RFID

Bellefontaine, Ohio-based Rath Information Systems / Tag Express—an IBSA affiliate—received its largest and most lucrative contract in the company’s long history. Terri Schneider, president, explained the project will be a five-phase bar code system integrated with RFID technology. It will be implemented over the next 60 months, and could exceed $1 million. The customer will use barcode scans for tracking materials received from suppliers and for monitoring both works in progress and finished goods inventory, as well as for scanning products being shipped. The comprehensive asset, personnel and process tracking system integrates multiple technologies, from simple barcodes to state-of-the-art RFID. Said Schneider, “In phase

Dallas-based Texas Instruments (TI) announced the availability of a high-frequency (13.56 MHz), multi-standard, integrated circuit (IC) RFID reader product family. The advanced package design of the TRF7960(1) family measures 5x5mm, and supports ISO/IEC 14443A/B, ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3 and TI’s contactless commerce and Tag-It portfolio. The advanced, flexible design increases reader performance while reducing the IC footprint, and the TRF7960(1) is designed for both fixed and handheld reader devices. Several key performance attributes are built in. For instance, to maximize read-range and reliability, the integrated, on-board linear voltage regulators that turn up the analog, digital and power amplifiers provide power supply noise isolation.

Tracking devices were once solely the stuff of superheroes and foreboding sci-fi satire featuring a shadowy, technologically advanced Big Brother. Over the last two years though, RFID technologies have been utilized all over the globe, from China’s national ID card program to Germany’s World Cup tickets. In the United States, the State Department’s 2006 passports began including RFID chips. Also in 2006, the New York City subway system tested the RFID-enabled Mastercard PayPass at a portion of its turnstiles, and markets such as Philadelphia, Dallas, and Orlando, Fla., underwent PayPass trials, as well. It’s hard to deny that the future of RFID technology

Recently RFID has been in the cross-hairs of every media outlet. With big businesses and some government offices finding more uses for the technology, the general public is starting to feel a little on edge. Accusations started flying: concerned citizens groups fear this technology could lead to a totalitarian state comparable to Orwell’s 1984 and some religious groups even declared RFID to be related to biblical tales of Armageddon. “The unfortunate thing about that is once [a group] makes such a claim or statement, from that point on, it puts the RFID industry on the defensive,” said Max Golter, vice president of sales at

Not very long ago, few people knew about RFID tags. Label converters and electronic engineers were among this minority. Suddenly, it has expanded in the vast social consciousness. Stories about RFID have appeared in consumer and tech journals alike. The technology has been discussed in every form of media, and not always with praise. As RFID gains popularity and people grow increasingly aware of it, the technology meets greater resistance. At the same time, it is working its way into more businesses and industries. RFID critics have been vocal, but there are many supporters on both sides of the supply and demand chain. In health-care, RFID

AIM Global, Warrendale, Pa.—recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility—announced the availability of the public television-produced video titled “Spotlight On: RFID Technology.” The video is the culmination of a year-long project sponsored by AIM Global members FEIG ELECTRONIC, Intermec Technologies, Markem, PSC and Symbol Technologies, and produced by public television film entertainment company, Trivue Entertainment. “Spotlight On” is an ongoing series of educational, short programs that has been broadcasting nationally on public television for more than 17 years. Each segment may run for a year or longer, depending on the relevance of the content and its educational value to viewers. The

AIM Global, Warrendale, Pa.—recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility—has announced the availability of the public television-produced video titled “Spotlight On: RFID Technology.” The video is the culmination of a year-long project sponsored by AIM Global members FEIG ELECTRONIC, Intermec Technologies, Markem, PSC and Symbol Technologies, and produced by public television film entertainment company, Trivue Entertainment. “Spotlight On” is an ongoing series of educational, short programs that has been broadcasting nationally on public television for more than 17 years. Each segment may run for a year or longer, depending on the relevance of the content and its educational value to viewers.

Schober USA, Cincinnati, introduced its second generation RFID machine. The machine is able to read HF and UHF tags, and it has a new tag dispenser with web tensioning, strategically placed start/stop buttons and greater information-gathering capabilities. An optional static discharge protection package completes the new features. As a cost-effective RFID solution, RFID transponders are placed under pre-printed labels. On-board RFID readers ensure the readability of each RFID tag before and after integration. The new technology works with transponders in accordance with ISO specifications in widths ranging from 10 mm to 160 mm. In addition, pre-printed labels with widths of 20 mm to 200

The next generation of RFID technology—commonly referred to as Gen 2—has arrived, and Holtsville, New York-based Symbol Technologies unveiled its first RFID tags based on the new Gen 2 protocol. The company also launched a new line of specialty RFID tags, starting with the hardened metal mount tag that can be attached to items including utility poles. The open set of common standards defined by Gen 2 help to develop interoperability and volume production, creating a more competitive market that will ultimately drive prices down and ensure cross-vendor compatibility. The standards also provide a number of strategic business benefits for large enterprise deployment, including

The next generation of RFID technology—commonly referred to as Gen 2—has arrived, and Holtsville, New York-based Symbol Technologies unveiled its first RFID tags based on the new Gen 2 protocol being used by companies such as Wal-Mart. The company also launched a new line of specialty RFID tags, starting with the hardened-metal mount tag that can be attached to items such as utility poles. The open set of common standards defined by Gen 2 help to develop interoperability and volume production, creating a more competitive market that will ultimately drive prices down and ensure cross-vendor compatibility. The standards also provide a number of strategic