Philips Rolls Out Next-Gen RFID Chip For Libraries

SAN FRANCISCO — Royal Philips Electronics Wednesday (June 21) introduced a new RFID chip, geared to the library industry, offering enhanced, password-protected security and privacy features.

According to Philips (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), the chip, ICODE-SLI S, addresses many of the challenges facing library management, including reader logistics, material identification and inventory and information storage. ICODE SLI-S also offers increased read performance and is specifically suited for automated management of media in libraries, Philips said.

The chip also offers added convenience for library users, Philips said, providing faster check-out of books, CDs and DVDs. The technology also enables consumers to do self-service returns, Philips said.

According to Philips, several hundred libraries worldwide have installed RFID for self-service check-in and check-out, automatic sorting and cataloguing, as well as advanced theft protection. The company claims that more than half of these libraries use Philips ICODE technology.

"Library systems worldwide are increasingly moving to standardized technology that is both ISO15693 and ISO 18000-3 compliant," said Jan-Willem Reynaerts, general manager of RFID for Philips Semiconductors, in a statement.

Also Wednesday, a Philips spokesman told EE Times that the company has narrowed down the options for spinning off its semiconductor unit to a partnership or merger with another semiconductor company, an initial public offering or a sale of shares to financial institutions. The target date for such action remains prior to the end of this year.