The companies plan to collaborate on a complete range of active-RFID solutions based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 18000-7:2008. The partnership is also in response to a U.S. Department of Defense Request for Proposal), termed RFID-III, which is seeking RFID 18000-7 protocol licensees.

The ISO 18000-7 protocol is an international standard used around the world by the DOD, NATO and various military defense systems. It operates at 433 megahertz, a frequency requiring a low power consumption which enables the tracking of sensory information including temperature, location and humidity. The 18000-7 standard also established an automatic identification of assets at distances exceeding 100 meters.

According to the DOD’s Draft RFID-III Statement of Work, all RFID-III contracts must provide integrated ISO 18000-7 compliant active-RFID hardware, software, documentation and services. The requirement’s intention is to supply a universal, integrated platform among government users of active-RFID components for logistics and location tracking and conditional monitoring of cargo and assets.

To meet these requirements throughout the supply chain, Hi-G-Tek and IDENTEC will blend complementary technologies from the companies’ two product lines. Hi-G-Tek’s solution monitors cargo en route, while also providing real-time conditional monitoring of assets. IDENTEC’s solution provides asset and basic sensor tags. The combined product lines will allow bids covering all aspects of the RFID-III RFP.