Matrics Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, announced that the company will soon begin shipping "Gen 2-ready" AR 400 RFID readers. The AR 400 already operates in a multi-protocol mode, which includes Class 0, Class 0+, and Class 1 protocols. With the inclusion of Gen 2, it is the most versatile RFID reader on the market today.

Matrics has been a leading participant in the creation of EPCglobal's Generation 2 specification, which is now called the "Chicago protocol" as a result of the merging of the Freedom and Global submissions.

Matrics' AR 400 RFID reader announced earlier this year is already becoming the preferred reader within a wide range of vertical markets including retail, supply chain, pharmaceutical, government, and aviation. The AR 400 is more than a typical RFID reader. It provides timely and pertinent information to customers' Network Management platform by real-time reporting of events and status using SNMP. To address security concerns, it provides security and privilege controls and full traceability of operator actions. The AR 400 is a ready-to-connect network element that provides a variety of options for connecting to customers' corporate networks.

"The AR 400 will easily upgrade via software to EPCglobal's Gen 2 standard, which is in the process of being ratified," said Girish Rishi, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Matrics. "Matrics is ommitted to offering high performance, cost-effective RFID systems that are compliant to
the Gen 2 specification. Having spearheaded the adoption of passive UHF RFID technology over the last several years, we are looking forward to providing breakthrough products in the Gen 2 pace, thus ensuring customer success."