Smart label IC supports GTAG RFID standard

The I.Code HSL (high-frequency smart label) chip from Philips Electronics is the first to support the EAN.UCC GTAG programme.

The I.Code HSL (high-frequency smart label) chip from Philips Electronics is the first to support the EAN.UCC GTAG programme.

The EAN.UCC GTAG programme is an industry-wide initiative to provide global standards for RFID (radio frequency identification) in logistics and supply chain management.

Already the world leader in contactless RF ICs, Philips complements its portfolio with the first member of the I.Code family to operate in the UHF and 2.45GHz range.

Chris Hook of UCC and Director of the GTAG programme, commented, "Philips has an excellent track record of promoting and developing international standards, and has created numerous innovations in RFID.

I am delighted with the close cooperation Philips has established with the GTAG programme, and in particular the excellent collaborative efforts applied to merge the GTAG and joint manufacturers' submissions into ISO18000-6.

With the launch of I.Code HSL, Philips is the first vendor to release a product that supports the standards developments in ISO18000-6 (for UHF), which is the technical foundation for GTAG".

RFID is being widely considered as an enhancement to the barcode as it can store more information and offers greater flexibility.

The I.Code HSL is ideally suited for long-range applications such as container and palette tracking in supply chain management and logistic applications.

The use of high frequency provides the range needed for reading smart tags (up to 3.5m for a single antenna reader and 7m for gate readers).

Communication distances in Europe, under the current European regulations, are shorter.

With the I.Code HSL Philips is offering the first product available in accordance with the current status in ISO18000-4 and -6 which have recently gained industry-wide acceptance under the leadership of the GTAG programme.

Philips' semiconductor division has been commended by EAN International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC) for taking a leading role in product development in accordance with ISO18000 parts 4 and 6.

As with all Philips' RFID products, I.Code HSL allows multiple labels to operate simultaneously in the field of a single reader antenna.

With the addition of I.Code HSL to its range of RFID products, Philips now offers a complete range of solutions for the supply chain management and logistics market by covering all frequency bands for passive RFID (below 135kHz, 13.56MHz, UHF (860 to 930MHz) and 2.45GHz).

"Having samples of this product in hand is the final step to fulfill our vision to serve the industry with chips for all high volume smart tag and label applications and completes our product portfolio to all relevant frequency bands", added Christoph Kauer, General Manager of the Business Line Tags and Labels.

"We are committed to evolving the I.Code HSL fully in line with any final adjustment in ISO18000, and are confident that it will meet all of the performance requirements stated by GTAG".

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