & Controls and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.

RFID Tags Baggage Screening ...

Hearing on Checked Baggage Screening Systems: TESTIMONY OF ROGER W. RIMINGTON, CHIEF AVIATION SECURITY CONSULTANT ...

... "In concert with surveillance and profiling, utilize a system to Radio Frequency (RFID) tag bags to ensure that selected bags will be rejected at level 1 and sent to level 2 for enhanced search. R.F. tags need to be recovered at the baggage sortation area and used again. (There are probably better alternatives to R.F. tagging available now) R.F. tagging of High Risk bags (selected by CAPPS) along with an alarm signal to the Baggage Screening System Room to scrutinise in outside mode ensures that this does not block or clog the overall system. " ...

RFID Readers: Where Headed? ...

Agenda

... "Experts predict Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology will replace the bar code in the next decade, because of the efficiencies it creates. Unlike bar codes, RFID tags can be made in tiny formats, some no larger than a grain of salt, and the tags don't have to be manually scanned. Instead, RFID tags send out a radio signal that can be captured at a distance and at indirect angles by RFID readers, eliminating the need for an employee with a hand-held scanner to read a label. Retailers and manufacturers hope to save millions by automating the shipping and inventory process and reducing theft using RFID. In late August 2003, Wal-Mart announced it would require its top 100 suppliers to put RFID tags on all pallets and cases of shipped products by January 2005 and require the rest of its suppliers to begin using RFID tags by 2006. Privacy advocates fear RFID will become as omnipresent as video surveillance and give marketers another method of tracking people's movements and shopping behaviors. " ...

RFID Technology: Where Headed ...

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology – Where Is It Headed? ...

... "Experts predict Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologywill replace the bar code in the next decade, because of the efficiencies it creates. Unlike bar codes, RFID tags can be made in tiny formats, some no larger than a grain of salt, and the tags don't have to be manually scanned. Instead, RFID tags send out a radio signal that can be captured at a distance and at indirect angles by RFID readers, eliminating the need for an employee with a hand-held scanner to read a label. Retailers and manufacturers hope to save millions by automating the shipping and inventory process and reducing theft using RFID. In late August 2003, Wal-Mart announced it would require its top 100 suppliers to put RFID tags on all pallets and cases of shipped products by January 2005 and require the rest of its suppliers to begin using RFID tags by 2006. Privacy advocates fear RFID will become as omnipresent as video surveillance and give marketers another method of tracking people's movements and shopping behaviors. " ...

Passive RFID System Explained ...

DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Fact Sheet: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

... "In its simplest form in common use today, a passive RFID system works as follows: an RFID reader transmits via its antenna an electromagnetic radio frequency signal to a passive RFID tag. The reader receives information back from the tag and sends it to a computer that controls the reader and processes the information that has been retrieved from the tag. " ...

RFID Reader Read Range ...

The Committee on Energy and Commerce

... "When an RFID reader emits a radio signal, nearby tags respond by transmitting their stored data to the reader. With passive RFID tags, which do not contain batteries, read-range can vary from less than an inch to 20-30 feet, while active (self-powered) tags can have a much longer read range. " ...

RFID Location Sensors: Children's Study ...

Final Report Use of 1) Sensors and 2) Radio Frequency ID (RFID) for the National Children’s Study ...

... "Location sensors are mostly used by commercial agencies for tracking their goods and products during shipping and storage. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are the most common type of location sensor, due to their low cost and small size. RFID tags essentially serve as a barcode that can be read by radio frequency transmission. These tags can carry all sorts of information about the product, such as the serial number, model number, color, location, or any other relevant information. The RFID tags will identify themselves when they detect a signal from a compatible device, such as an RFID reader. RFID tags can be active, passive, or semi-active. The passive tags are cheaper ($0.05 to $0.50) and smaller, but do not contain their own power source and are powered by the RFID reader through an antenna. Because these tags do not rely on battery power, they can last indefinitely. Active tags have their own battery and can transmit a signal to an RFID reader antenna, but are significantly more expensive at around $20. It is projected that active tags will eventually cost about $5 by 2005, however. Semi-active tags are a compromise between passive and active tags and cost around $1. " ...

