WJ Announces The MPR 5000 -- A Multi-Protocol EPC Class 0/1 RFID Card With Integrated Antenna In A PCMCIA Type II Package
WJ Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:WJCI), a leading designer and supplier of RF semiconductors and multi-chip modules, today announced another major milestone for small RFID readers -- the multi-protocol MPR 5000 RFID Card with integral antenna. The MPR 5000 RFID Card is Type II PCMCIA compatible and operates with the EPCglobal(TM) Class 0 and Class 1 RFID standards. The reader works in Type II PCMCIA card sockets. It is an ideal platform for OEMs, systems integrators and others developing host API software for printer, handheld, fixed and other integrated RFID end-products using WJ's recently announced Multi-Protocol MPR 6000 RFID Card. The MPR 5000 is also well matched to small and mid-sized business needs and as such makes RFID more affordable and accessible to such businesses. The Type II PCMCIA package ensures ease of use -- just insert the MPR 5000 card into a PCMCIA Type II slot, load WJ's driver and then read and write tags. Production shipments begin in Q4, 2004, and orders are being accepted via WJ's worldwide distributor Richardson Electronics.
"The MPR 5000 with its integral antenna places easy to use RFID technology in the hands of users for a wide array of applications. This will enable value-added resellers (VARs), reader manufacturers, system integrators and small business owners to rapidly develop and deploy RFID reader end-products," said Michael Farese, Chief Executive Officer and President for WJ Communications. "The MPR 5000 can immediately bring RFID capability to PCMCIA equipped laptops and PDAs stimulating many new applications and the rate of RFID adoption."
The MPR 5000 is based on the EPC Class 0 and EPC Class 1 protocols and includes a WJ-designed antenna. Each MPR can read EPC Class 0 and EPC Class 1 tags and program/write EPC Class 1 tags. The MPR 5000 has been tested with various RFID tag brands and types including 64-bit and 96-bit formats. The compact PCMCIA type II form factor is realized using highly integrated WJ semiconductors. The MPR 5000 is ideal for OEMs looking for a convenient platform for software/system development of host APIs for RFID end-products.
About WJ Communications
WJ Communications Inc. is a leading RF semiconductor company focusing on the design and manufacture of high-quality devices and multi-chip modules (MCMs) for telecommunications systems worldwide. WJ's highly reliable amplifier, mixer, RF IC and MCM products are used to transmit and receive signals that enable current and next generation wireless and wireline services. For more information visit www.wj.com.
About PCMCIA
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) is an international standards body and trade association with over 200 member companies that was founded in 1989 to establish standards for Integrated Circuit cards and to promote interchangeability among mobile computers where ruggedness, low power, and small size were critical. PCMCIA promotes the interoperability of PC Cards not only in mobile computers, but in such diverse products as digital cameras, cable TV, set-top boxes, and automobiles. For more information visit www.pcmcia.org/index.htm.
About EPC Global
EPCglobal Inc. is a joint venture between EAN International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC). EPCglobal is leading the development of industry-driven standards for the Electronic Product Code(TM) (EPC) to support the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in today's fast-moving, information rich trading networks. The EPCglobal US Conference event is designed to be the source for understanding RFID technology and opportunities and related EPCglobal standards. For more information visit www.epcglobalinc.org.