The European Central Bank is understood to be in talks
with Hitachi about embedding radio tags in euro
banknotes.
A Japanese news agency said the bank is looking at the
possibility of embedding the world's smallest integrated circuit,
developed by Hitachi, into notes to prevent counterfeiting.
A bank spokesman said it is always researching technologies to
see what could be useful for banknotes, although he added that all
research and development work for the bank is covered by
non-disclosure agreements.
Hitachi is developing non-contact chips for use in banknotes and
other paper documents, Kantaro Tanii, the company's corporate
communications manager for Europe confirmed. He would not comment
on specific partnerships.
Hitachi's website describes a 0.4mm x 0.4mm x 60micron radio
frequency identification chip, called the Mu Chip, that works in
the 2.45Ghz frequency band and has a 128-bit Rom to store its
identity number.
The chip was originally conceived as a banknote tracking device
but could also be used in passports, driving licences and other
official documents.
Gillian Law writes for IDG News
Service
http://www.hitachi-eu.com