DALLAS, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Expanding the scope, flexibility and potential market applications for high frequency (HF) ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) today announced it is broadening its line of Tag-it(TM) transponders with new memory, data protection and form- factor options.
Now offered in both 256 bit and 2,048 bit memory options, the expanded Tag-it HF-I line introduces new tracking and authentication capabilities that provide system integrators and application providers the flexibility to build a host of data protection and privacy functionality options into their RFID solutions. The new Tag-it HF-I platform now offers the only password protected write functionality for ISO/IEC 15693 compliant products in the market. It allows RFID application developers the flexibility to choose the optimum memory and level of security -- from a factory-locked unique ID, to user-programmed password lock with decommissioning or kill functionality, to the combination of RFID with Public-key-Infrastructure (PKI).
Markets for this ISO/IEC standard solution include high-value product and asset tracking visibility, pharmaceutical supply chain authentication, library management, event and venue ticketing, and laundry and textile rental tracking.
The Tag-it HF-I Standard and HF-I Pro products, with 256 bit user memory, and Tag-it HF-I Plus and HF-I RxID products with 2,048 bit memory, are available in chip and inlay options in a range of antenna configurations for integration with paper, PVC and other substrates.
"Our customers tell us they want the benefits of the 15693 ISO/IEC standard in a variety of options for both core and complex high-frequency RFID applications where they can have the flexibility to build in the level of functionality and data protection they need," said Ulrich Denk, high frequency RFID product marketing manager for Texas Instruments.
Levels of Security for Core-to-Complex Applications
The hallmark of this new Tag-it HF-I platform, with multiple memory options and the ability to segment data on the tag in up to eight discreet data blocks, is that system engineers can design various levels of security and functionality into their applications, with a minimum of software or firmware development.
For example, in asset tracking applications, a company can have one portion of the tag memory programmed with a factory-locked number (say a manufacturer's ID code), while some of the other data sections can be freely used to record status, maintenance, or location updates over the life of an asset. Further, additional security can be imposed with a password that allows data updates only by authorized parties. In other applications, such as event or transit ticketing where credits are deducted, payment and use information can be securely and accurately updated on the tag. For consumer product authentication applications with privacy requirements, sections of the tag containing product information can be decommissioned prior to the purchase or the transponder functionality can be completely disabled using a special command.
What Our Customers Are Saying
3M Library Systems
"For libraries using RFID to enhance productivity and materials management, TI's expanded line of HF products, enables 3M to offer a range of ISO compliant tags with the right features for the growing and changing needs of the library industry," said Rory Yanchek, Business Manager for 3M Library Systems.
Axess AG
"TI's HF tags provide our ski resort customers with the ability to keep lift lines short while gathering better data to improve facility management and use," said Wolfram Kocznar, chief executive officer, Axess AG, headquartered in Salzburg, Austria. "Using the new password protection capability in TI's HF product family, resorts can ensure credits are being deducted securely and accurately on the tag as they are consumed."
Precision Dynamics Corporation
"The new features of TI's Tag-it HF-I line will help us meet the demanding requirements of stored valued point-of-sale and healthcare RFID wristband applications," said Irwin Thall, RFID Manager for Healthcare at Precision Dynamics Corporation headquartered in San Fernando, Calif. "PDC uses TI's RFID inlays in its Smart Band Wristbands, which have been used in successful RFID trials and/or implementations at Georgetown University Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center, Jacksonville Suns' and Nashville Sounds' Stadiums."
Optimized Chip-to-Inlay Performance
Texas Instruments offers the only chip-to-inlay integrated manufacturing process for ISO/IEC 15693 transponders where each individual inlay is laser tuned to optimize its performance. The company's rigorous quality standards also include in-line parametric and functional testing, and a marking and control process to provide optimum off-the-reel yield.
The Tag-it HF-I inlay shapes range from small sizes including the 24 mm circular inlay for applications with tight size limitations, to application optimized inlay shapes such as the CD/DVD inlay, and the 45 mm x 76 mm inlay which offers the highest read range within TI's ISO/IEC 15693 product family.
For more information on the Tag-it HF-I product family, contact Texas Instruments RFid Systems at 1-800-962-RFID (7343) (North America) or +1 214-567-RFID (7343) (International), or visit the Web site at http://www.ti/rfid/hs-i .
About Texas Instruments
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, visit 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. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com/ .
Trademarks
Tag-it and TI-RFid are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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