New EPC Initiative Speeds 2nd Generation RFID Tagging Development

Leading manufacturers and technology providers of data collection and radio frequency identification (RFID) have submitted an RFID protocol definition that should pave the way for rapid adoption of a new worldwide RFID standard known as Electronic Product Code (EPC), Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Generation 2. Major companies supporting the new EPC HF Generation 2 protocol include Texas Instruments, Intermec Technologies Corporation, Philips Semiconductors, SAMsys Technologies, Impinj, Inc. and Rafsec, and others.

The proposed RFID definition currently is in development by EPCglobal Inc., an arm of UCC.EAN charged with establishing the EPC system. The proposed definition meets user requirements outlined by the world's leading retailers and others, including the U.S. Department of Defense, the companies said. It fully meets user requirements, works worldwide, meets international standards and provides an upgradable path to low-cost RFID tags and readers.

Together these companies represent multiple sources for every aspect of a fully implemented RFID system - chips, tags, and readers - as well as manufacturers of bar code and 2-D symbology equipment, wireless networks, mobile computers and terminals, software companies and RFID system manufacturers and integrators.
To existing RFID capabilities, EPC UHF Generation 2 RFID technology adds the capability to change and update the information on each tag as it proceeds through various points in the supply chain, providing new levels of up-to-date information for better decision making.