Low Cost RFID Electronics ...

Sirenza Microdevices Reports First Quarter 2005 Results ...

... "Production release of medium-power discrete LDMOS products in low cost, "green" configured or environmentally responsible SOIC2 packaging for wireless infrastructure and RFID applications; these products use Sirenza's patented tungsten plug semiconductor technology to provide outstanding gain and linearity performance, along with internal ESD protection." ...

Headquartered in Broomfield, Colo., with design centers throughout the U.S., Sirenza Microdevices is a leading designer and an ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System certified (registered by QMI) supplier of high performance radio frequency (RF) components for the commercial communications and A&D equipment markets. Sirenza's integrated circuit (IC) and multi-chip module (MCM) product lines include amplifiers, power amplifiers, transceivers, tuners, discrete devices, RF signal processing components, signal source components, government and military specified components, and antennae and receivers for satellite radio.

RFID EPC Gen2 Interoperability ...

RFID EPC Gen2 Interoperability: Texas Instruments Teams Up With Leading Reader and Printer Partners for EPC Gen 2 Interoperability ...

TI builds a coalition of support for its EPC Gen2-compliant RFID technology to drive interoperability through the global supply chain ...

... Texas Instruments Incorporated today announced broad industry support for its Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) Gen 2 technology through its collaboration with 12 leading printer and reader manufacturers: Avery Dennison, AWID, Datamax Corporation, FEIG, Paxar, Printronix, SATO, Sirit Inc., SAMSys, ThingMagic, WJ Communications, and Zebra Technologies Corporation. TI is working with this alliance to ensure interoperability within the EPC Gen 2 radio frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure and drive accelerated adoption of EPC Generation 2 compliant solutions in the global retail supply chain. All of the companies are committed to providing products based on the EPC Gen 2 standard, and are working in close collaboration with TI to bring to market a wide range of interoperable solutions for encoders, readers, printers, and hardware devices that support TI's EPC Gen 2 products which are planned for volume production beginning in 3Q 2005. ...

Texas Instruments RFid Systems: Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. For more information, contact TI-RFid™ Systems at 1-888-937-6536 (North America) or +1 214-567-4364 (International), or visit the Web site at www.ti-rfid.com. Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company’s businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

RFID Sensor Integration: Capability to Monitor Status ...

The Combat Feeding Directorate Global Asset Visibility (GAV) Program is exploring the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology ...

... "The Electronic Product Code (EPC) is a unique number that identifies a specific item in the supply chain. Passive RFID tags are made up of a microchip holding an EPC and an antenna that receives an RF signal. Powdered by a reader, passive tags emit a radio signal that transmits the EPC and other information back to the reader. Sensor integration on tags provides the capability to monitor the status of an item, pallet or container by detecting temperature, vibration, rough handling, chemical/ biological contamination (stretch goal), etc." ...

The EPC Global Network ...

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the Consumer: How RFID and EPC Technology Work ...

... "Because of these advances, it is now possible to store on a microchip a series of zeroes and ones -- digital bits -- that can uniquely identify trillions of different objects -- the way bar codes identify many of today's products, but with potentially much more information about a particular shipment of products. This unique series of digital bits is called the Electronic Product Code, or EPC. Attach a tiny radio antenna to this microchip and you have an EPC tag, a cheaper version of a toll pass which, when asked, can signal its assigned number. The tag is not transmitting information actively. Secure devices called readers that comply with global standards developed through EPCglobal send out radio frequency waves that wake up the tag for a short period of time, enabling it to transmit information stored on the RFID tag -- namely the Electronic Product Code. The EPC can then be matched to the specific product information contained in a corresponding database, which is accessed through a secure network: the EPCglobal Network. " ...

RFID Supply Management: Electronic Checkpoints

1st FSSG Marines provide supplies to those on frontlines ...

