Panasonic, Secaucus, N.J., and Atmel Corp., San Jose, Calif., will collaborate to supply radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions that offer systems integrators compatible technologies that meet a range of price and performance targets. Both companies will cooperate in the design and marketing of RFID systems. Panasonic has developed a line of multi-protocol readers/writers for contactless smart cards and tags, and Atmel Corp. offers a line of contactless RFID tag chips operating at 13.56MHz. Together, the companies will provide the components necessary for an RFID system.
Panasonic holds a majority market share in the United States for gas pump readers and a significant market share for card readers in the gaming industry. The Panasonic readers support a number of Atmel's RFID chips, including the AT88RF256-13, AT88RF020 and the AT88RF001. Additionally, these multi-protocol readers permit system designers to architect solutions that can work with both Atmel-based tags and tags from other vendors.
"Panasonic is excited about the vast array of business opportunities in the RFID marketplace," said Mitch Ebina, marketing manager, input devices for Panasonic. "We see the need for identification solutions in a wide variety of applications and we are focused on offering designers of RFID systems a complete solution. Our collaboration with Atmel lets us bring a total system approach to those customers."
"The combination of Panasonic's high-volume, high-speed manufacturing expertise and know-how, and Atmel's leading-edge design and sophisticated chip technologies will help us both create superior products for our customers," said Chris Baumann, Atmel's director of BiCMOS and secure products.
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