Based on its recent analysis of the European radio frequency identification integrated circuits (RFID ICs) market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes the Swiss EM Microelectronic with the 2020 European New Product Innovation Award. The company’s Augmented RFID product, em|aura-sense, combines capacitive sensing with passive RFID (RAIN RFID) technology to deliver a significant competitive edge to customers.

The company also introduced em|echo-V in 2020, a product designed for retail, consumer engagement, and product authentication. It combines ultra-high frequency (UHF) RAIN RFID, high frequency (HF), and near-field communication (NFC) technologies on a single Integrated Circuit. This allows the chip to be used for short-, medium-, and long-range applications. The dual-frequency IC allows customers to track products along the supply chain and combat counterfeiting. The em|echo-V uses a shared memory that allows a wide array of readers to access its data, from professional RAIN RFID infrastructure to NFC smartphones in every consumer’s pocket.

EM Microelectronic maintains an interactive relationship with customers. As part of the Swatch Group, EM Microelectronic gathers precious feedback on retailer pain points from its parent company. Using NFC, consumers can use their smartphones to learn about a product and its authenticity. This emphasis on customer satisfaction and drive to improve existing product lines has helped EM Microelectronic develop a broad base of elite customers.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased return on investment (ROI) it gives customers, which, in turn, raises customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.