WJ Communications Inc. announced that it has signed an OEM agreement with Hitachi America Ltd. to supply fixed readers for use with Hitachi's radio frequency identification (RFID) m-chip. This agreement involved joint development between Hitachi and WJ of an industry leading 2.45 GHz fixed reader, available exclusively through Hitachi America. Hitachi America will market the reader as part of its overall RFID solutions offerings including item authentication such as event tickets and manufacturing process automation. The 2.45 GHz Hitachi "m-chip" was designed by Hitachi as an authentication inclusion for high value items susceptible to fraud such as counterfeiting or diversion.


Hitachi America selected WJ as its vendor for this first to market network-ready reader to support Hitachi's m-chip. Based on WJ's radio expertise and RF technological capability, this reader is an integral part of Hitachi's overall RFID solutions that address the need for high reliability disposable RFID tags and low total cost of ownership applications built upon practical, well-established technologies and standards.

In commenting on the agreement, Chuck Wilson, senior director of the Hitachi America Ltd. Security Solutions Group, said, "We evaluated several RFID reader makers and WJ Communications provided the appropriate answer for Hitachi America to augment the capabilities of Hitachi's m-chip RFID offerings. We expect to continue to evolve our solutions to address critical authentication and tracking applications and will look to WJ for innovative ideas and technology."

"WJ is tremendously pleased to have been chosen as a reader provider in a multi-year agreement and to work together with Hitachi America - the market leader for 2.45 GHz passive authentication - to supply its fixed reader product under OEM label," said Haresh Patel, senior vice president of sales and marketing for WJ Communications. "This agreement demonstrates the important relationship between the two companies, beginning with our technological capability and ongoing commitment to the RFID marketplace. We are excited about building our relationship with Hitachi America in this growing industry."

Full production of Hitachi's 2.45 GHz solution, including the exclusive reader from WJ is expected this month.