Alien Technology Introduces New ALR-9800 Enterprise RFID Reader

Alien Technology today announced the Alien ALR-9800 Enterprise RFID Reader, a high-performance multi-protocol reader designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the features included in the new EPC Class I Gen 2 specification, and to provide highly cost-effective enterprise deployment. Delivering exceptional RFID read performance, the ALR-9800 enables enterprise-wide scaling of RFID by reducing the costs of implementation, simplifying on-going reader management and integration with enterprise networks, and permitting large numbers of readers to operate harmoniously in close proximity.

"The ALR-9800 reader was designed to meet emerging customer requirements for integrating RFID into an array of core business processes, including complex manufacturing, inventory and distribution operations, where there is the potential for significant ROI," said Stav Prodromou, CEO, Alien Technology Corporation. "RFID will thoroughly transform these and other mainstream operations, and it is anticipated that the ALR-9800 will be a key driver of this transformation through its enterprise-scalable architecture, highest performance read capability, and superior dense reader management."

The ALR-9800 is the first reader based on the new Alien Enterprise RFID Platform, a powerful and expandable architecture for the deployment of RFID capability. As RFID penetrates further into mainstream operations, fast-growing reader populations will have to be cost-effectively installed, configured and managed, and made to collaborate with each other and with enterprise systems. The Alien Enterprise RFID Platform provides an architecture to support and accelerate the proliferation of RFID across the enterprise and the globe. While the ALR-9800 is configured for FCC operation, readers for European and Asian regulatory regimes will follow.

Compatible with the widely deployed Alien Reader Protocol, the Enterprise RFID Platform meets all present performance, management and EPC protocol requirements--including reading Class 1, Class I Gen 2 , Class 0 and Class 0+ tags--while providing an adaptive structure for meeting future customer, industry and regulatory requirements as they evolve in the future.

Superior mixed protocol read performance
The ALR-9800 employs an Intel XScale processor running Linux for enterprise-class system and network management, as well as a powerful Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for high read performance of current and future RFID protocols. The DSP also enables rapid interleaving of different protocols with minimal switching overhead, so that read rates can be maintained in demanding mixed protocol environments such as high-speed conveyors and dock doors.

Lower enterprise deployment costs
The ALR-9800 is designed for scalable, easy-to-manage data collection with a low total cost-of-ownership. The ALR-9800's integrated, industrial-class, general purpose I/O (GPIO) capability eliminates the need for costly external programmable logic controllers when integrating the reader with sensors, indicators and actuators, which helps reduce initial equipment and installation costs. Additionally, the ALR-9800's advanced "multistatic" antenna design enables exceptional conveyor and dock door read performance using only half the number of antennas required by other readers--only four antennas are required for four read points versus the traditional eight - further reducing up-front costs. Installers can use preconfigured operating modes or develop application-specific reader configurations, which can be uploaded and downloaded across readers to create multiple identical read points.

To reduce ongoing management costs, the ALR-9800 integrates powerful remote monitoring and management functionality, including SNMP support. The reader's rugged physical design ensures reliable, low-maintenance operation in harsh industrial environments. A power-loss recovery capability automatically brings the reader back to its previous state upon resumption of power without the loss of tag data, which is stored in battery-backed memory.

Dense reader coordination
Enterprise deployment of RFID will in many cases result in large numbers of readers operating in close proximity. Maintaining reliable system performance in these applications can be challenging as readers contend for limited RF bandwidth. The ALR-9800 provides a toolkit of features and techniques to address dense reader environments. Full implementation of the Class I Gen 2 Dense Reader Mode (DRM), helps minimize interference between DRM-compliant readers. As not all readers are DRM-compliant and as DRM is not yet allowed in certain geographies, the ALR-9800 also offers broadband listen-before-talk capability--as required under current European regulations. The ALR-9800's Autonomous Mode enables readers to be activated only when needed, such as when an electronic eye, temperature, vibration sensor or other activator detects a certain event. Used together or separately, these tools will allow users to meet the most challenging applications requiring dense reader populations.

Pricing and availability
The ALR-9800 Enterprise Reader is available to order now for shipments in September. The list price is $2,399.

About Alien Technology
Alien Technology Corporation is a leading provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products for global customers in government, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and other industries. Using its patented manufacturing process, Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA), Alien manufactures EPC tags in very high-volumes and at low cost. The company provides a family of RFID readers for a variety of applications including supply chain management, logistics, and anti-counterfeiting, to improve inventory management and reduce operating costs. Alien is an active member of EPCglobal. More information about Alien Technology Corporation can be found on the Company's website at www.alientechnology.com.