))) Texas Instruments Marks 10th Anniversary of Radio Frequency Identification Technology at FrontLine Solutions 2000

Tiny RFID Transponders Spur Billion Dollar
Global Industry - TI Recognizes Industry
Pioneers & Visionaries

))) CHICAGO, IL (October 4, 2000)

Emerging from the lab just ten years ago as a promising technology in search of new data collection applications, the billion dollar Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) industry today is as pervasive and as commonly used as the keys in your pocket. From its beginnings tracking livestock, RFID technology has moved into hundreds of industrial, commercial and consumer applications affecting millions of people's lives worldwide, and driving an industry that is growing by 25% according to Venture Development Corporation.

One of the pioneers of this industry, Texas Instruments' RFID Systems celebrated their 10th anniversary at Frontline Solutions 2000, by reflecting on a decade of radio frequency innovations and recognizing the technology's impact on the future. "In the early days, transponders were sold by the thousands," said Dave Slinger, a vice president at Texas Instruments. "Today there are hundreds of millions of transponders deployed worldwide. People literally carry them on their key chains to automatically pay for gas or to protect their cars from theft. They may have a transponder in their car to speed them through a highway toll, or they may wear an RFID employee badge to help protect them in the workplace."

When it was first introduced in 1990, RFID was a little known technology used to identify tracking livestock and follow pallets through warehouses. Ten years later, RFID:
 ))) Reduces car theft and insurance premiums for 20 million motorists worldwide;
 ))) Provides faster gas and convenience stories purchases for more than 4 million drivers;
 ))) Tracks hundreds of millions of dollars worth of commerce each day from containerized freight yards and warehouses, right to retailer's doors;
 ))) And is improving manufacturing productivity for companies around the world.

What was an experimental technology just a decade ago, RFID today is being driven by market leaders like Ford, Mobil, Chrysler, and 3M. Pioneering the application of technology, these and other companies are using RFID to create new markets and move out ahead of the competition.

As part of the celebration, Texas Instruments hosted an anniversary event to recognize the pioneers and visionaries of RFID. Texas Instruments commended the companies and individuals who have inspired new uses for the technology and advanced the industry. Among the applications highlighted were access security control, logistics management for factory automation, animal tracking, automotive immobilization and fueling, race timing and toll payment systems.