AdvantaPure's Gamma-Radiation Resistant, Read/Write RFID Tag

AdvantaPure (www.advantapure.com/gamma-rfid-tags.htm) releases the GammaTag™, the first read/write RFID tag that can safely be sterilized by gamma radiation. It provides reliable electronic identification for components used in critical process industries, such as pharmaceutical, bioprocess/biomedical, food and beverage, and medical device.

GammaTag withstands gamma radiation up to 45 kGy (kilograys) and may also be sterilized using CIP processes. Its read/write ability allows data to be written directly on the tag. In conjunction with a handheld tag reader and software (known as Process Equipment Tracking, or PET), GammaTag allows access to the current status of equipment on the spot—simply aim the reader towards the tag to recall information or to write new data to the tag.

An example of GammaTag's usefulness is in the pharmaceutical industry for single-use/disposable process systems consisting of sample and production bags, manifolds, tubing and hose, fittings, clamps, and filters. OEMs can integrate the tags into the individual components or attach them to a complete system using silicone tape, watchband style holders, pouches, or lamination.

According to AdvantaPure's CEO Ken Baker, RFID tags are used more and more in clean applications because of their advantages over barcodes and traditional paper records and log books. RFID tags provide a dependable electronic link to certifications, installation instructions, warning notices, and disposal procedures. "But the options for sterilization in these clean applications were limited," says Baker. "GammaTag addresses that issue by being gamma irradiatable. It simplifies sterilization because components may be assembled into a complete process system, and then gamma-radiation sterilized as a unit."

WJ's Next Generation Multi-Protocol UHF RFID Modules Offer Worldwide Coverage

WJ Communications, Inc. (www.wj.com) announces the WJR 7000 line of multi-protocol modules, designed to support full one-watt Gen 2 Dense Reader spectrum, fast data rate of 240 KHz, and worldwide operation capability. The WJR 7000 is an engineering breakthrough providing comparable performance to fixed/portal readers in a module the size of a business card. These next-generation modules are targeted for North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets and will enable customers to adapt superior RFID functionality and worldwide UHF capability in handhelds, printers, forklift readers, portal readers, and other mobile devices. (Support for Japan is planned, but not offered yet.)

"Building upon our continued success with the MPR product line, we are introducing the next generation WJR modules to meet our customers' needs to provide RFID enabled mobile devices capable of worldwide UHF coverage and best in class performance," says Haresh Patel, SVP of Sales and Marketing at WJ Communications. "Features such as UHF Near Field Compatibility for item-level tracking, Gen 2 Dense Reader Mode capability at full one-watt, 240 KHz data rates, and worldwide coverage for UHF RFID operation allows WJ to provide the industry's leading RFID modules for integration into our customers' mobile devices. These leading-edge products deliver superior range and read/write throughput, which are crucial to Consumer Product Groups and retailers for maximizing ROI."

The reader module includes the RF, digital circuitry, and embedded firmware required for Class 1 Gen1 ISO18000-6C (UHF Gen 2) and ISO 18000-6B international standards. The WJR7000 leverages the ubiquitous PCMCIA Type II package with 3.3V CMOS levels (up to 5V) serial communications and can be operated via the included WJ graphical user interface. The intuitive command set allows for extremely fast development of custom applications via an open source DLL and API support. The WJR 7000 is plug and play compatible with WJ's MPR 7000 module.

WJ has developed the WJR UHF RFID reader modules to address the market space void of handheld and mobile markets offering maximum read/write throughput and range. Customers can design a highly scalable solution by utilizing WJR's worldwide UHF coverage and standard packaging; deliver the best-in-class performance by employing the full one-watt operation power, the Dense Reader support, and the fast, reliable high throughput data rate of 240 KHz; and integrate easily with the standard PCMCIA packaging and demo software.

Korea Attracts Major RFID Business Initiatives

Impinj Inc. and LSI Industrial Systems have partnered to deliver high-performance RFID solutions in Korea, where manufacturers are in significant demand. LS Industrial will create and distribute a complete RFID solution incorporating Impinj's Speedway reader platform and Monza Gen 2 tag chips, which are currently used by large consumer goods companies in North American retail and distribution.

The RFID solution will be targeted towards Korean product distributors, manufacturing companies, and government entities looking to improve factory automation and supply chain efficiency. The partnership's goal is to become the premier provider of RFID solutions in Korea. Based on reports from ABI Research, the South Korean market shows significant opportunity for solutions providers. The total market opportunity is expected to reach more than $100 million in 2007. Visit www.impinj.com.

Alien Technology also announces its interest in the Korean market with the formation of the Alien Technology Asia headquarters based in Songdo, Korea. Alien plans to invest up to $10 million to develop sales, distribution, marketing, and manufacturing capabilities to enhance its existing Asian distribution network. Alien says it chose Korea for its advance stages in the RFID market, as well as its technological capabilities, leadership, and vision demonstrated by RFID adoption.

Alien will offer the Alien RFID Academy training courses, which have already graduated 1,800 individuals around the world, to the Korean market. Visit www.alientechnology.com.