Impinj

Last updated
Impinj, Inc.
Company type Public
Industry RFID
Founded2000;24 years ago (2000)
Founders
Headquarters
Seattle, Washington
,
United States
ProductsRAIN RFID devices including RFID tags, RFID readers, RFID reader chips, and RFID antennas
RevenueIncrease2.svg US$190.2 million (2021)
Increase2.svgUS$−37.2 million (2021)
Increase2.svgUS$−51.3 million (2021)
Total assets Increase2.svg US$315.5 million (2021)
Total equity Decrease2.svgUS$−11.1 million (2021)
Owner [1] [2] [3]
Number of employees
332 (December 2021)
Website impinj.com
Footnotes /references
[4]

Impinj, Inc. is a manufacturer of radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices and software. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. The company was started based on the research done at the California Institute of Technology by Carver Mead and Chris Diorio. [5] Impinj currently produces EPC Class 1, Gen 2 passive UHF RFID chips, RFID readers, RFID reader chips, and RFID antennas, and software applications for encoding chips, and gathering business intelligence on RFID systems.

Contents

History

Impinj was founded in 2000 based on the research of Carver Mead and his student Chris Diorio. The name Impinj stands for "Impact-ionized Hot-electron Injection". [6] In 2006, Impinj became the first company to introduce products based on the EPCglobal UHF Gen 2 standard. [7] [8] Bear Stearns reported in 2006 that Wal-Mart issued contracts to Impinj and Alien Technology, including them as significant suppliers for a total 15,000 RFID readers needed for Wal-Mart stores and distribution centers. The report invited speculation but was not confirmed. [9]

In the same year, Impinj created new partnerships in Asia. In February, Impinj signed an Original Equipment Manufacturer agreement with the Hong Kong based company Convergence Systems Limited (subsidiary of the Chung Nam Group of Companies). [10] In December, Impinj partnered with Korean company LS Industrial Systems (part of LS Group) to create RFID solutions targeting the Korean market. [11]

In June 2008, Impinj sold its non-volatile memory business to Virage Logic. [12] Also in 2008, Impinj acquired the Intel RFID division, including an Intel-developed RFID reader chip. Impinj renamed the chip Indy R1000. [13] [14] In 2009, Coca-Cola unveiled their Freestyle soda machine that gives users one hundred and sixty five different possible drink combinations. The Freestyle soda machine uses Impinj Monza tag chips and Indy reader chips to determine user preferences and to monitor the dispensers. [15] [16] Mexico has certified the Impinj Speedway reader to be used by state agencies in the electronic vehicle registration initiative beginning in Mexico in July 2010. [17] In 2005, Impinj began working with Intel to develop RFID chips that would allow for "Processor Secured Storage." [18] Impinj created two new chips for the project: Monza X-2K Dura and Monza X-8K Dura, [18] which allow for increased theft deterrence and wireless configuration of electronic devices. The chips will be used in Intel's Microsoft Windows 8-based processors for tablet computers, which will be released in the second half of 2012. [19]

RFID products

Monza RFID tag chips

Introduced in April 2005, Monza tag chips were the first UHF Gen 2 RFID tag chips. [20] Upon their introduction, it was announced that Impinj would be selling 50 million Monza tag chips that year. These 50 million chips were sold to nine different companies, including competitors Alien Technology and Texas Instruments. [20] [21] [22] In 2010, Impinj introduced its Monza 4 tag chips with increased read and write capabilities and more memory options. [23] In April 2011, Impinj released their new Monza 5 chips which are designed to speed item-level encoding, with fewer errors. The Monza 5 can boost encoding speeds by up to 220 percent compared with other RFID technology on the market. [24] Announced in April 2012, [19] Impinj's Monza X tag chips are intended for such applications as theft deterrence and wireless device configuration. When embedded in an electronic device (such as a laptop PC), the device processor or an RFID reader can write to or read data from that device through a Monza X chip, even when the device is powered off. [25] Impinj developed the Monza X chips through a partnership with Intel that began in 2005. [25] Impinj created the Monza X-2K and Monza X-8K Dura chips [26] with lockable memory blocks and two independent antennas, which allow the chips to be read by both near field and long range readers. [25] Intel will be using the Monza X chips in Microsoft Windows 8-based processors for tablet computers, to be released in the second half of 2012. [19]

Speedway RFID readers

Speedway is a registered trademark of Impinj. Speedway products include Speedway Revolution RFID Reader and Speedway xPortal RFID reader.

