NEC Develops World's First Multi-Frequency, Multi-Protocol RFID Reader/Writer.

Tokyo, Japan, Sept 6, 2007 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation has developed the world's first[1] multi-RFID reader/writer (a device that can both read and write tag data) supporting three major RFID (IC) tag frequencies (13.56MHz, UHF band and 2.45GHz), as well as the world's most used protocols[2]. To further miniaturize and reduce the cost of the multi-reader/writer, NEC plans to commercialize dedicated LSI in fiscal 2008.

With the market exhibiting a mix of RFID tags with different frequencies and protocols, the unavailability of a dedicated reader/writer for all RFID tags has created a bottleneck in expansion of the RFID market. The newly developed multi-RFID reader/writer makes it possible to read and write any RFID tag information contained in any product or item with this one device by supporting all the major RFID tags presently in use around the world. In addition, the new multi-RFID reader/writer is configured to allow easy expansion of functions through the additional installation of new network software, thereby making it unnecessary to replace the reader/writer when new protocol RFID tags are introduced on the market.

"NEC has always been an enthusiastic promoter of products and solutions that incorporate RFID technology through an array of partnerships and collaborative ventures, including the joint development with Toyo Seikan of the world's first RFID tag-embedded plastic bottle cap," said Taiki Matsuo, General Manager of the Ubiquitous Solution Promotion Division, NEC Corporation. "The development of our new multi-reader/writer, which supports a variety of leading global protocols, is an integral part of NEC's commitment to the continued advancement of RFID technology."

NEC will continue to draw on its collective know-how to develop dedicated LSI that will bring about a more compact and low-cost reader/writer. This will enable the device to be embedded into general consumer terminals, such as PCs, mobile phones and game machines, as well as stationary terminals at retail stores and facilities.

RFID has conventionally been used for corporate activities, namely SCM (supply change management) and traceability[3] for production and distribution. The advent of a reader/writer that can be mounted in regular consumers' terminals will enable easier acquisition of information on a company's products or services and enquiries through RFID tags attached to all sorts of products. It is expected that the use of this device will spread to the field of CRM (customer relationship management) to further link businesses with consumers in the future.

NEC will continue to expand its corporate solutions that apply RFID technology to enhance the use of RFID tags worldwide.

[1] The world's first multi reader/writer that operates in the 13.56MHz, UHF and 2.45GHz frequencies and is compatible with the 6 types of RFID tags as shown below.

[2] Protocol refers to the procedures that enable communication between a RFID tag and a reader/writer. The RFID tags compatible with the new multi reader/writer are as follows:

13.56MHz

- I-CODE SLI (ISO/IEC15693)

- Tag-it HF-I (ISO/IEC15693)

952 - 954MHz (UHF)

- EPC global Class1 Gen2 (ISO/IEC18000-6 Type C), e.g. MONZA (Impinj, Inc.) Etc.

- M-Chip Hibiki (ISO/IEC18000-6 Type C compliant and secure RFID protocol * to be applied)

* Secure RFID protocol has been developed through the secure IC tag project carried out by METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ) in Japan. (August 2006 - March 2007)

2.45GHz

- m-Chip (read-only ROM IC chip, proprietary tag manufactured by Hitachi)

- Bottle cap tag (proprietary tag jointly developed by NEC and Toyo Seikan)

[3] Refers to the tracking of a product's production history or present location.

- Tag-it is a trademark of Texas Instrument Incorporated.

- I-CODE is a trademark of NXP Semiconductors.

- MONZA is a trademark of Impinj, Inc.

- m-Chip and the m-Chip logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hitachi Corporation in Japan and other countries.

- The other company and product names in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Main Features of the RFID Multi-Reader/Writer, http://www.nec.co.jp/press/en/0709/0601-01.html

Specifications of the RFID Multi-Reader/Writer, http://www.nec.co.jp/press/en/0709/0601-02.html

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701; NASDAQ: NIPNY) is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide. For additional information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec.com

Source: NEC Corporation

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Diane Foley
NEC Corporation
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