Radio Frequency Identification Technology for Logistics, Tagging and EPC

Texas A&M lab puts RFID to the test

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

An engineering organization at Texas A&M has installed InSync Software’s Yard Management RFID-enabled software application in its laboratory, in an effort to test the usefulness of this type of system. The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) embarked on the experimental program at the request of the South Texas Project Nuclear Power Plant, which is considering the use of track-and-trace solutions during the building of two new power plants.

After InSync’s solution was selected by TEEX, engineering students installed it in the lab and proceeded to explore the options offered by an RFID-enabled track and trace application in action including RFID read/write simulations, check-in and check-out of materials, visual mapping capabilities, and alert indicators.


The students looked at application features like the ability to track the curing temperatures of concrete in a construction project, a process that can help ensure maximum strength in the concrete, increasing the stability of the structure.

In the future, the new Texas A&M RFID/Sensor Laboratory plans to integrate the InSync software system into programs for undergraduate and graduate education, including designing pilot projects for private industry, applied research and developing a truly complete solution for real life customers. The researchers also plan to use the system in practical on-campus applications, like HazMat container tracking. [end] 

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a pair of encapsulated RFID mini-transponders designed for applications in animal tagging and asset tracking.

The 12mm TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC mini-transponders were developed to enable users a battery-free solution for embedding RFID tags into smaller objects across a broader range of applications. These transponders come ready-to-use and are 100 percent backwards compatible with all of TI’s RFID software and readers including power modules, control modules and micro readers.

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Barnes International released its updated personalization test module in compliance with the Visa’s latest global personalization requirements (GPR).

Incorporating its card personalization validation tools (CPT 2000v3 and CAT 3000v3), the test scripts offer comprehensive evaluation of a chip product to ensure it will meet industry and payment scheme certification standards.

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Murata and Beta LAYOUT announced a joint venture to launch an RFID starter kit aimed at printed circuit board (PCB) engineers and developers aspiring to incorporate RFID into their electronics design.

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Barnes International announced that its updated Visa GPR Test module now complies with the latest version of Visa’s Global Personalization Requirements.

The updated test tool will offer evaluation of a chip product to ensure it meets industry and payment scheme certification standards. This reduces a product’s time to market as the chip is aligned to Visa Specifications throughout the development life cycle and before applying for official Visa approval.

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Collis announced the launch of a complete terminal test suite for the U.S. and Canadian markets, the Collis Merchant Test Suite.

The software modules comprising the Collis Merchant Test Suite – Collis Brand Test Tool and Collis Card Simulator – are combined to offer an all-in-one EMV contact and contactless solution for merchants, processors and acquirers that are involved in the development, testing and deployment of acceptance devices.

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Collis has announced the launch of its Visa Mobile Payment Specification (VMCPS) Test Suite, enabling the functional testing of UICC or secure element-based contactless mobile payments applications.

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