New HF RFID tags give Texas Instruments the industry's widest range of tags and features available

More Memory Options, and New Security and Authentication Capabilities features for applications in product tracking, pharmaceuticals, libraries, laundries, leisure complexes etc

Texas Instruments Incorporated have recently announced a major expansion of its line of Tag-itT high frequency (HF) RFID transponders with new memory, data protection and form-factor options. According to TI, the new HF-1 Tag-it products not only give TI the industry's widest range of 15693 ISO/IEC compliant tags with more features and options but also greatly expands the scope, flexibility and potential market for ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 radio frequency identification (RFID) applications. These include product and asset tracking in industry, pharmaceutical supply chain authentication, libraries, laundries, leisure centres, as well as venue ticketing, leisure parks, textile rental and many more.

Now offered in both 256 bit and 2,048 bit memory options, the expanded Tag-it HF-I line introduces new ISO compliant tracking and authentication capabilities that provide system integrators and application providers the flexibility to build a host of data protection and privacy functionality options into their RFID solutions.  The new Tag-it HF-I platform now offers the industry's only password protected write functionality for ISO/IEC 15693 compliant products on the market.  It allows RFID application developers the flexibility to choose the optimum memory and level of security - from a factory-locked unique ID, to user-programmed password lock with decommissioning or kill functionality, right through to a unique combination of RFID with on-tag Public-key-Infrastructure (PKI).  This on-tag PKI facility is an industry first allowing authentication without a network or Internet connection allowing easier field or site authentication.

The Tag-it HF-I Standard and HF-I Pro products, with 256 bit user memory, and Tag-it HF-I Plus and HF-I RxID products with 2,048 bit memory, are available in chip and inlay options in a range of antenna configurations for integration with paper, PVC and other substrates.

"Our customers tell us they want the benefits of the 15693 ISO/IEC standard in a variety of options for both core and complex high-frequency RFID applications where they can have the flexibility to build in the level of functionality and data protection they need," said Ulrich Denk, high frequency RFID product marketing manager for Texas Instruments.

Levels of Security for Core-to-Complex Applications
The hallmark of this new Tag-it HF-I platform, with multiple memory options and the ability to segment data on the tag in up to eight discreet data blocks, is that system designers can design various levels of security and functionality into their applications, with a minimum of software or firmware development.

For example, in asset tracking applications, a company can have one portion of the tag memory programmed with a factory-locked number (say a manufacturer's ID code), while some of the other data sections can be freely used to record status, maintenance, or location updates over the life of an asset. Further, additional security can be imposed with a password that allows data updates only by authorized parties.  In other applications, such as event or transit ticketing where credits are deducted, payment and use information can be securely and accurately updated on the tag.  For consumer product authentication applications with privacy requirements, sections of the tag containing product information can be decommissioned prior to the purchase or the transponder functionality can be completely disabled using a special command.

Optimised Chip-to-Inlay Performance
Texas Instruments offers the only chip-to-inlay integrated manufacturing process for ISO/IEC 15693 transponders where each individual inlay is laser tuned to optimise its performance.  The company's rigorous quality standards also include in-line parametric and functional testing, and a marking and control process to provide optimum off-the-reel yield.

The Tag-it HF-I inlay shapes range from small sizes including the 24 mm circular inlay for applications with tight size limitations, to application optimised inlay shapes such as the CD/DVD inlay, and the 45 mm x 76 mm inlay which offers the highest read range within TI's ISO/IEC 15693 product family.