u-chip

BRISBANE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2006--Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT) today announced the first network-ready HSS-MUR-300 u-chip (Greek letter mu) reader tailored to the North American market. The reader is designed to work specifically with the Hitachi u-chip RFID (radio frequency identification) 2.45 GHz authentication tag.

The new compact reader features Ethernet 10/100 BaseT connectivity supporting static and DHCP IP address assignment, two antenna ports for maximized read coverage and versatility using approved antennas, and digital I/O ports to support triggers. The reader footprint is a small 5.5 by 4.0 by 1.50 inches. The reader has a typical read range of 12 inches with slightly longer read distances in some applications depending on objects being tagged with the Hitachi u-chip. The product is FCC and Industry of Canada certified for unlicensed operation. The new readers are available directly from the Hitachi America, Security Solutions Group as a key component in its overall RFID solutions offerings.

The u-chip was designed by Hitachi as an authentication inclusion for high value items susceptible to fraud such as counterfeiting or diversion. The unique security attributes and size of the u-chip make it ideal for event ticketing or loyalty program cards. Each 0.4mm square u-chip contains a 128 bit unique identification code that is hard coded into read only memory (ROM) during chip manufacture.

Any attempt to re-code the ID will damage the chip. Hitachi has provisions and systems in place to never release u-chips with duplicate IDs, thus ensuring each u-chip's authenticity. Additionally, the u-chip has been adopted in manufacturing as an auto-ID technology for items produced in complex manufacturing environments where bar codes and other RFID technologies employed to improve process automation have proven problematic. The u-chip inlets (chip attached to external antenna) have proven very durable.

The u-chip operates at the globally available 2.45GHz radio frequency which is a much higher frequency than typical UHF supply chain RFID applications that use tags which vary in radio frequency depending on individual country radio regulations. The higher u-chip frequency permits a smaller and simpler tag and antenna design. The chip's external antenna is a straight 52mm x 2mm aluminized plastic strip.

Hitachi America worked with San Jose, Calif.-based WJ Communications to design and produce the finished device.

About Hitachi
Hitachi America, Ltd., Security Solutions Group provides a broad portfolio of technology solutions in selected market sectors, including integrating new technologies such as smart cards and RFID into business processes as customized solutions. As a systems integrator the group provides project management / quality assurance, system design, software development, consulting and professional support services, including Help Desk support, system maintenance, Web-based support and system hosting.

Hitachi America, Ltd. a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, and consumer electronics, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For more information, visit www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT)(TOKYO: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 356,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totaled 9,464 billion yen ($80.9 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.

About WJ Communications
WJ Communications, Inc. is a leading pure-play semiconductor and RFID company focusing on the design and manufacture of high-quality, innovative devices and multi-chip modules (MCMs) for telecommunications systems worldwide, including COTS devices for the defense and market and devices for RFID reader applications. WJ's high reliability amplifier, mixer, RFIC and MCM products are used to transmit and receive signals that enable current and next generation digital wireless and wireline services. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the WJCI symbol.

Contacts
Hitachi America, Ltd.,
Branding & Corporate Communications Group
Gerard F. Corbett, 650-244-7900
[email protected]
Dash Hisanaga, 650-244-7902
[email protected]