Sgt. Enrique S. Diaz, 1st Force Service Support Group, writes ...

... The company employs radio frequency identification tags, or RFID tags - fastened to supplies being shipped - that emit a signal that is automatically registered at electronic checkpoints throughout the delivery route as the provisions pass by on truck. ...

RFID Temperature Sensor ...

Research & Technology Report 2000

Frank S. Milos writes ...

... "The microsensor circuit contains a thermal fuse, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchip, a capacitor, and a coil antenna. The purpose of this microsensor is to indicate the occurrence of excessive temperature at the bond-line between the TPS and the structure of an RLV. The fuse opens at about 288oC, the multiple-use temperature limit of RTV-560, which is a common TPS bonding agent. The rest of the circuit is designed to return the microchip identification code, and a signal for whether or not the fuse is open, to a wireless radio-frequency transceiver" ...

RFID Embedded Into Structures ...

Chapter 10 - Telecommunications Handbook for Transportation Professionals

... "A major advantage of RFID devices is that they can be embedded within the structure of an item. The tag activates on receipt of a radio signal from a reader device. A drivers license could have an embedded tag for instant identification. RFID Tags could be placed in sections of roadway. Maintenance crews could be directed to locations that need repair or restoration. Their vehicle would have a tag reader that reports the completion of the repair. A police officer at the scene of an accident could scan in an identification tag in a damaged section of guardrail. The information would be directly reported to a DOT District maintenance office to schedule repairs." ...

RFID Accountability Systems

Radio-Frequency Identification Accountability Systems ...

... "Radio-Frequency Identification Accountability Systems: Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, already used for many security entry control systems, uses radio-transmitting 'interrogators' to send out radio waves to preprogrammed receiver computer chips which 'respond' to the radio query with another radio signal. Interrogators and receivers only recognize specific frequencies. If the frequency is not correct, the receiver or interrogator will not recognize it. The signals transmitted by receivers can be programmed to include information such as name, rank, training level, etc." ...

RFID Breeds Surveillance Society ...

The Committee on Energy and Commerce

... "RFID tags are tiny computer chips connected to miniature antennae that can be placed on or in physical objects. The chips contain enough memory to hold unique identification codes for all manufactured items produced worldwide. When an RFID reader emits a radio signal, nearby tags respond by transmitting their stored data to the reader. With passive RFID tags, which do not contain batteries, read-range can vary from less than an inch to 20-30 feet, while active (self-powered) tags can have a much longer read range. " ...

RFID Reader: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Fact Sheet: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

... "In its simplest form in common use today, a passive RFID system works as follows: an RFID reader transmits via its antenna an electromagnetic radio frequency signal to a passive RFID tag. The reader receives information back from the tag and sends it to a computer that controls the reader and processes the information that has been retrieved from the tag. Passive tags do not have batteries and operate using the energy they receive from signals sent by a reader. " ...

EPC Gen2 Tag Emulators ...

EPC Gen2 Tag Emulators: Texas Instruments Delivers EPC Gen 2 Tag Emulators to RFID Reader ...

TI delivers Generation 2 EPC-compliant RFID tag emulation ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... NYSE: TXN) today announced that it is delivering Electronic Product Code(TM) (EPC) Generation 2 tag emulators to five of the leading RFID reader and printer ...

... Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) today announced that it is delivering Electronic Product Code(TM) (EPC) Generation 2 tag emulators to five of the leading RFID reader and printer manufacturers. This effort, underway since Q4 2004 in parallel with the company's Gen 2 RFID product development, helps to ensure EPC Gen 2 interoperability between TI transponders, and readers and printers being manufactured based on the recently ratified, next-generation EPCglobal Inc(TM) ultra-high frequency (UHF) standard. The reader and printer manufacturers will use the TI emulators to simulate 96 bit code read/write, lock, as well as other functionality defined by the EPC Gen 2 protocol, to facilitate their development of EPC Gen 2 products. TI's delivery of EPC Gen 2 emulators is a milestone on the company's path to achieving interoperability of Gen 2 products in the market as it ramps to production of EPC Gen 2 technology later this year. ...

