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SkyeTek Raises the Bar in Embedded RFID with Next Generation Reader Technology

Five New Offerings based on Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA™)

 

Westminster, Colo. and Las Vegas, Nev. – SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA™), the reader architecture designed specifically for the embedded RFID market, and five new offerings based on this platform will be on display at the upcoming RFID Journal Live! tradeshow in Las Vegas.  AURA represents the next generation of SkyeTek’s modular, open-architected reader technology that has captured nearly 100 customer design wins since its introduction in late 2003.

 

The market for embedded RFID is a continually expanding list of hundreds of applications spanning many vertical industries.  Consequently, it requires a reader architecture that not only provides broad functionality for a wide array of requirements but also optimizes for the cost, space, and power consumption typical of embedded applications.  Although well suited for several supply chain applications, today’s expensive, monolithic RFID readers do not meet the requirements for the embedded market.  Recognizing this gap in the marketplace, SkyeTek specifically designed AURA to serve as the universal reader architecture for embedded RFID applications.  OEMs can easily capture new market opportunities by integrating RFID as a feature into their products with minimal impact to form, fit, and cost.

 

"While much of the recent reader development has centered on supply chain management compliance applications, the long-term opportunity for RFID readers in the embedded market is potentially greater because of the number of possible applications that can be supported (within the supply chain and beyond). The SkyeTek architecture allows companies to embed readers in product lines, en masse, to create new, RFID-enabled applications.  When paired with a cost-efficient business model, this top line benefit results in high returns on investment and lower total cost of ownership for customers," said Michael J. Liard, RFID Practice Director at Venture Development Corporation.  "SkyeTek's position in the embedded RFID market is truly unique."

 

Each of the following new AURA-based products can be purchased as a SkyeModule or ReaderWare license:

  • MØ is the world’s smallest HF reader module.  With support for ISO 15693, it possesses a footprint smaller than a postage stamp.  Designed for embedded applications such as consumables authentication, electronics configuration, and equipment configuration, SkyeTek is pricing these modules for broad adoption at $15 per SkyeModule and $5 per ReaderWare license.
  • M2 is the industry’s most secure, embeddable HF module with protocol support for ISO 14443 A/B and 15693 and encryption support for Mifare, DES, 3DES, and AES.  Based on the AURA HF/UHF Common Blade Family (Compact Flash Type II compliant), the M2 generates high returns on investment (ROI) for applications requiring encrypted reader authentication such as contactless payment, ePedigree, and kiosk / vending management.
  • M9 is the world’s smallest Gen 2 / ETSI compliant UHF reader module and designed for generating high ROI in applications such as handheld readers, label encoders, smart shelves, and smart carts / containers.  As a member of the HF/ UHF Common Blade Family, the M9 is architecturally capable of near-field, inductive UHF for item level inventory applications.
  • MXH and MXU are antenna multiplexers for HF and UHF, respectively, that both come in 4- and 8-port models.  Like its reader technology, SkyeTek designs its multiplexers specifically to achieve the cost and space efficiency required in embedded RFID applications.  The ROI of smart-shelf and smart-container applications, for example, benefits dramatically from the 8X reduction in the total number of readers required as a result of using SkyeTek’s multiplexers. 

 

AURA’s cost-efficiency allows SkyeTek to aggressively price its technology, a prerequisite to accelerating adoption in embedded markets.  SkyeModules occupy the lowest pricing strata in the marketplace, and ReaderWare licensing, which includes use of ReaderDNA, provides additional cost benefit by allowing customers to not only buy hardware at cost but also realize synergies in design and manufacturing that come as a result of the industry standard components used in SkyeTek’s reference designs.  Licensing typically saves customers 40 – 75% over the price of a typical reader module found in today’s market.

 

“Embedded RFID represents an enormous opportunity for manufacturers and solution providers in mainstream markets to improve the end user experience, increase sales productivity, and generate new revenue streams.  By embedding fully functional, cost-efficient RFID readers as a feature in their product lines, customers can create new value propositions for their existing offerings,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek, Inc.  “With our new line of solutions based on AURA, we continue to strengthen our market position as the lone provider of reader technology, business model, and cost structure that combines to enable the widespread adoption of RFID as an embedded product feature.”

 

Companies adopting SkyeTek’s technology represent numerous vertical markets and range from mid-market companies to Fortune 500 corporations. By incorporating SkyeTek’s reader technology, they are creating new applications for their existing products in patient safety, patron management, kiosk / vending, asset tracking, consumables authentication, and configuration management.  SkyeTek’s customers are a diverse set of companies but share a common thread of fast time-to-market, increased customer satisfaction and growing revenue streams as a result of embedding RFID as a feature in their products.

 

SkyeTek’s architecture and business model are resonating with the demands of the embedded RFID market.  Customers integrating SkyeTek’s RFID reader technology as a feature in their products represent the vast majority of SkyeTek’s combined hardware and software sales.  SkyeTek offers its technology solely through OEMs and distributors. 

 

To learn more about SkyeTek, AURA, ReaderWare, ReaderDNA, or any of its SkyeModules, visit www.skyetek.com, send an email to sales@skyetek.com, call 720-565-0441, or visit them in booth 334 at RFID Journal Live! at the MGM Grand Conference & Exhibition Center in Las Vegas, Nev., May 1 – 3.