Network-Ready HSS-MUR-300µ -Chip Reader

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. recently announced the first network-ready HSS-MUR-300 µ-chip (Greek letter mu) reader tailored to the North American market. The reader is designed to work specifically with the Hitachi µ-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 µ-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 µ-chip was designed by Hitachi as an authentication inclusion for high value items susceptible to fraud such as counterfeiting or diversion. According to Hitachi, the unique security attributes and size of the µ-chip make it ideal for event ticketing or loyalty program cards. Each 0.4 mm square µ-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 µ-chips with duplicate IDs, thus ensuring each µ-chip's authenticity. Additionally, the µ-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 µ-chip inlets (chip attached to external antenna) have proven very durable.
• The µ-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 µ-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.