Texas Instruments is the world's largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

RF Polymers Grow RF Sensors ...

CINT - Database of Government Nanotechnology Programs

... "RF Polymers for Integrated Sensors KEY TECHNOLOGY AREA: Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative uses for radio frequency (RF) polymers with application to integrated RF sensor technologies that provide increased functionality to reduce physical size, power consumption, signal loss, weight, and cost for structurally integrated apertures.

DESCRIPTION: The research will explore revolutionary concepts and conduct feasibility demonstration efforts of RF sensors that employ RF polymers to provide a low cost manufacturing capability. The effort will examine advanced RF polymer materials and RF aperture concepts for use on affordable, structurally integrated apertures. The effort will consider ideas that lead to a working aperture demonstration at the end of Phase II. This includes multi-function/integrated aperture concepts. Also, the effort could focus on the RF polymer conductive, dielectric or magnetic properties that will dramatically improve the above type of integrated apertures for final demonstrations. Limited material coupons or hardware breadboards will be fabricated to verify modeling results required. Selection of the demonstration vehicles shall be based on the developed RF polymers suitability for a specific integrated aperture and the availability of suppliers transferring these technologies from a research to a production environment. " ...

Construction Applications For RFID ...

Construction and Operations Applications For Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ...

... "A young technology with considerable commercial buzz, RFID – radio frequency identification – allows rapid and accurate reading of tags which, unlike UPC bar codes, can be read from a distance, in harsh environments, and through many materials without a direct line of site required. In uses that employ the small and increasingly inexpensive RFID tags, the radio signal sent in search of tags provides energy sufficient for a response from the tags, thereby eliminating the need for an internal tag power source. More intriguing and pertinent to highway construction is the use of RFID tags to monitor material properties. A materials engineer with Michigan DOT turned to the private sector for help developing concrete monitoring applications. A tag is embedded in concrete and monitors temperature, which data can be used to assess developing strength and curing rates for quality control." ...

How Does RFID Work ...

PNNL News and Publications

... "RFID Tags: How do they work? RF tags rely on modulated backscatter similar to radio waves to communicate. Modulated backscatter means the tags only reflect energy and do not create any radio frequency of their own. To read the tags requires a device called an interrogator. The interrogator is another electronic circuit board, typically much larger than a tag, that contains an antenna and a transceiver. The antenna beams radio waves to the RF tag, which then is powered up. The tag reflects its stored, encoded data back to the interrogator.The reflected signal is decoded by the transceiver inside the interrogator. " ...

Chokepoint RFID Portal For Cargo ...

RFID Portal Patent ...

From Patent Office ...

... "Industrial data capture system including a choke point portal and tracking software for radio frequency identification of cargo. A radio frequency identification (RFID) capture system for identifying and recording information parameters associated with cargo items, said system comprising: a choke point portal defining a doorway through which passes a plurality of the cargo items in transit from a first location to a second location, said portal including at least one radio frequency scanner and at least one antenna in operative communication with said scanner for issuing a radio frequency signal; a plurality of radio frequency sensitive labels, each of said labels being affixed to a selected one of the cargo items; and a processor based operating system in interfacing communication with said portal scanner and, in response to each of said labels emitting a signal detectable by said antennas as the cargo items are transported to the second location, a processor in operative communication with said antennas capturing and comparing information derived from said labels with an inventory manifest held in a computer readable medium and for authorizing shipping of the cargo items upon reading a correct number of labels." ...

RFID Company Growth through Innovation ...

RFID Company Growth through Innovation: Spectrum Signal Processing Reports Fourth Quarter and 2004 Year ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators under three ...

... Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (TSX:SSY)(NASDAQ:SSPI) today announced its financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Spectrum reports all results in US dollars and in accordance with US GAAP. Fourth quarter financial highlights include: Revenue of $4.6 million; Gross margins of $2.8 million, or 61% of revenue; Net operating expenses of $2.5 million; Net earnings of $294,000, or $0.02 per share; ...

