))) Texas Instruments Announces Availability of RFID S4100 Multi-Function Reader Evaluation Kit

))) DALLAS, TX (October 27, 2004)

Texas Instruments, a worldwide leader in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, today announced the availability of its S4100 Multi-Function Reader (MFR) Evaluation Kit. Based on TI's MFR Module, a flexible and low-cost device that supports dual frequencies (LF - 134.2 kHz, and HF - 13.56 MHz) and accepts multiple protocols (ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 14443), the new kit is designed to help systems integrators and engineers quickly and easily design and implement RFID solutions for contactless payment, ticketing, loyalty, and logical and physical access control.

The S4100 MFR Evaluation Kit includes a fully-housed reader, samples of high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) transponders, an additional MFR module, a software resource CD with technical documentation, and a "Getting Started" guide to help users with setup.

In addition to standard application firmware, the S4100 MFR Evaluation Kit also features a platform independent software application programming interface (API), developed by Fairfield, OH-based DataBrokers, Inc., to facilitate the development of PC-based software. The API is also compatible with TI's high-frequency S6500 Long-Range Reader and S6350 Mid-Range Reader, as well as TI's future HF readers. This enables the creation of a single software application to drive a multitude of readers in a variety of application environments. The modular firmware architecture of the MFR Evaluation Kit combined with serial firmware programmability provides system scalability and reader programmability for stand-alone or host-controlled, multi-point applications.

Customers can purchase the S4100 MFR Evaluation Kit for $595. It is available by calling Texas Instruments RFid Systems at 1-888-937-6536 (North America) or +1-972-575-4364 (International), or through TI's worldwide network of RFID distributors.