In this issue:

• Systech Announces LAN Connection for TI-RFid Readers
• CRAID Combines Immobilizer, Passive Entry and RKE Into One Device
• Klaus Seiberts Joins TI-RFid as Automotive Marketing Manager
• Shape Up or Miss Out: Gain New RFID Skills at the Basic Training Boot Camp

Systech Announces LAN Connection for TI-RFid Readers
San Diego-based Systech Corporation is offering a new LAN Interface for systems integrators and end-users that can attach TI-RFid readers to Ethernet IP networks, providing online access to system-wide RFID data. The off-the-shelf family of devices allow from one to 16 TI-RFid readers to be connected to an Ethernet LAN and addressed locally or remotely from a host application as either a native COM port or an IP port extension.

Using the Systech LAN Interface, systems integrators can save on installation and cabling costs because they can use customers’ existing Ethernet LAN cabling, and avoid pulling new cables when connecting multiple RFID readers over long distances. Applications for the device include retail, warehouse, supply chain, and more.

Product features include LAN-attached serial ports compatible with RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 protocols, TCP/IP routing, PPP Async Communications, remote flash update of complete configuration settings and web-based diagnostics and troubleshooting.

To contact Systech Corporation, call John Stafford, director of marketing, at 1-800-800-8970 ext. 483 or johns@systech.com

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CRAID Combines Immobilizer, Passive Entry and RKE Into One Device
TI-RFid Systems is introducing its CRAID (Controller Remote Access Identification Device), a new automotive product that integrates immobilization, passive entry and remote keyless entry (RKE) into one device. Building on the market adoption of its DST+ transponder, 3D Analog Front End and 16-bit, ultra low-power RISC microcontroller MSP430, TI has combined the functionality of these three products, plus sophisticated power management, into a cost-effective, single-chip solution that is easy to design into vehicle systems.

Passive entry systems are the next advancement in vehicle access systems. They allow drivers to keep their keyfobs in their pocket or purse when approaching the vehicle. By pulling the door handle, the identification and authentication between the car and the keyfob is triggered. Through RF communication between the antennas in the vehicle (typically in the door latches and near the trunk) and the keyfob, the driver is authenticated within a fraction of a second, and the doors will unlock. A passive start system inside the vehicle, based on the same principles, allows the driver to start the car with a simple button push.

Using sophisticated power management, the CRAID can be used in either battery or batteryless mode. When the battery in the keyfob is down, the CRAID uses the LF field to power the microcontroller and carry out all its features, i.e. immobilization, remote keyless entry and passive entry. In battery mode, the CRAID’s battery can be recharged using the LF field.

TI’s passive anti-theft immobilizer, first introduced in 1993, has become a standard for automotive security systems. In 2002 more than 30 million transponders were sold to virtually every automotive manufacturer worldwide. In 2000 TI released its 3D Analog Front End (AFE) as a discrete device for passive entry solutions. Since the end of 2002, it has been rolled out by several automotive manufacturers.

The CRAID is available in Flash and ROM versions, both in a pin compatible 44-pin TSSOP package. TI’s entire RFID automotive product line is compatible, offering the automotive market an easy upgrade path for the CRAID, which is the next step on TI’s product roadmap.

Engineering samples are available now. For more information, please contact: In North America: Mary King, 1-248-305-5706; In Europe: +49 8161 80 3331; In Asia: +81 3 4331 2487.

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Klaus Seiberts Joins TI-RFid as Automotive Marketing Manager
Klaus Seiberts recently joined Texas Instruments RFid Systems as automotive marketing manager, responsible for the marketing direction of the worldwide RFID automotive business. In this position, Seiberts oversees the development and execution of business unit and product marketing programs, including market research, competitive analysis, and product pricing/lifecyle strategies for the automotive business.

Klaus brings over ten years of strategic and operational experience to the company. Most recently, he was a strategy manager at Accenture. Prior to his work at Accenture, Klaus was a project director at Siemens, responsible for international projects in Colombia, Hong Kong, Mongolia and Indonesia.

Seiberts earned an engineering degree from Rheinisch Westfaelisch Technische Hochschule, Aachen, Germany, and an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. He is based in the TI-RFid Freising, Germany office.

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Shape Up or Miss Out: Gain New RFID Skills at the Basic Training Boot Camp
Systems Integrators, VARs and Enterprise End Users - Get ready to whip your RFID knowledge into top form at the RFID Boot Camp, sponsored by TI-RFid Systems. The RFID Boot Camp features a one-day overview program -- a basic training session that can be attended separately -- followed by a two-day extensive training session.

Choose the one-day program to get an overview of the technology, standards, applications and RFID selling skills you’ll need to build your business and convince key constituents in your organization about the business value of RFID.

Ready to implement a system? Opt for the two-day intensive training for a more in-depth, hands-on look at product solutions, design concepts and installation issues.