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (NASDAQ: SSPI / TSX: SSY) is a leading supplier of software defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies and its prime contractors.

RFID in Gaming Industry ...

RFID in Gaming Industry: Invention relates generally to the field of casino gaming and more particularly to an apparatus and method for verifying the identification of a die, to reduce the probability of cheating ...

From UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ...

... Alternatively, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transponders or tags could also be used. If a metal playing surface is used, the RFID tag of the face lying against the playing surface will not transmit a signal, thereby indirectly identifying the uppermost face. In a further feature of the invention which protects the electronic die from being illegally copied, each RFID tag within the die is configured with its own ID code which is compared with a code transmitted by the computer. It is thus possible to check the legality or originality of the particular die and whether the game or software application using the die is a copy or an original. ...

Additional resources on RFID in the gaming industry ...

Gaming: profitability using barcode, RFID, and mobile computing technology. ... and support of data collection application systems for the gaming industry. ...

Future trends in RFID systems: Covering the RFID technologies, EAS technologies and magnetic coupled techniques ... in the gaming industry to incorporate transponders in gaming chips, ...

Secure RFID Chips for Payment Card Applications ...

Secure RFID Chips for Payment Card Applications: Texas Instruments to Deliver RFID Solution for MasterCard PayPass

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Texas Instruments today announced plans to deliver ISO/IEC 14443 compliant radio frequency identification (RFID) chips designed to meet the ...

... Texas Instruments today announced plans to deliver ISO/IEC 14443 compliant radio frequency identification (RFID) chips designed to meet the stringent security requirements for MasterCard International's PayPass(TM) line of RFID payment cards and tokens. TI expects to submit this product for MasterCard certification in the second quarter of 2005. Full production is planned to start in the second half of this year TI's new 13.56 MHz RFID chip is the latest to be introduced in a series of solutions based on the company's ISO/IEC 14443 technology platform. This proven platform features products with universally accepted and standardized cryptography, using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) approved crypto algorithms, including Triple DES and SHA-1. ...

Texas Instruments is the world's largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

Additional resources on secure RFID chips for payment card applications ...

RFID Tags and Contactless Smart Card Technology: Comparing and: The on-chip intelligence uniquely enables systems that ... card technology for new secure identification and ... For additional information on how RFID and contactless ...

Infineon Technologies AG: Business Concept ... Secure Mobile Solutions offers an extensive line of ... health insurance cards) and payment cards (debit and ... and customer base with RFID chips for identification ...

DOI Buys 30,000 DESFire Chips: says the government has tested a number of other chips that meet the ... NASA, which began a DESFire-based smart card secure access program at an ...

RFID Frequency Spectrum Management for Passive RFID Technology in the Supply Chain ...

RFID Frequency Spectrum Management ...

From Business Rules for Passive RFID Technology in the DoD Supply Chain ...

... DoD components will forward requests for frequency allocation approval via command channels to the cognizant military frequency management office to ensure that RFID tags comply with US national and host-nation spectrum management policies. RFID tags may require electromagnetic compatibility analysis to quantify the mutual effects of RFID devices within all intended operational environments. RFID tags that meet the technical specifications of 47 CFR 15 of the FCC’s Rules and Regulations for Non-Licensed Devices, i.e. Part 15, must accept and may not cause electromagnetic interference to any other federal or civil RF device. ...

Passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags reflect energy from the reader/interrogator or receive and temporarily store a small amount of energy from the reader/interrogator signal in order to generate the tag response. Passive RFID requires strong RF signals from the reader/interrogator, and the RF signal strength returned from the tag is constrained to low levels by the limited energy. This low signal strength equates to a shorter range for passive tags than for active tags. The DoD Logistics Automatic Identification Technology (LOG-AIT) Office is the DoD focal point for coordinating overarching guidance for the use of AIT within DoD. The Program Executive Office, Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS), Product Manager - Automatic Identification Technology (PM-AIT) Office is the DoD procurement activity for AIT equipment (to include RFID equipment and infrastructure) and will establish a standing contract for equipment installation and maintenance.

