IndiaRetailBiz

Intel, the $35 billion, computer chip behemoth, on Tuesday, aggressively moved into RFID space, with the launch of R1000, an all in one, UHF RFID transreceiver. The new chip integrates a lot of RFID on a single unit, which has the potential of slashing RFID reader prices by half, by December, 2007. Typical EPC UHF readers, which currently cost around $1,600 may soon be available for as low as $500, say experts. This will accelarate pace of RFID development and adaption.

Despite, initial hiccups about the RFID technology, Wal-Mart, the world’d biggest retailer, has commited itself to the wide spread use of RFID tags. RFID tag technology, which has received a lot of flak on account of security concerns, has potential of slashing inventory costs and revolutionalising logistic operations.

Beside, cramming up to 90 percent of discrete components in a typical RFID radio, the new chip also reduces power consumption from today’s 20 -40 watts to less than two watts. The small size of R1000—an 8 mm, 56-pin, QFN package— also makes it attractive for various form factors, including mobile phones.

The new development, an outcome of Intel’s three years’ $20 million old effort in RFID space. Intel’s initiatives in RFID arena will give much needed boost to the fledging technology with has lots of promise for the retail industry.