R110XiHF Printer to Incorporate M2 HF SkyeModule for High-Performance, Multi-Protocol Tag Encoding

WESTMINSTER, Colo.–SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, announced it has entered into a technology partnership with Zebra Technologies. The market share leader in auto-ID printing, Zebra selected SkyeTek’s M2 as the embedded RFID reader module for its R110XiHF printer / encoder. With 200mW of output power, broad tag support, and onboard security, the recently launched M2 is the clear leader in performance, reliability, and privacy protection among HF RFID OEM readers.

“We selected SkyeTek for our HF line of printers because we believe the company’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture is a significant innovation in terms of embedded RFID technology,” stated Bill Shuff, Senior Product Manager, Zebra Technologies. “Because of AURA, we believe the M2 provides an optimum combination of performance, security, and tag support that is at least one generation ahead of the current HF marketplace.”

Based on SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA), the M2 leads the industry in HF reader price-performance due to its ReaderWare software layer. ReaderWare provides advanced reader intelligence that not only delivers adaptive behavior, broad tag support, and tag heuristics but also delivers security, which typically runs on a Pentium-class processor, on an ARM7-class processor. ReaderWare also performs functions traditionally performed in hardware allowing the M2 to achieve uncommon efficiencies in cost, power consumption, and form factor. Priced at $60 per module and $18 per ReaderWare license, the M2 offers unparalleled value in the embedded HF reader market.

“In terms of RFID, Zebra Technologies is as respected and accomplished as OEM partners get,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “Their selection of the M2 is an endorsement not only of our product but also AURA. Through our ReaderWare software interface, they will be able to seamlessly upgrade their printers to add additional tag support and security in the future.”

In addition to printing/encoding, the M2 is also experiencing rapid adoption in application areas such as anti-counterfeiting, contactless payment, handheld reading / encoding, item-level inventory, and patient safety. OEM customers can purchase SkyeTek’s M2 as a module (includes ReaderWare license) or ReaderWare license. Licensing also provides customers with access to the ReaderDNA reference design, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module.