Software-Defined Active RFID Readers
This would be an expansion of SSPI technology into an important new area, Oak Ridge National Lab, what a great partener!
Dick
Spectrum Signal Processing to Develop Software-Defined Active RFID Readers with Oak Ridge National Laboratory
11/22/04
COLUMBIA, Md., Nov 22, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (NASDAQ:SSPI)(TSX:SSY)
Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of Spectrum Signal Processing Inc., today announced a contract with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose softwar
e-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators.
The interrogators, or readers, are being developed for multiple funded programs addressing military logistics, homeland security and commercial transportation applications. The readers are designed to track military assets in both hostile and non-hostile environments and to monitor the location and physical integrity of intermodal cargo containers. The programs being supported under this collaborative effort include:
- CFAST: The Collaborative Force-Building Analysis, Sustainment and Transportation (CFAST) system is an advanced military information portal being funded by the US Department of Defense. This system is intended to enhance military decision making by enabling the sharing and collaborative use of advanced operations, intelligence, logistics and personnel planning information. Secure active RFID technologies are expected to facilitate the delivery of real-time logistics and personnel planning information for the CFAST system. More information on the CFAST program can be found at www.defensesystemsgroup.com;
- NEMAS: The NGA Emergency Management and Accountability System (NEMAS) is being developed by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) with the objective of monitoring and tracking critical first responders during emergency situations. Secure active radio frequency identification tags and interrogators will constitute key elements of the NEMAS system. More information on NGA can be found at www.nima.mil/; and,
- MTS: The Marine Transportation System (MTS) is an intermodal asset security monitoring and tracking system being developed by Navigational Sciences, Inc. in conjunction with ORNL. The MTS is designed to provide logistics companies with the ability to track the location and physical integrity of marine cargo containers anywhere in the world. The MTS is also expected to support homeland security objectives by ensuring that sealed intermodal containers are not compromised during transport. More information on the MTS program can be found at www.navsci.com.
The active RFID interrogators being developed with ORNL will incorporate the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) to allow them to interoperate with Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) communications devices. The readers will support multi-waveform operation including the support of complex waveforms designed to optimize the use of available frequency spectrum and to prevent the jamming and spoofing of security-sensitive RFID signals.
"One of ORNL's main objectives is to enable total asset visibility (TAV) across the US armed forces and emergency first responders through the use of multi-function RFID readers and innovative sensor technologies," stated Mark Buckner, Senior Program Manager at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. "To achieve TAV in as short a timeframe as possible, we are employing advanced, commercially available products and technologies. Spectrum provides us with proven software defined radio solutions along with the SCA know-how critical to ensure that our systems are interoperable with JTRS platforms."
"Our relationship with ORNL originated with the sale of an SDR-3000 system in July of this year," stated James P. Atkins, President of Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc. "Today we are engaged in a comprehensive, co-development effort with ORNL to advance the state-of-the-art in active RFID. Our software defined radio expertise, SCA knowledge and secure waveform experience are proving invaluable in this regard."
ABOUT OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a multi-program science and technology laboratory managed for the US Department of Energy by UT-Battelle LLC. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation's leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security. More information on ORNL may be found at www.ornl.gov.
ABOUT SPECTRUM SIGNAL PROCESSING INC.
Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (TSX:SSY)(NASDAQ:SSPI) is a leading supplier of software-defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies, and its prime contractors. More information on Spectrum and its flexComm(TM) product line is available at www.spectrumsignal.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements related to the Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. flexComm product line. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and acceptance of Spectrum's new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, availability of components, changing market conditions and the other risks detailed from time to time in other company filings. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of this release and Spectrum may or may not update these forward-looking statements in the future. Readers are referred to Spectrum's assumptions and risk factors set out in the most current Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the British Columbia Securities Commission.
(TM) flexComm is a trademark of Spectrum Signal Processing Inc.
SOURCE: Spectrum Signal Processing Inc.
Spectrum Signal Processing Inc.
Mark Briggs
Technical and Trade Media
(604) 421-5422
Email: mark_briggs@spectrumsignal.com
OR
Spectrum Signal Processing Inc.
Brent Flichel
Business Media and Investor Relations
(604) 421-5422
Email: brent_flichel@spectrumsignal.com
Website: www.spectrumsignal.com
OR
Oak Ridge National Laboratory-RF and Microwave Systems
Mark A. Buckner, Ph.D.
Engineering Science and Technology Division
(865) 574-5859
Email: bucknerma@ornl.gov
Website: www.ornl.gov
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