The Speedway RFID reader was first introduced in 2005 as the first RFID reader sold by Impinj. Designed to meet the RFID Gen 2 standards, Speedway was one of Impinj's GrandPrix products alongside Monza. [7]

The Speedway Revolution RFID reader was introduced in 2009. The Speedway Revolution is 80% smaller than the original Speedway RFID reader, measuring 6.75 x 5.5 x 1 inches. [27] [28] The Speedway Revolution introduced Autopilot technology, which enables the reader to reconfigure itself as the environment shifts. [29]

Introduced in 2010, the Speedway xPortal is a RFID fixed reader that combined the Speedway Revolution with Dual-Linear Phased Array technology, with a smaller design than previous reader portals. [30] [31] Whereas previous portal readers weighed about 150 lbs, the Speedway xPortal weighs 6.5 lbs and measures 40.5 x 8.72 x 2 inches. [32]

Indy RFID reader chips

In 2008, Impinj acquired the Intel RFID division, including an Intel-developed RFID reader chip which Impinj renamed Indy R1000. [13] [14] By combining many electrical components on one microchip, RFID reader chips can minimize size and costs of RFID readers. [33] As of 2008, 40 to 50 manufacturers had developed readers using the R1000 chip. [33] In 2009, Impinj unveiled the Indy R2000 reader chip, with increased performance designed for use in high-end readers for more challenging applications. [34] In 2010, Impinj further expanded their reader chip portfolio by introducing the Indy R500 reader chip, a lower cost chip for applications that don't require high performance. [35]

STP Source Tagging Platform

In 2011, Impinj announced its STP Source Tagging Platform, a combination of a reader and firmware designed for mass encoding of RFID tags. [36] The platform consists of two systems: bulk encoding for tags already attached to items, or in-line encoding before tags are applied to products. The STP platform is capable of encoding 1100 tags per minute in the bulk system, and up to 1750 tags per minute using the in-line system. [36] In 2012, Impinj announced a version 2 release of the STP platform that will enable brand owners and service bureaus to achieve encoding speeds up to 7,500 tags per minute. [37]

Store Performance Simulator

Impinj's Store Performance Simulator (SPS), released in June 2012, is a "Web-based analysis tool" [38] designed to show retailers how RFID can increase the accuracy of their inventory and positively impact profitability. [38] A retailer can use SPS's 25 inputs to reflect their particular store and simulate various "what-if" scenarios, [39] rather than running unfeasible real-world tests.

See also

Related Research Articles

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder called a tag, a radio receiver, and a transmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader. This number can be used to track inventory goods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Near-field communication</span> Radio communication established between devices by bringing them into proximity

Near-field communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enables communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 centimetres (1.6 in) or less. NFC offers a low-speed connection through a simple setup that can be used for the bootstrapping of capable wireless connections. Like other proximity card technologies, NFC is based on inductive coupling between two electromagnetic coils present on a NFC-enabled device such as a smartphone. NFC communicating in one or both directions uses a frequency of 13.56 MHz in the globally available unlicensed radio frequency ISM band, compliant with the ISO/IEC 18000-3 air interface standard at data rates ranging from 106 to 848 kbit/s.

Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) refers to the methods of automatically identifying objects, collecting data about them, and entering them directly into computer systems, without human involvement. Technologies typically considered as part of AIDC include QR codes, bar codes, radio frequency identification (RFID), biometrics, magnetic stripes, optical character recognition (OCR), smart cards, and voice recognition. AIDC is also commonly referred to as "Automatic Identification", "Auto-ID" and "Automatic Data Capture".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ear tag</span> Object attached to a livestock animals ear for identification purposes

An ear tag is a plastic or metal object used for identification of domestic livestock and other animals. If the ear tag uses Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology it is referred to as an electronic ear tag. Electronic ear tags conform to international standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 working at 134.2 kHz, as well as ISO/IEC 18000-6C operating in the UHF spectrum. There are other non-standard systems such as Destron working at 125 kHz. Although there are many shapes of ear tags, the main types in current use are as follows:

ODIN provides RFID software for the Aerospace, Government, Healthcare, Financial Services and Social Media markets. ODIN's world headquarters is located in San Diego, CA. ODIN was acquired by Quake Global in December 2012 and continues to focus on healthcare and asset tracking.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chip timing</span>

Transponder timing is a technique for measuring performance in sport events. A transponder working on a radio-frequency identification (RFID) basis is attached to the athlete and emits a unique code that is detected by radio receivers located at the strategic points in an event.

