Albert Yu

Ronald Fogleman

Seattle chip developer Impinj is shifting its market strategy into high gear. At a time when government agencies such as the Department of Defense are taking a keen interest in its RFID solutions, Impinj has snagged a retired general and former Presidential adviser for its board of directors.

General Ronald Fogleman, who served as U.S. Air Force chief of staff and commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, has joined its board, Impinj plans to announce Monday. Impinj is also announcing the appointment of semiconductor industry veteran Albert Y.C. Yu to its board. Yu, who is retired, led Intel's microprocessor development and worked closely with Impinj co-founder Carver Mead.

Impinj has taken the lead recently in supplying state-of-the art chips for RFID tags used in the retail industry. The U.S. government is also interested in using the wireless identification technology in high-tech passports, airline baggage tags and border security checkpoints.