The program agenda features:

- RFID Marketplace Opportunities
- Tech Talk: RF Frequencies, International Standards and Related Issues
- Ready for Prime Time Applications
- Making a Match: Fitting Frequencies to Applications
- Focus on Low-Frequency and High-Frequency Technology

Basic training starts this September! West coast dates are September 10-12, 2003 at the Renaissance Hotel, Long Beach, California. The East coast event is from September 23-25, 2003 at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Baltimore, MD.

For more information and to register, contact Shorecliff Communications at 1-800-608-9641 or go to the RFID Boot Camp Web site: www.rfid-world.com/rfidbc/

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Partner Profile: FEIG ELECTRONIC

Tell us about your new RFID products.

We recently introduced a new reader product family, the OBID® classic-pro, which identifies both ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 13.56 MHz transponders. The readers support the encryption functions of ISO 14443, and are ideal solutions for secure applications such as ticketing and accounting systems. Equipped with an RS232-TTL serial interface and a Data-/clock-interface, our OBID classic-pro readers are also an excellent solution for access control applications. Available as a board-level reader module as well as in a housing, end-users can expect read ranges up to 10 cm for ISO 15693 tags and up to 4 cm for ISO 14443 tags.

Our OBID i-scan® product line features two new products that support ISO 15693: the ID ISC.PRH110 hand-held reader and a very cost-effective reader module, the ID ISC.M02. The PRH110 is a battery-powered version of the PRH100, a hand-held reader with a reading distance up to 18 cm. Using special Windows® CE-DLLs from FEIG, the PRH110 can be connected with a PDA or laptop. The M02 is a proximity reader module with an integrated antenna that provides a reading distance of up to 10 cm. This read range can be increased to 14 cm with the use of an external antenna.

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Feature: American Express Expands Its “ExpressPay” RF Payment Pilot in Phoenix

American Express announced this month that it is expanding its pilot of a new payment device, called ExpressPay, which incorporates radio frequency technology from Texas Instruments RFid Systems. Consumers wave the ExpressPay keyfob over a reader at the point-of-sale, rather than digging in their wallets for cash or swiping a card. It is an easy-to-use alternative for making purchases at merchants where speed and convenience are important – such as quick-serve restaurants, supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations, and corporate cafeterias.

In this first full-market pilot expansion, consumers and merchants in the greater Phoenix area will be able to enjoy the benefits of faster check-outs, fewer lines, and speedier service at more than 175 merchant locations, including all Carl’s Jr. locations, and participating Dairy Queen, Kwik Kopy Printing, Quiznos Subs and Schlotzsky’s Deli locations.

American Express developed ExpressPay in conjunction with TI-RFid. The ExpressPay key fob and reader are designed with an open architecture that is compatible with ISO/IEC 14443, the standard for contactless payments. The system also incorporates a number of security features, including data encryption, enabling even more secure transactions than those using traditional magnetic stripe technology. The ExpressPay reader features TI’s Multi-function Reader Module and is designed for easy merchant implementation. It works with their existing point-of-sale system and charges are authorized and processed through the existing credit and charge card payment network – eliminating the need for costly upgrades to backend systems.

“This step of the pilot demonstrates how RF technology brings new levels of convenience to consumers by making the payment process faster and easier,” said Bill Allen of Texas Instruments RFid Systems. “American Express truly understands customer service, and the company's commitment to a contactless smart card solution confirms the value RF technology offers consumers, merchants and card issuers.”

The Phoenix rollout is the next phase of what began a year ago, when ExpressPay was introduced to several hundred employees for use at the American Express corporate cafeteria in Phoenix, and at a handful of area merchants. Last Fall, ExpressPay was market tested with non-American Express employees in New Jersey – at a corporate cafeteria serving multiple tenants and, separately, for making purchases at a local New Jersey fitness center. Earlier this year, the company introduced ExpressPay to the cafeteria serving a major financial institution and at American Express’ headquarters cafeteria and convenience store – all in downtown New York.

Since the launch of the ExpressPay pilot, results show that participating merchants have seen customer spending increase by 20% – 30% compared to their cash spending, while customers have seen their checkout time reduced by 30% – 40%.

“ExpressPay is a powerful innovation that allows consumers and merchants to benefit from added speed and convenience,” said David Bonalle, vice president and general manager of Advanced Payments, American Express. “We have found in testing that consumers prefer using their ExpressPay key fob rather than fumbling for their wallets, while merchants enjoy the benefits of their customers’ increased spending and reduced time at the checkout counter.”

When asked about her involvement in the expanded pilot, Carl’s Jr. Franchise Owner Margaret LeVecke explained, “we’re always looking for new ways to deliver more value to our customers. ExpressPay will allow us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by providing a faster and more convenient payment experience.”

Consumers have the option of funding ExpressPay in two ways: either as a direct link for payment to an American Express® Card or as a pre-paid product linked to any major credit, charge or debit card. For added convenience, users who register online at the ExpressPay website can track their purchases at www.americanexpress.com/expresspay, which also includes a complete list of merchant locations that accept ExpressPay.

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