VALENCIA, CA--(Marketwire - Apr 12, 2011) - Enable IPC Corporation (
RFID tags are devices that transmit data over radio frequencies. They are used in dozens of applications and the market for these devices has been estimated by a third party market researcher at nearly $6 billion in 2010, with substantial future growth.
"RFID tags are used every day all around the world," said Enable IPC's CEO, David Walker. "If you've used EZPass on a toll road, or had your pet embedded with a chip, you've likely used an RFID tag. The reports we've seen state that, despite the global economic recession, the RFID tag market is expected to grow significantly. Based on these reports, the compound annual growth rate could be 14%, and the market could exceed $8 billion in 2014. With an anticipated longer read range distance for our RFID tags provided by our ultracapacitors, we are enthusiastic about the future of our relationship with our customers and partners."
Enable IPC's RFID Tags Cover the Entire 860 to 960 MHz RFID Band
Enable IPC's tags are specifically designed to operate across a large, international frequency band, between 860 to 960 MHz, meaning they will cover frequency bands used in major markets, such as the US (902 to 928MHz), the EU (867 to 869MHz) and Japan (950 to 960MHz). As previously announced, the tag will utilize Enable's ultracapacitors (along with some additional novel devices) which are expected to substantially improve the range at which the tags can be read, as well as the tags' sensitivity. In addition, the tags will be designed to be rugged and durable with resistance to harsh environments and are expected to last longer than many of the items they will be used to track. The tag is also designed to be high-end, with performance characteristics and tracking distances expected to exceed those in its product category. The tags will also be re-usable and will likely be offered with an attractive long-term warranty.
Additional details on the tag's characteristics are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Enable IPC's Production on Schedule
Enable IPC has completed and tested the initial RFID tag prototypes and expects to have samples later this month or early next month. Production units are still scheduled to be available in June.
Tags for Use in Many Applications
RFID tags are widely used across many industries in dozens of applications, including inventory, pet, livestock and asset tracking, tires, anti-theft devices, toll roads, passports, patient identification and much more. Some pharmaceutical companies use RFID tags to track controlled drugs and to verify authenticity throughout manufacturing and shipping. RFID tags are used in many toll roads to collect fees electronically and by ExxonMobil in its "SpeedPass" to collect payment at gas stations. Shipments of RFID embedded credit cards or "Smart Cards" increased 16% to 675 million in 2009, and credit card companies such as Visa with its new "payWave" are beginning to offer RFID embedded Smart Cards to provide users with a more convenient "contactless" payment option.
Concerns over food safety have led some countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand to begin mandating RFID use in tracking livestock all the way from birth to retail sales. As this spreads to other countries and other animal types, livestock tracking is expected to become the dominant market in the RFID industry. British Research firm IDTechEx expects livestock tracking to be the largest RFID market by 2017 at nearly $6.5 billion worldwide, largely propelled by government mandates.
In addition to livestock tracking, a product with the characteristics of Enable IPC's tag is especially fitting for outdoor applications that can take advantage of its robust nature. Some examples include use for oil rigs (both for asset and personnel tracking), transportation, pallet and container tracking, sports (runners, etc.), equipment tracking, forestry identification processes, aerospace, and particular applications for the largest user of RFID, the U.S. Department of Defense.
Enable IPC Expands its Role in RFID
Enable IPC previously announced a marketing and distribution agreement that will serve to expand the Company's role in a previously announced RFID agreement. Enable IPC will now manage and oversee the manufacturing of a new, rugged and state of the art RFID tag that utilizes ultracapacitors provided by Enable and other novel devices.
Additionally, the confidential partner company discussed in the previously announced agreement will use its substantial experience in marketing and selling RFID systems to serve as the primary marketer and distributor of Enable's RFID tags. The value of the agreement for Enable IPC is also expected to increase substantially from the $4.5 million, three-year agreement previously announced.
Enable IPC's Expanded Communication Channels
Enable IPC has recently taken on the challenge of expanding its communication channels, primarily through the use of social media. As a part of this effort, the Company has improved its website, redesigning it for a sleeker, cleaner look and improved user interface. Enable IPC's website is located at: