))) Texas Instruments RFid Systems Introduces DST+ - The Next Generation
of Secure Transponders for Automotive Anti-Theft Applications

))) DALLAS, TX (July 2, 2002)

Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid™) Systems today introduced its next generation of secure RFID transponders for automotive anti-theft immobilizer applications, called DST+ (Digital Signature Transponder Plus). Embedded into vehicle keys, the new radio frequency ID transponders provide additional levels of automotive vehicle security using sophisticated fraud prevention diagnostic information and a mutual authentication encryption algorithm.

DST+ transponder technology addresses the growing issue of insurance fraud by storing the vehicle's anti-theft information on all of the keys assigned to a vehicle. Insurers might suspect fraud when the owner reports a vehicle stolen, and the owner claims to have all of the keys associated with the vehicle (the original, plus any copies), when in fact they have duplicated a key and have given it to a complicit thief. Currently, there is no way to authenticate the keys to the vehicle unless the vehicle is available, or if the manufacturer has created a database. Using the new DST+ transponder, car manufacturers can store the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) along with data such as a time stamp of when each key was made or when new keys are added to the system, the number of times new keys were programmed and the total number of unique keys made for the vehicle. Storing this type of information on every key gives insurance investigators new information to question the validity of a stolen car claim.

"Auto insurance fraud is on the rise and is creating higher premium costs," said Michael Knebelkamp, automotive strategy manager, Texas Instruments RFid Systems. "Our DST+ transponder is an important new technology that automotive manufacturers can implement to give insurers another tool to help in their fraud investigations."

TI's DST+ transponders are compatible with its DST immobilizer, the high security, anti-theft transponder that uses challenge/response encryption and mutual authentication. The DST+ transponders are also compatible with the next generation of passive entry systems. Texas Instruments' RFID product family includes DST and DST+ encryption transponders and reader products, the 3D Analog Front-End RF chip and all-in-one single RF chip controllers including the transponder, remote keyless entry and passive entry functionality for passive entry applications.

Engineering design samples of TI's DST+ transponders will be available in August 2002. Full production begins in Q4 2002. For more information, contact TI-RFid™ Systems at 1-888-937-6536 or visit their Web site at www.ti-rfid.com.