Upcoming Events

Announcing the 2005 DOD RFID Summit for Industry
February 9-10, 2005
Washington Hilton & Towers, Washington, DC

TI RFID Gen 2: Texas Instruments to Provide EPC Gen 2 RFID Tags Based on Recently ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Instruments (NYSE: TXN) today confirmed plans to deliver Electronic Product Code(TM) (EPC) UHF Generation 2 radio frequency identification (RFID) products to ...

... Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) today confirmed plans to deliver Electronic Product Code(TM) (EPC) UHF Generation 2 radio frequency identification (RFID) products to the market, based on the recently ratified EPCglobal Inc.(TM) Gen 2 specification, with working samples available in the second quarter of 2005 and volume production in the third quarter of next year. The company has been developing an EPC Gen 2 UHF RFID solution over the past year, in cooperation with the EPCglobal Inc. standards body, and will provide the market with EPC Gen 2 chips, straps and inlays. ...

Texas Instruments is the world's largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

DOD RFID in Action: Service and support Marines provide critical edge in combat ...

From United States Marines (press release) ... The company employs radio frequency identification tags, or "RFID tags" - fastened to supplies being shipped - that emit a signal that is automatically ...

Sgt. Enrique S. Diaz, 1st Force Service Support Group, writes ...

... While infantry Marines continue to rid Fallujah of insurgents, Marines with the 1st Force Service Support Group here are providing crucial, behind-the-scenes support to those on the frontlines. Within several defunct hangars and open lots on this former Iraqi air base is the Supply Management Unit - a central logistical hub for the 31,000 Marines, sailors, and soldiers of the I Marine Expeditionary Force operating throughout Iraq's Al Anbar Province. ...

RFID Symposium: INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ADVANCED RADIO TECHNOLOGIES

... "7thANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ADVANCED RADIO TECHNOLOGIES, ISART Forecasting the Future of Radio, 1 - 3 March 2005

The ISART technical program committee is soliciting papers for the 7th annual International Symposium on Advanced Radio Technologies (ISART) to be held in Boulder, Colorado March 1-3, 2005. These papers will discuss new technologies, research and development, innovative ideas, enabling technologies, standards, protocols, business practices and policies, and government regulation for the purpose of forecasting the future development and application of radio frequency technologies into the next decade.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Future of 802.16
Wireless/Hybrid LANs
New Wireless Convergence and Protocols
Software Defined/Cognitive Radios
Digital Video Broadcasting: Handhelds (DVB-H)
New Wireless Protocols
Voice over IP (VoIP)
IPv6
Global Mobile Communication Systems (2/2.5/3/4G)
Mobile VSATs
Broadband over Power Lines
GPS, Galileo, Glonass Interoperability and standards
2004 Olympics Communications Lessons Learned
Effective Spectrum Management
First Responder Communications
Human Computer Interface
Propagation Modeling in Urban Environment
VPN/Wireless Security
Mesh Networking
High Speed Digital Packet Access
Battery/Power Sources
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)
UWB Communications
Signal Compression
Conformal Antenna Design
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Automatic Voice Recognition
Automatic Language Translation
Automatic Direction Finding Network
Network Services (Artificial Intelligence)
Quantum Computing" ...

RFID in a watch that's smarter than you?

... "The tags consist of an electronic circuit, antenna and memory chip. When pinged by a radio signal, they answer with an ID code identifying the tagged object. The tags currently cost about 50 cents each, and that price is expected to drop dramatically with increased demand as such corporate giants as Walmart implement RFID systems to manage their inventory. The UW smart watch system equips users with a wristwatch that acts as an interface, driven by a small personal server that the wearer can easily carry in a pocket but which will eventually be part of the wristwatch itself. Important items are labeled with RFID tags and RFID readers are installed at various locations - home, car and work, for instance - to read the tags. When the person passes a reader, the reader pings the tags and the ID information is broadcast locally to the user's personal server, which processes it and checks to see that all critical items are present. The server also takes into account the last known location of items, the user's calendar and where the user may be going. If the server finds that an item is missing and will be needed, it signals the watch to prompt the wearer. " ...

