Jul 20, 2023Presented here are recent news announcements in the radio frequency identification and Internet of Things industries.
Impinj Wins Patent Infringement Lawsuit
RAIN UHF RFID technology provider Impinj has won two patent-infringement lawsuits against global chip company NXP Semiconductors. On July 14, a federal jury in California found that NXP Semiconductors violated two of Impinj’s patents, one willfully. The jury has awarded Impinj about $18.5 million in damages and lost profits. In June, a federal jury in Washington found that Impinj did not infringe an NXP patent on which NXP sued Impinj.
Both cases stem from a patent-infringement lawsuit in 2019, at which time Impinj filed a suit against NXP citing 26 of its patents which it reported NXP infringed upon with its UCODE ICs. Impinj’s patents centered around its AutoTune, Integra, Enduro, and FastID technologies as well as Impinj’s circuit designs and implementations. Since then, the case has been before the courts.
In June, a federal jury ruled that Impinj was not guilty of infringing on NXP’s patent. Impinj is a Seattle-based manufacturer of RAIN RFID devices and software. Spun off from Philips in 2006, NXP is a Dutch semiconductor designer and manufacturer.
Fibocom Releases Satellite and Cellular Module for IoT
Internet of Things (IoT) company Fibocom, has released a new wireless module known as the Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) module MA510-GL at MWC Shanghai 2023. The module - leveraging a Qualcomm 9205S modem - exploits Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite communication and cellular connectivity for applications such as maritime transportation, emergency communication, and scientific research in rural areas.
The company reports that 15 percent of the globe is covered by cellular connectivity along with the rollout of cellular infrastructure in terrestrial areas. The implementation will continue to develop a global network, it says, combining satellite communication technology with cellular networks as a method of improving the network reliability and coverage on land, on water, and in the air. Driven by the increased market demands from enterprises, airlines and telecommunication service providers, the integration of cellular and satellite communication is gaining importance for IoT industries, according to Fibocom.
The MA510-GL module was made for the global IoT market and supports GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) satellite communication as well as LTE Cat M/NB2/EGPRS cellular communication. That makes it a solution for a variety of IoT applications. Adopting LCC+LGA form factors, the module integrates multiple interfaces such as UART/USB/I2C/I2S for industrial customers. Also, with GNSS built-in, and equipped with eDRX capability, the module is intended offer low power consumption along with a small size.
Firedome Integrates with Microsoft Defender for IoT
IoT security company Firedome has announced its integration with Microsoft Defender for IoT, using Microsoft Sentinel. The integration combines Firedome's on-device agent-based real-time detection, prevention and response with Microsoft Defender for IoT's network-based events. That will offer users a comprehensive view, analysis prevention and remediation of cyberattacks in IoT environments, the company says, across all attack phases. With Microsoft Sentinel, users can create alerts, investigate security incidents, or access unique device-entry-point data to improve device and organizational security.
Firedome's offers its Defense in Depth cyber solution by integrating cyber-attack prevention, detection and response; while also being able to feed forensic data into a SIEM. The system is compatible with major IoT operating systems such as Linux, FreeRTOS, Windows, and Android. It is lightweight and intended for use in sectors such as healthcare, energy, smart buildings and retail.
By combining Firedome's technology with Microsoft Defender for IoT's comprehensive network and perimeter capabilities, users will be able to identify, block and remediate the devices responsible for initiating cyber attacks within their IoT/OT network, while also tracking threats movements across network segments. They can also pinpoint devices involved in DDOS and botnet campaigns. This integration empowers users to enhance their understanding of cyber threats and take proactive measures to safeguard their IoT environment, Foredome reports.
QORE4 Opens with New RFID Products and Services
Technology firm QORE4 has announced its official launch as a company that focuses on RFID products and services for the transportation, industrial and retail markets.
The Las Vegas-based company specializes in designing and developing advanced product solutions, while it reports a focus on staying at the forefront of RFID innovation by developing new and advanced systems. The company’s solutions portfolio includes tolling and parking solutions via RFID as well as road user charging and fleet management. The company also offers support services such as transponder fulfillment, customer care, toll system maintenance management, and payment services.
The company claims to shorten the timeline for product design, while its products and services are aimed at simplifying supply chain management with RFID-based technology.
