Tego selects TowerJazz as silicon partner to manufacture high-memory RFID chips

MIGDAL HAEMEK, ISRAEL & WALTHAM, USA: TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, and Tego, a leading provider of high-memory RFID tagging solutions, have announced a silicon partnership to manufacture the TegoChip, a high-memory passive Gen2 RFID chip.

Tego is utilizing the 180nm process (TS18) from TowerJazz for its TegoChip to tag over 1500 pressurized and non-pressurized parts and components on the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft fleet to improve processes such as maintenance and warehouse logistics.

Tego recently announced the contract with Airbus providing the first standards-compliant and fully passive RFID tags that enable access to the complete maintenance history of flyable parts. Tego will demonstrate its TegoChip technology this week in booth #450, April 14-16 in Orlando, FL, at the RFID Journal LIVE conference and exhibit.

Key volume applications for RFID technology are in markets including the passenger transport sector and according to Gartner analysts, global RFID revenue will reach $3.5 billion by 2012. Tego is leading the definition of memory structure for extended memory RFID tags for the Air Transport Association (ATA).

The contract with Airbus is historic for RFID because it is the first for a worldwide, open-loop application that includes high-value passive tags, enabling new cutting-edge Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) applications. Key benefits of the TegoChip include faster access to key data at the point of use, lower investment in IT infrastructure, and improved asset management.

“We chose to partner with TowerJazz for their expertise and long-term commitment to developing process technologies and IP for RFID applications and because they are a proven silicon provider of low power, non-volatile memory for harsh environments,” said Timothy Butler, President and CEO of Tego. “We are excited to provide RFID chips to Airbus and its suppliers for improved maintenance procedures and logistics, increased supply chain visibility and improved forecasting.”

“We are very pleased to be selected by Tego as its silicon partner for manufacturing its advanced high memory passive RFID chip for Airbus,” said Dr. Avi Strum, Vice President and General Manager, TowerJazz Specialty Business Unit. “RFID tags help enable asset management and supply chain efficiency, visibility and security and are being deployed in many markets such as retail, defense, transportation and healthcare. TowerJazz is well-poised to meet the growing demands for applications in these various market segments.”