RFID: Revolutionizing Product Tracking and Asset Management

RFID Solutions | Why RFID? | Application Overview

RFID Solutions

Partner with TI, the technology leader in application-specific RFID solutions, for turnkey end-to-end formulas for employing RFID in specific tracking models such as recycling, waste management, PCB tracking and high value asset tracking to name a few.

The integration of TI-RFid products into proven application models, in conjunction with Third Party Network Solution Partners gives customers the ability to adapt an end-to-end RFID asset tracking solution for their business, without costly mistakes or churn time. TI's RFID Application Solutions are state-of-the-art design and system models for unique vertical business needs that result in lower overall system cost and faster, more efficient roll-outs.

• Complete Integration: Proven field-hardened, end-to-end RFID System Reference Design makes for easier and more efficient rollout implementation, reduced overall system costs and faster time-to-implementation.
• Product Family: Learn more about the entire RFID Product portfolio, with specifics on LF, HF and UHF RFID models in specific applications.
• Tools & Software: Zero maintenance eco-system, qualified package UHF solution, brought together with qualified third party partners.

Why RFID?

In an increasingly fragmented, regulated, and uncertain world, Texas Instruments' (TI) RFID technology gives businesses, governments, and consumers a safe, private, and unobtrusive way to keep track of it all.

Consumers benefit from shorter lines at checkout counters, in hospitals, libraries, and gas stations because RFID fast-tracks them to the front of the queue. The can also benefit from lower prices because of the efficiencies RFID brings to the supply chain.

Business and institutions are turning to RFID technology as they comply with government product-tracking regulations, seeking to limit theft, reduce out-of-stock losses, strengthen brand loyalty, and make interaction with customers a more positive experience.

RFID is a mature, thoroughly tested technology. In most RFID applications, the period of trials, testing, and economic feasibility studies is over. Large-scale RFID system rollouts are underway.

RFID Application Overview

There are almost as many RFID applications as there are business types. TI has established a leadership position in these basic categories:

• Automotive - Auto-makers have added security and convenience into an automobile by using RFID technology for anti-theft immobilizers and passive-entry systems.
• Animal Tracking - Ranchers and livestock producers use RFID technology to meet export regulations and optimize livestock value. Wild animals are tracked in ecological studies, and many pets who are tagged are returned to their owners.
• Asset Tracking - Hospitals and pharmacies meet tough product accountability legislation with RFID; libraries limit theft and keep books in circulation more efficiently; and sports and entertainment entrepreneurs find that "smart tickets" are their ticket to a better bottom line and happier customers.
• Contactless Payments - Blue-chip companies such as American Express, ExxonMobil, and MasterCard use innovative form factors enabled by TI RFID technology to strengthen brand loyalty and boost revenue per customer.
• Supply Chain - WalMart, Target, BestBuy, and other retailers have discovered that RFID technology can keep inventories at the optimal level, reduce out-of-stock losses, limit shoplifting, and speed customers through check-out lines.

Almost from the beginning, TI was there: helping establish standards; supporting the RFID supply chain of inlay and label manufacturers; and consistently applying leading-edge semiconductor technology to the core of RFID, the transponder.

TI is unique among RFID semiconductor suppliers because it exercises complete design and manufacturing control over the entire transponder – a semiconductor chip and antenna. This value-add enables TI to offer a wider range of innovation whether it be in creative form factors, more attractive credit/debit cards, or technical issues such as read range and reliability.

Innovation has been the touchstone of TI's long history in RFID. It co-invented the smart tag, pioneered creative form factors such as key fobs, and executes its own antenna design.

TI's commitment to applying the best technology and supporting its partners has paid off. The 2006 RFID Marketing Strategies Report, a survey of more than 550 end users, providers, and prospects, ranked Texas Instruments as #1 in thought leadership and the most desired business partner.