Smarter Library Solutions Enabled by NXP's New ICODE SLIX 2

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, Feb. 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NXP Semiconductors N.V. (Nasdaq:NXPI) today announced the launch of ICODE SLIX 2, a new RFID chip designed specifically for use in libraries. For use in public as well as university libraries the ICODE SLIX 2 offers a new approach to inventory management of books and media. The chip has built in features that make the inventory scans for books and media much faster and more accurate. Hence inventory scanning can now be completed in shorter time and shelf accuracy will be improved significantly. The result is a better customer experience in the library as books will simply be found quicker.

Convenience for customers at the self-service check-out kiosk is also brought to the next level by the SLIX 2. The RFID chip is now capable of scanning more tags in one go – situations that required two checkout cycles in the past, work now with only one cycle. The SLIX 2 is fully compatible with existing ICODE library systems, ensuring that over 5000 public and university libraries already using ICODE SLIX and ICODE SLI based labels can migrate and benefit from the latest technology without difficulties.

In addition to improved scanning and reading capabilities the new SLIX 2 introduces near field communication (NFC) technology to enhance library services. The new chips offer additional memory space to store dedicated URLs without compromising the library management memory areas. The URLs will point to internet spaces that contain additional information related to the book or media. Sophisticated content, such as movie trailers, author bios, book reviews, and much more, becomes automatically accessible through NFC-enabled mobile devices as they tap marked areas on the books. As well as its intended use in libraries the SLIX 2 can also be used for ski ticketing, medical records management, document tracking and authorized service monitoring.

"As a long-standing development partner, Bibliotheca, is delighted to have been working with NXP on the specification for this new silicon which will provide technical advances to libraries globally. The improved memory and enhanced performance means that libraries can extract even more value from their initial label investments - a philosophy we embrace in all our products," said Andy Chadbourne, president global marketing, Bibliotheca.

"Partnering with companies like NXP help us continue to bring the latest advancements to libraries to help them better serve their communities," said Matt Tempelis, 3M global business manager, 3M Library Systems.  "Our customers will benefit from this new RFID technology that allows for even greater speed and accuracy at the SelfCheck station, along with more options for security."

"More and more libraries worldwide are utilizing RFID to automate the issuance and return of media, and gain reliable, real-time visibility for their inventory. Having the new ICODE SLIX 2 in place, this high-performing chip will certainly broaden our HF tag portfolio in an ideal way," said Samuli Stromberg, vice president segment industry, SMARTRAC Technology Group.

"The first tests with ICODE SLIX 2 and our new handheld inventory reader for library ID ISC.PRH200 showed promising results. We see about 50 per cent performance improvements in the inventory situations of typical library media," said Markus Desch, technical director of FEIG's OBID division.

"With SLIX 2, the newest member in our ICODE SLI family, we continue the successful path of performance improvements in each generation. SLIX 2 smart labels propel libraries and archives into exciting, dynamic and new environments. Not only will the faster and larger read ranges increase operational efficiencies, the ability of the labels to interact with NFC-enabled devices ensures that customers also greatly benefit by having more valuable information at their fingertips," said Martin Gruber, business sector secure mobility and retail, NXP Semiconductors. 

Key features of the ICODE SLIX 2 include:

• NXP originality signature
• Increased speed and accuracy for inventory management
• Increased reading range
• Increased robustness against detuning effects
• 2.5 Kbit user memory size
• User memory segmentation with separate access conditions
• Password protected counter feature

The product is released and available for ordering. 

About NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (Nasdaq:NXPI) creates solutions that enable Secure Connections for a Smarter World. Building on its expertise in High Performance Mixed Signal electronics, NXP is driving innovation in the application areas Connected Car, Security, Portable & Wearable and Internet of Things. NXP has operations in more than 25 countries, and posted revenue of $5.65 billion in 2014. Find out more at nxp.com.

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CONTACT: For further press information, please contact:         NXP Semiconductors         Europe: Martijn van der Linden         +31 6 10914896         martijn.van.der.linden@nxp.com         Greater China / Asia: Esther Chang         +886 2 8170 9990         esther.chang@nxp.com         Americas: Hillary Cain         +1 408 518 5227         hillary.cain@nxp.com