Hitachi Mu-chip Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology Compatible with Gamma Sterilization

BRISBANE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hitachi America, Ltd. in conjunction with a leading provider of gamma sterilization isotope and equipment, revealed Hitachi’s Mu-chip RFID (radio frequency identification) tag technology can survive at least 500 kilogray (kGy) of gamma energy exposure. For the tests, populations of 30 Mu-chip inlets were exposed to gamma energy from 100 kGy to 500 kGy. All Mu-chip inlets (bare unruggedized RFID integrated circuit chips attached to a thin flexible aluminum antenna) revealed no detectable damage. 500 kGy gamma exposure is representative of 20 typical medical device sterilization cycles of 25 kGy each. Gamma ray energy exposure damage to substances is cumulative.

Medical, pharmacy, and life sciences experimenters in item level RFID tagging discovered early on that gamma radiation levels in typical sterilization protocols permanently damage, or at the very least, harmfully affect the data contained in RFID tags. Hitachi’s Mu-chip RFID IC chips are different from other RFID IC chips in an important way. The unique and never duplicated identification data contained in each Mu-chip IC is structurally “hard wired” into the chip. The hardwired code is far less affected by gamma energy. The test team concluded that Mu-chip is fully compatible with current gamma sterilization protocols and considered a highly viable RFID technology for medical disposables and any other items that routinely undergo gamma exposure, especially repeated gamma exposure.

The small form factor of the Hitachi Mu-chip inlet is attributed to its 2.45GHz operating frequency and the proven durability of Mu-chip inlets further qualify this technology as a highly practical RFID inclusion for small, high value items. Hitachi Mu-chip inlets are subjected to and survive high temperatures and pressures in processes such as plastics molding and the vulcanization process of rubber. The hardcoded unique identifier in the Mu-chip makes it particularly suitable for irrefutable item validation, traceability and authentication against counterfeiting and grey market diversion as well as in manufacturing process control.

“We’ve known for some time that Hitachi Mu-chip could survive gamma sterilization protocols. We have documented just how strong Mu-chip is to gamma energy,” said Gary Andrechak, RFID Product Manager, Hitachi America, Ltd. A jointly authored a white paper describing the tests, results, and supporting information on RFID and gamma sterilization is available in electronic form by e-mail request to mu-solution@hal.hitachi.com. The white paper will also be available at Hitachi’s exhibit booth 4412 during INTERPHEX at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA, March 26 to 28, 2008.

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 Hitachi Mu-chip radio frequency identification technology, finger vein mapping biometric technology (Hitachi VeinID) and smart cards 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 http://www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE:HIT)(TOKYO:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 384,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 (ended March 31, 2007) consolidated revenues totaled 10,247 billion yen ($86.8 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 http://www.hitachi.com.