RuBee is a two-way active wireless protocol designed for harsh environments and high-security asset visibility applications. RuBee utilizes longwave signals to send and receive short data packets in a local regional network. The protocol is similar to the IEEE 802 protocols in that RuBee is networked by using on-demand, peer-to-peer and active radiating transceivers. RuBee is different in that it uses a low frequency carrier.

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Touchatag was an RFID service for consumers, application developers and operators/enterprises created by Alcatel-Lucent. Consumers could use RFID tags to trigger what touchatag called Applications, which could include opening a webpage, sending a text message, shutting down the computer, or running a custom application created through the software's API, via the application developer network. Touchatag applications were also compatible with NFC enabled phones like the Nokia 6212. TikiTag was launched as an open beta on October 1, 2008. And it was rebranded to touchatag on February 15, 2009. Touchatag also sold RFID hardware, like a starter package with 1 USB RFID reader and 10 RFID tags (stickers), for which the client software was compatible with Windows XP and Vista, along with Mac OS X 10.4 and up. Touchatag was carried by Amazon.com, ThinkGeek, Firebox.com and getDigital.de along with Touchatag's own Online Store. Touchatag also marketed their products' underlying technology for enterprise and operator solutions. Touchatag announced an agreement with Belgacom PingPing on jointly developing the contactless market and announced a commercial pilot with Accor Services. On June 27, 2012, the Touchatag team has announced the shutdown of the project. inviting users to use IOTOPE "a similar open source Internet Of Things service" which itself has no apparent activity since November 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omni-ID</span> American company

Omni-ID is a vendor of passive UHF Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. Founded in 2007 as Omni-ID, Ltd., its products are a range of RFID tags designed to operate in all environments, including on metal and liquids.

Real-time locating systems (RTLS), also known as real-time tracking systems, are used to automatically identify and track the location of objects or people in real time, usually within a building or other contained area. Wireless RTLS tags are attached to objects or worn by people, and in most RTLS, fixed reference points receive wireless signals from tags to determine their location. Examples of real-time locating systems include tracking automobiles through an assembly line, locating pallets of merchandise in a warehouse, or finding medical equipment in a hospital.

A human microchip implant is any electronic device implanted subcutaneously (subdermally) usually via an injection. Examples include an identifying integrated circuit RFID device encased in silicate glass which is implanted in the body of a human being. This type of subdermal implant usually contains a unique ID number that can be linked to information contained in an external database, such as identity document, criminal record, medical history, medications, address book, and other potential uses.

Rockchip is a Chinese fabless semiconductor company based in Fuzhou, Fujian province. Rockchip has been providing SoC products for tablets & PCs, streaming media TV boxes, AI audio & vision, IoT hardware since founded in 2001. It has offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hong Kong. It designs system on a chip (SoC) products, using the ARM architecture licensed from ARM Holdings for the majority of its projects.

Intel Quick Sync Video is Intel's brand for its dedicated video encoding and decoding hardware core. Quick Sync was introduced with the Sandy Bridge CPU microarchitecture on 9 January 2011 and has been found on the die of Intel CPUs ever since.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EM Microelectronic</span> Swiss semiconductor manufacturer