RFID Software: Spectrum Signal Processing to Develop Software-Defined Active RFID ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. ...

... Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of Spectrum Signal Processing Inc., today announced a contract with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. The interrogators, or readers, are being developed for multiple funded programs addressing military logistics, homeland security and commercial transportation applications. The readers are designed to track military assets in both hostile and non-hostile environments and to monitor the location and physical integrity of intermodal cargo containers. ...

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (TSX:SSY)(NASDAQ:SSPI) is a leading supplier of software-defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies, and its prime contractors.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a multi-program science and technology laboratory managed for the US Department of Energy by UT-Battelle LLC. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation's leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

RFID for Freight Transportation Vulnerability, Security, and Productivity ...

From Electronic Cargo Seals: Context, Technologies, And Marketplace, Michael Wolfe, North River Consulting Group, writes ...

... "There are four clusters of electronic seals, representing four methods of communicating between the seal and its 'reader:' radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared, direct contact, and very long range cellular or satellite. All but the simplest solutions are capable of reporting sensor information and data that goes beyond seal status and ID.
RFID Seals RFID technologies are most common among electronic seals. Fundamentally, they marry RFID transponders or their components with manual seal components. There are two main types of RFID tags and seals, passive and active. Passive seals do not initiate transmissions--they respond when activated by the energy in the signal from a reader. Interrogated by a reader, a passive seal can identify itself by reporting its 'license plate' number, analogous to a standard bar code. The tag can also perform processes, such as testing the integrity of a seal. The beauty of a battery-free passive seal is that it can be a simple, inexpensive, and disposable device. Although not a formal term, it is useful to think of such devices as 'pure passive'--a term that describes what most practitioners have in mind when they discuss passive RFID electronic seals." ...

RFID Career Success: ASME Honors Julie Spicer England of Texas Instruments With Henry ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... Julie Spicer England, a resident of Dallas, a vice president at Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN - News) and general manager of its RFID Business, will be honored ...

... Julie Spicer England, a resident of Dallas, a vice president at Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN - News) and general manager of its RFID Business, will be honored by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and the American Management Association. England will receive the Henry Laurence Gantt Medal in recognition of distinguished achievements in management and outstanding service to the community. ...

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, today's ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community. The ASME Honors and Awards Program is funded through the ASME Foundation by individual award and endowment funds.

Texas Instruments is the world's largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. For more information, contact TI-RFid Systems at 1-888-937-6536 (North America) or +1 972-575-4364 (International), or visit the Web site at http://www.ti-rfid.com . Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

RFID Prime-Time Coverage: Applied Digital's CEO Scheduled to Appear on NBC Television's The ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... VeriChip is a miniaturized, radio frequency identification (RFID) device that can be used in a variety of security, financial, emergency identification and ...

RFID technology makes prime-time coverage on NBC Television ...

... Applied Digital (NASDAQ:ADSX), a provider of Security Through Innovation(TM), announced today that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Scott R. Silverman is scheduled to appear on NBC Television's The Today Show on Thursday, October 14th during the 8 am time period. The Today Show airs in most major markets beginning at 7 am local time. ...

Applied Digital develops innovative security products for consumer, commercial, and government sectors worldwide. Our unique and often proprietary products provide security for people, animals, the food supply, government/military arena, and commercial assets. Included in this diversified product line are RFID applications, end-to-end food safety systems, GPS/Satellite communications, and telecomm and security infrastructure, positioning Applied Digital as the leader of Security Through Innovation. Applied Digital is the owner of a majority position in Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX: DOC). VeriChip is a miniaturized, radio frequency identification (RFID) device that can be used in a variety of security, financial, emergency identification and other applications. About the size of a grain of rice, each VeriChip product contains a unique verification number and will be available in several formats, some of which will be insertable under the skin. The verification number is captured by briefly passing a proprietary scanner over the VeriChip. A small amount of radio frequency energy passes from the scanner energizing the dormant VeriChip, which then emits a radio frequency signal transmitting the verification number. In October 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that VeriChip was not a regulated device with regard to its security, financial, personal identification/safety applications but that VeriChip's healthcare information applications are regulated by the FDA.

