The following are news announcements made during the past week.
Rutgers Opens RFID Center
Rutgers University‘s Rutgers Center for Innovative Ventures of Emerging Technologies (CIVET), together with RFID TagSource, have opened the new Rutgers University RFID Research Center. Located on the Rutgers Busch Campus in Piscataway, N.J., the center combines laboratory facilities with real-world, practical insight into how RFID is being used today to provide actual business value. The center is aimed at providing the Rutgers community and industry sponsors with the tools needed to support research activities that have near-term commercial value. It will also be used to host industry seminars, executive forums, continuing education classes and independent research projects to support industry, government and U.S. Department of Defense RFID initiatives. “Rutgers is recognized as a leading national public research university,” said Francois Berthiaume, Rutgers CIVET’s research coordinator, in a prepared statement. “We are really excited about the value the RFID Research Center will bring to the Rutgers community and our industry, government and defense research partners.”
Axcess Licenses HID Global Proximity Technology
Axcess International has announced it is licensing HID Global‘s proximity technology. Axcess manufactures the Dot chip, which provides dual active-passive capabilities so it can be employed as both a passive EPC Gen 2 tag and a 433 MHz active tag. HID Global’s 125 KHz proximity tags will be utilized in Axcess’ Dot Wireless Credential product, designed to extend existing access-control systems into more advanced workforce-management solutions, including local location identification, tracking and control capabilities. According to Axcess, Dot Wireless Credential provides businesses with real-time visibility into the location and status of their labor and assets within their operations. Applications that can leverage Dot Wireless Credential include automated zonal security monitoring, time and attendance data collection, asset management, emergency evacuation accounting, personnel performance measurement, automated compliance reporting, process automation and business intelligence data collection. Axcess’ Dot Wireless Credential technology was recently used to provide security during President Obama’s April 2009 visit to Trinidad, the firm reports, for the Fifth Summit of the Americas conference.
Schreiner-LogiData Unveils Rugged Tag that Withstands Heat, Chemicals
German label manufacturer Schreiner LogiData has announced a new rugged ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tag designed for use on vehicles during production and assembly. The ((rfid))-HighTemp label supports the ISO 18000-6 C and EPC Gen 2 protocols, and operates at frequencies of 865 to 870 MHz (for use in Europe) and 902 to 928 MHz (for use in the United States). The tag is designed to tolerate the high temperatures and harsh chemicals found in paint shops, Schreiner LogiData reports, making it suitable for use by automakers to mark vehicle bodies prior to, during and after painting. Even at 220 degrees Celsius (428 degrees Fahrenheit), the label’s RFID inlay will retain its functionality for 30 minutes, the company reports, and the materials with which the label is constructed will not experience any damage or change in properties during that time span. Customization of adhesives to suit desired temperature ranges and specific substrates is available upon request, and the tag can be equipped with a paint mask. In addition, Schreiner LogiData indicates, the ((rfid))-HighTemp Label achieves reliable reading ranges in metallic environments.
Voyantic Launches New Tools for RFID Tag Measurements
Voyantic, a provider of RFID measurement solutions, has launched a new compact measurement cabinet and new software tools for measuring and testing ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tags. The tools are aimed at helping reduce the time and costs required to bring new tags to market. The measurement cabinets are shielded and anechoic—attributes necessary for creating controlled electromagnetic environments in which to test electronic devices—and can be set up and utilized in offices or laboratories. The cabinet is specially designed for the UHF RFID range, and also includes a rotation system for measuring tags and tagged items from different angles. According to the company, the cabinet integrates seamlessly with Voyantic’s Tagformance measurement system. Introduced in June of this year, Tagformance helps companies verify that tags operate properly, and qualifies how well they function (see Voyantic Helps Companies Put RFID Tags to the Test). The newly launched software tools extend the Tagformance system so it can be used to measure tag radiation patterns and estimate link budgets (used to help determine which size antenna to use). The software update is now available for Tagformance customers who have maintenance plans, and also comes with Tagformance measurement systems available for purchase now. “These new tools enable our customers to access critical measurement data with uncompromised accuracy but moderate cost,” said Jukka Voutilainen, Voyantic’s CEO, in a prepared statement. “Measurements that were previously performed in large, expensive anechoic chambers are now at anyone’s reach.”
RFID TagSource to Distribute Tracient RFID Readers in North America
RFID TagSource, a provider of RFID tagging solutions, and Tracient, a manufacturer of RFID interrogators, have inked a deal in which RFID TagSource will distribute Tracient’s products in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The agreement includes Tracient’s line of high-frequency (HF) and ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) wireless, handheld and mobile RFID readers designed specifically for asset tracking, inventory management, contactless ticketing and similar applications. Tracient’s handheld units include out-of-the box support for Bluetooth connectivity to popular handheld devices made by Motorola, BlackBerry and other leading mobile device manufacturers, providing RFID capability to existing mobile applications. The deal makes RFID TagSource the exclusive distributor of Tracient’s products in North America, the two companies indicate, but does include exceptions where Tracient has existing relationships. “Existing customers will be given the choice of continuing to deal directly with Tracient or move their purchasing to RFID TagSource,” says Neil Edmond, Tracient’s sales and marketing manager. “We suspect many will choose the latter to take advantage of local time support and faster purchasing turnaround. RFID TagSource will provide first-line support, with back-up and development assistance provided by Tracient where required.”
Avery Dennison RFID’s New Web Site Offers Tools, Scenarios
To help customers more easily purchase the proper RFID solution to meet their needs, Avery Dennison RFID has unveiled a new Web site. The site features online access to a range of RFID application information, the company reports, as well as more detailed up-to-date product specifications and best-use scenarios. In addition, the site offers access to the company’s RFID 101 training, and highlights some of the RFID solutions and testing services available through its Atlanta Technical Center (ATC); services include performance tests with multiple tag and reader positions. In addition, the Web site provides information on the variety of RFID technology supported by Avery Dennison RFID. Inlays for high-frequency (HF) and ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID, as well as a suite of durable RFID tags, are detailed on the new site, along with application examples.