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References

  1. ↑ "PI Institutional Ownership - IMPINJ Inc". Archived from the original on 2021-04-19. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
  2. ↑ "Institutional Ownership - Impinj Inc". Archived from the original on 2021-04-19. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
  3. ↑ "Impinj Inc - Shareholding Pattern - US453204AA78". Archived from the original on 2021-04-19. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
  4. ↑ "Impinj, Inc. 2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K)". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 14 February 2022. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  5. ↑ Flanigan, James (2007-01-18). "The Route From Research to Start-Up". New York Times. Archived from the original on 2017-04-15. Retrieved 2010-07-09.
  6. ↑ Glider, George (2002-06-26). "Carver's Clones". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2012-11-02. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  7. 1 2 O'Connor, Mary Catherine; Roberti, Mark (2005-04-04). "Impinj Announces Gen 2 Tags, Reader". RFID Journal. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2010-07-09.
  8. ↑ Emigh, Jacqueline (2005-04-04). "Impinj Launches Industry's First RFID Gen 2 System". CIO Insight. Archived from the original on 2022-07-27. Retrieved 2010-07-09.
  9. ↑ SCDigest Editorial Staff (2006-04-13). "RFID News: Wal-Mart, Albertson's, Sign RFID Reader Deals, Bear Sterns Reports". Supply Chain Digest. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
  10. ↑ SCDigest Editorial Staff (2006-04-13). "Impinj and Convergence Systems Limited announce OEM licensing agreement for RFID readers". Supply Chain Digest. Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
  11. ↑ SCDigest Editorial Staff (2006-04-13). "LS Industrial Systems and Impinj Partner to Deliver High-Performance Radio Frequency Identification Solutions in Korea". Supply Chain Digest. Archived from the original on 2011-07-14. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
  12. ↑ LaPedus, Mark (2008-06-30). "Virage buys Impinj's memory IP business". EE Times. Archived from the original on 2012-10-02. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  13. 1 2 Sullivan, Laurie (2008-07-10). "Impinj acquires Intel's RFID reader chip unit". EE Times. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  14. 1 2 Dudley, Brier (2008-07-10). "Intel bet its chips on Impinj growth". Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 2009-09-03. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  15. ↑ Sullivan, Laurie (2009-08-17). "Coca-Cola 'Freestyles' a Smarter Soda Machine". Media Post Publications. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  16. ↑ Cook, John (2009-08-17). "Coke's 'coolest soda machine ever' utilizes Impinj's RFID chips". Tech Flash - Seattle's Technology News Source. Archived from the original on 2010-08-21. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  17. ↑ "Mexico certifies Impinj for electronic vehicle registration". RFID News. 2010-04-15. Archived from the original on 2010-06-19. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  18. 1 2 "Intel and the Future of Consumer Electronics". Impinj: Applications. Archived from the original on 2012-09-10. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
  19. 1 2 3 "Impinj Unveils Monza X-2K and X-8K Dura Chips for Electronics Market". RFID24-7. 2012-05-23. Archived from the original on 2014-06-12. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
  20. 1 2 "Monza RFID Chips from Impinj, Inc". RFID Gazette. 2005-11-30. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
  21. ↑ "Alien Technology, Impinj ink RFID supply deal". EE Times. 2005-09-08. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
  22. ↑ O'Connor, Mary Catherine (2005-09-08). "Impinj to Ship 50M Gen 2 Chips in 2005". RFID Journal. Archived from the original on 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
  23. ↑ "Impinj unveils Monza® 4 family of tags; enhanced functionality to drive market". RFID24-7. 2010-02-23. Archived from the original on 2010-11-10. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  24. ↑ "Impinj Launches Products to Speed Item-Level Encoding". RFID Journal. 2011-04-05. Archived from the original on 2011-04-12. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  25. 1 2 3 Gambon, Jill (2012-06-01). "A New Tool for Electronics Companies". RFID Journal. Archived from the original on 2022-07-27. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
  26. ↑ "Intel and the Future of Consumer Electronics". Impinj: Applications. Archived from the original on 2012-09-10. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
  27. ↑ "Impinj Releases Speedway Revolution Reader to Deliver New Standards in RFID Reader Performance". Satellite Spotlight. 2009-08-13. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
  28. ↑ "RFID News Roundup". RFID Journal. 2010-12-12. Archived from the original on 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
  29. ↑ "Speedway Revolution RFID Reader". Archived from the original on 2012-03-09. Retrieved 2012-01-10.
  30. ↑ Swedberg, Claire (2010-04-06). "Impinj Releases Compact High-Performance EPC RFID Portal". RFID Journal. Archived from the original on 2010-05-07. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  31. ↑ "Impinj Unveils High Performance Speedway xPortal Integrated Portal Reader". Printed Electronics Now. 2010-04-06. Archived from the original on 2010-04-08. Retrieved 2010-08-04.
  32. 1 2 "Impinj Acquires Intel's UHF RFID Reader Chip Operation". RFID Journal. 2008-07-10. Archived from the original on 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  33. ↑ "Impinj Adds New Products, Agreements to Its Portfolio". RFID Journal. 2009-05-04. Archived from the original on 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  34. ↑ "Impinj Introduces New, Lower-Cost UHF Reader Chip". RFID Journal. 2010-07-29. Archived from the original on 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  35. 1 2 "Impinj Launches Products to Speed Item-Level Encoding". RFID Journal. 2011-04-05. Archived from the original on 2011-04-12. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  36. ↑ "RFID Chipmakers Align on Industry-wide Serialization Schema". Impinj. 2012-04-02. Archived from the original on 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2012-04-11.
  37. 1 2 Roberti, Mark (2012-06-13). "Impinj Releases RFID Store Performance Simulator". RFID Journal. Archived from the original on 2012-06-18. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
  38. ↑ "Impinj Debuts Store Performance Simulator". RFID24-7. 2012-06-13. Archived from the original on 2012-06-23. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
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