RFID Tags: Texas Instruments Expands 13.56 MHz Line of Tag-it RFID ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... New Form Factors Satisfy Demand for Item-Level RFID Applications in the Library, Pharmaceutical, Hospital, Patron ID and Supply Chain Management Markets DALLAS ...

... As part of its ongoing development to offer a broad array of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN), a worldwide leader in RFID technology, today announced two new additions to its line of 13.56 MHz Tag-it(TM) HF-I products: the 32.5 millimeter CD/DVD Inlay and the 24.2 millimeter Circular Inlay. Both inlays are compliant with the ISO/IEC 15693 vicinity card standard and the ISO/IEC 18000-3 item management standard, making them suitable for adoption worldwide. RFID systems integrators are implementing TI's new 13.56 ISO/IEC inlays for end-user applications including item-level management of electronic materials in libraries, pharmaceutical products, and consumer products on retail shelves, as well as for patient identification in hospitals and patron ID, ticketing and wireless payment at amusement parks and sports venues. ...

Texas Instruments is the world's largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. For more information, contact TI-RFid Systems at 1-888-937-6536 (North America) or +1 972-575-4364 (International), or visit the Web site at http://www.ti-rfid.com . Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

RFID Chip: VeriChip Corporation Signs Master Product Purchase Agreement with ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... VeriChip is a miniaturized, radio frequency identification (RFID) device that can be used in a variety of security, financial, emergency identification and ...

VeriChip is a miniaturized, radio frequency identification (RFID) device that can be used in a variety of security, financial, emergency identification and other applications. About the size of a grain of rice, each VeriChip product contains a unique verification number and will be available in several formats, some of which will be insertable under the skin. The verification number is captured by briefly passing a proprietary scanner over the VeriChip. A small amount of radio frequency energy passes from the scanner energizing the dormant VeriChip, which then emits a radio frequency signal transmitting the verification number. In October 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that VeriChip was not a regulated device with regard to its security, financial, personal identification/safety applications but that VeriChip's healthcare information applications are regulated by the FDA. VeriChip Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Digital Solutions. For more information about VeriChip, visit www.adsx.com.

APPLIED DIGITAL SOLUTIONS is an advanced digital technology development company that focuses on a range of early warning alert, miniaturized power sources and security monitoring systems combined with the comprehensive data management services required to support them. Through its Advanced Wireless unit, the Company specializes in security-related data collection, value-added data intelligence and complex data delivery systems for a wide variety of end users including commercial operations, government agencies and consumers.

VeriChip Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSX), designs and manufactures a complete line of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Devices that can be used in a variety of security, financial, emergency identification, and other applications. The VeriChip miniaturized Radio Frequency Identifcation (RFID) Device is the core of all VeriChip applications. About the size of a grain of rice, each VeriChip contains a unique verification number, which can be used to access a subscriber-supplied database providing personal related information. And unlike conventional forms of identification, VeriChip cannot be lost, stolen, misplaced or counterfeited. Once implanted just under the skin, via a quick, painless outpatient procedure (much like getting a shot), the VeriChip can be scanned when necessary with a proprietary VeriChip scanner. A small amount of Radio Frequency Energy passes from the scanner energizing the dormant VeriChip, which then emits a radio frequency signal transmitting the individuals unique verification (VeriChipID) number. The VeriChip Subscriber Number then provides instant access to the Global VeriChip Subscriber (GVS) Registry - through secure, password protected web access to subscriber-supplied information. This data is maintained by state-of-the-art GVS Registry Operations Centers located in Riverside, California and Owings, Maryland.