Press Release Rfid World Asia 2007

Press Release 25 April 2007 Exploit Technologies to showcase A*STAR’s research capability in RFID at RFID World Asia 2007 Singapore, 25 April 2007 – Exploit Technologies, the strategic marketing and commercialisation arm of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), will showcase A*STAR’s research capabilities in RFID at the region’s biggest RFID event, RFID World Asia 2007. Low cost UHF RFID Reader IC One of the highlights of the exhibits is the UHF RFID reader IC developed by the Institute of Microelectronics (IME). It integrates approximately 600 discrete components required for the radio frequency section of the reader module onto a single piece of silicon. The research outcome has brought down the cost of each RFID reader module from approximately US$1000 to below US$100, and reduced it to a name-card-sized module weighing less than 100 grams. The integration into a chip has not compromised on its performance - it has a read range of 1.5m and consumes less than a watt of power. This reader IC is programmable from 860–960 MHz band, which allows coverage in Asia, Europe and the United States. SmartShelf – A smart way for real-time tracking of tagged items on shelves The SmartShelf System developed by the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system designed to provide real-time tracking and location of tagged items on the shelves at all times. It is also designed for ease of use and installation to function on metallic shelves with cost effectiveness. This system includes the RFID reader, Antenna Multiplexer, Wireless Gateway Controller, Reader Antennas and Access Control Devices. Multiplexing multiple antennas provides sharing of the RFID reader, in turn reducing implementation cost. An efficient antenna design helps to maintain accuracy in tracking shelved items. A Wireless Gateway Controller allows the system to be installed easily and provides for ease of access and control of the system. Printed Antennas and Circuits - The New Paradigm for RFID Conventional antenna manufacturing is based on metal etching or subtractive technique, typically used in printed circuit board fabrication. However, this approach is not costeffective due to significant material wastage, and poses environmental issues. The Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) has developed novel integrated manufacturing processes involving additive techniques. The key benefits of these processes include reduced material wastage, design flexibility, multi-layered circuit integration and wide selection of materials. In addition, this multi-functional platform approach taps on high-volume graphics printing as well as digital maskless printing

techniques. It paves the way for all-printed RFID circuits, including organic semiconductor devices, high quality factor embedded passives and metamaterials. The exhibits of UHF RFID Reader IC, SmartShelf and Printed Antennas and Circuits are displayed at booth 4M07 at RFID World Asia 2007 to be held at Suntec Singapore from 25 to 27 April 2007. About Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd Exploit Technologies is the marketing and commercialisation arm of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Its charter is to identify, protect and exploit promising intellectual property (IP) created by A*STAR’s research institutes. This includes facilitating the IP management process (ie the protection of inventions through patents and copyrights, etc), analysing the strength of our IP and the market that they could serve, and working with companies to commercialise the technologies. For more information, please visit http://www.exploit-tech.com About Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, or A*STAR, is Singapore's lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledgebased Singapore. A*STAR actively nurtures public sector research and development in Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, with a particular focus on fields essential to Singapore's manufacturing industry and new growth industries. It oversees 14 research institutes and supports extramural research with the universities, hospital research centres and other local and international partners. At the heart of this knowledge intensive work is human capital. Top local and international scientific talent drive knowledge creation at A*STAR research institutes. The Agency also sends scholars for undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral training in the best universities, a reflection of the high priority A*STAR places on nurturing the next generation of scientific talent. Website: www.a-star.edu.sg About Institute of Microelectronics (IME) The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) is a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore. Positioned to bridge the R&D between academia and industry, IME’s mission is to increase value-add to the electronics industry in Singapore by engaging in relevant R&D in strategic fields of microelectronics; supporting and partnering the electronics industry; and developing skilled R&D personnel. Its key research areas are in integrated circuits and systems; semiconductor process technologies, bio-electronics, MEMS and microsystems packaging. Website: www.ime.a-star.edu.sg) About Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) The Institute for Infocomm Research (I²R - pronounced as i-squared-r) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) family. Established in 2002, our mission is to advance infocomm technologies for the benefit of humanity and prosperity of Singapore. I2R integrates R&D in information, communications and media (ICM) technologies to develop holistic solutions across the ICM value chain. Our research capabilities are in information technology and science, wireless and optical communications, and media analysis, processing and applications. We seek to enable technologies and processes that will drive new and enhanced services for Singapore’s knowledge-based economy. Website: http://www.i2r.a-star.edu.sg

About the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) The Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Established in 1993, its mission is to develop high value manufacturing technology and human capital to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore’s manufacturing industry. It collaborates with multinational and local companies in the electronics, semiconductor, precision engineering, aerospace, automotive, marine, logistics and other sectors. Website: www.SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg

Media contact: Shawn Tan Corporate Communications Division Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd Tel :+65-6478 8425 Mobile : +65-9678 4570 Email : [email protected]