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RFID/USN<br />
Pharmaceutical Co. is embracing RFID as well. It is working on<br />
a project to share real-time distribution information with raw material<br />
providers and other pharmaceutical companies via electronic<br />
tags attached to pharmaceutical production and raw materials.<br />
By doing so, automation of ordering raw materials and delivery<br />
will be achieved to efficiently manage the production process.<br />
2010 RFID/USN has Taken a Sharp Turn<br />
The RUC, based on RFID/USN -- MEMS-related cuttingedge<br />
infrastructure -- is offering both RFID/USN one-stop support<br />
services and MEMS foundry services. RFID/USN Total<br />
Support Office-- which provides professional technical support<br />
based on wide-ranging infrastructures, from R&D on<br />
RFID/USN to production of prototype products-- is focused on<br />
BMT (Benchmark Test) services that are RFID/USN application<br />
tests designed for the government, local self-governing entities<br />
and general companies. To make high-quality products and systems<br />
widely available and boost exports of domestic products, the<br />
RUC is working hard to be internationally certified as an official<br />
RFID/US-related testing institution and certifier. In addition, the<br />
MEMS Fab, which mass-produces MEMS based on the only 8-<br />
inch wafer in <strong>Korea</strong>, offers MEMS R&D and foundry (contract<br />
production) services and is developing technologies for a wide<br />
range of MEMS devices including pressure and acceleration sensors.<br />
Achievements in RFID/USN and MEMS<br />
The RFID/USN Center was founded in March of 2006, jointly<br />
invested by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the<br />
Incheon Metropolitan City, to promote RFID/USN and<br />
MEMS's sensor industry. In June of 2008, RFID/USN &<br />
MEMS sensor infrastructure was built in Songdo in the Incheon<br />
Free Economic Zone. Since then, the RUC has been providing<br />
related services. Since its inception, the RUC has continuously invested<br />
in various equipments to ultimately provide customized<br />
services. The RFID/USN Business Division has been officially<br />
recognized as Asia's first EPC global ATC testing institution for<br />
static/dynamic tests. In addition, in the environment and credibility<br />
category, the RUC has attained the KOLAS (<strong>Korea</strong><br />
Laboratory Accreditation Scheme) accreditation. To get more<br />
parts of the RUC's business certified, the final stage of screening is<br />
underway. Through the ROU's test certification services, <strong>Korea</strong>n<br />
companies can enhance the credibility of their RFID/USN products<br />
and have more opportunities for foreign market entry. The<br />
RUC believes that it will consequently spur up the <strong>Korea</strong>n<br />
RFID/USN industry.<br />
In the MEMS field, the RUC has built a MEMS processing<br />
line that is based on an 8-inch wafer and earned ISO9001 (a quality<br />
management standard) and 14001 (an environment management<br />
standard), thereby offering high-quality products and services<br />
that live up to international standards. Based on the RUC's<br />
MEMS mass production facilities and custom-tailored services,<br />
the RUC has struck NDAs (non-disclosure agreement) with nearly<br />
57 companies: as of now, manufacturing and product development<br />
are underway with several products on track to be churned<br />
out in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the RUC has annually<br />
launched seminars and educational meetings on RFID/USN and<br />
MEMS, conducted surveys of the RFID/USN industry and<br />
made predictions for future demand of MEMS so as to provide<br />
an array of information that can actually help customers' businesses.<br />
Becoming a Global RFID/USN Testing Institution<br />
and a Certifier<br />
The RUC has continued to adopt international testing and certification<br />
systems and programs in a bid to grow into a global<br />
RFID/USN tester and certifier. Basically, through the expansion<br />
of KOLAS accreditation, a total of three more sectors will be certified:<br />
one in the existing categories regarding environment and<br />
credibility as well as others in the fixed/wireless communications<br />
devices and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) category. In<br />
addition, the RUC, certified as an international product certification<br />
institution, is building a world-class testing and certification<br />
system. The RUC's acquisition of the right to certify products by<br />
international standards, KSA ISO Guide 65 has boosted the<br />
credibility of the RUC's certification program. Taking advantage<br />
of such certifications, the RUC has been designated as a global<br />
EPC certifier in charge of the Asia-Pacific region and a mobile<br />
RFID official testing institution. At the moment, the RUC is<br />
making all-out efforts to be certified as an official RFID/USN<br />
testing institution by the Near Field Communication (NFC)<br />
Forum, a non-profit industry association that promotes the use<br />
of NFC short-range wireless interaction, and DASH-7 Alliance<br />
(a consortium of leading wireless industry players). From now<br />
on, the RUC will do its best to entrench itself as a leading global<br />
RFID/USN testing and certification institution through engaging<br />
in diverse international activities.<br />
Chun Go-eun/ clairbear@koreaittimes.com<br />
www.koreaittimes.com 49
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