July 11, 2008 – Radio frequency ID (RFID) vendor Impinj has acquired Intel’s RFID operation for an undisclosed amount, solidifying its position with the firm’s R1000 reader radio chip for its UHF Gen2 product lines.

The R1000 chip by integrating 90% of required reader radio components onto a single chip, which creates design flexibility for UHF RFID readers and modules, the firms said in a statement. Adding it to Impinj’s portfolio “is a huge step for Impinj, accelerating our drive to deliver the highest performance, most cost-effective RFID products available from any vendor anywhere,” stated William Colleran, president/CEO of Impinj.

“The UHF RFID market is a strong opportunity, and we believe this business and its assets are an optimal fit for Impinj,” added Rich Wykoff, GM of Intel’s New Business Initiatives incubator which spawned the RFID operation. “Intel’s NBI incubator program is practiced at establishing new businesses in emerging markets, and Impinj’s acquisition of the RFID operation demonstrates the incubator’s ability to create valued businesses in new technology areas.”