07 August, 2006
category: RFID
Attention North American RFID shoppers.
Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. on Monday announced the first network-ready HSS-MUR-300 u-chip (Greek letter mu) reader tailored to the North American market. The reader is designed to work specifically with the Hitachi u-chip RFID (radio frequency identification) 2.45 GHz authentication tag.
Features include Ethernet 10/100 BaseT connectivity supporting static and DHCP IP address assignment, two antenna ports for maximized read coverage and versatility using approved antennas, and digital I/O ports to support triggers.
Hitachi America Announces the First Network-Ready HSS-MUR-300 u-Chip Reader Tailored for North America
BRISBANE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 7, 2006–Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT) today announced the first network-ready HSS-MUR-300 u-chip (Greek letter mu) reader tailored to the North American market. The reader is designed to work specifically with the Hitachi u-chip RFID (radio frequency identification) 2.45 GHz authentication tag.
The new compact reader features Ethernet 10/100 BaseT connectivity supporting static and DHCP IP address assignment, two antenna ports for maximized read coverage and versatility using approved antennas, and digital I/O ports to support triggers. The reader footprint is a small 5.5 by 4.0 by 1.50 inches. The reader has a typical read range of 12 inches with slightly longer read distances in some applications depending on objects being tagged with the Hitachi u-chip. The product is FCC and Industry of Canada certified for unlicensed operation. The new readers are available directly from the Hitachi America, Security Solutions Group as a key component in its overall RFID solutions offerings.
The u-chip was designed by Hitachi as an authentication inclusion for high value items susceptible to fraud such as counterfeiting or diversion. The unique security attributes and size of the u-chip make it ideal for event ticketing or loyalty program cards. Each 0.4mm square u-chip contains a 128 bit unique identification code that is hard coded into read only memory (ROM) during chip manufacture.
Any attempt to re-code the ID will damage the chip. Hitachi has provisions and systems in place to never release u-chips with duplicate IDs, thus ensuring each u-chip’s authenticity. Additionally, the u-chip has been adopted in manufacturing as an auto-ID technology for items produced in complex manufacturing environments where bar codes and other RFID technologies employed to improve process automation have proven problematic. The u-chip inlets (chip attached to external antenna) have proven very durable.
The u-chip operates at the globally available 2.45GHz radio frequency which is a much higher frequency than typical UHF supply chain RFID applications that use tags which vary in radio frequency depending on individual country radio regulations. The higher u-chip frequency permits a smaller and simpler tag and antenna design. The chip’s external antenna is a straight 52mm x 2mm aluminized plastic strip.
Hitachi America worked with San Jose, Calif.-based WJ Communications to design and produce the finished device.
