Short Review on RFID

 

Introduction:

RFID begins where barcode technology ends. A so-called smart label combines a\ barcode with an RFID tag. Smart labels have the intelligence and functionality of a tag and the printing convenience of a barcode label. Therefore, by using smart labels, corporations can leverage their existing labeling infrastructure to incorporate RFID.

Smart labels are created by RFID printers, which are peripheral devices, and they are applied to the items to be tracked by using another peripheral device called an automatic label applicator. The third kind of peripheral or ancillary device used in RFID networks is called a feedback system, which helps build effective, robust, and automatic RFID networks.

So, the core issue in this chapter is the role of peripheral devices in RFID. To understand this issue, we will explore three avenues: RFID printers, RFID label applicators, and RFID feedback devices.

RFID System:

RFID System is an abbreviation of Radio Frequency Identification System.

It is an "Identification system using wireless communication" that enables transferring data between "RF Tags (or Data Carriers)" that are held by men or attached to objects and "Antenna (or Reader/Writers)". It is a kind of radio communication system. RFID systems are used in various applications. Using an RFID system allows consolidated management of objects and information. Purposes of using RFID in a production site mainly comprises the following applications.

Work instruction (destination instruction)

History management (production history, work history, inspection history, etc.)

Types of RFID:

Within the Electromagnetic Spectrum, there are three primary frequency ranges used for RFID transmissions – Low Frequency, High Frequency, and Ultra-High Frequency.

Low Frequency

• General Frequency Range: 30 - 300 kHz


• Primary Frequency Range: 125 - 134 kHz


• Read Range: Contact - 10 Centimeters


• Average Cost Per Tag: $0.75 - $5.00


• Applications: Animal Tracking, Access Control, Car Key-Fob, Applications with High Volumes of Liquids and Metals


• Pros: Works well near Liquids & Metals, Global Standards


• Cons: Very Short Read Range, Limited Quantity of Memory, Low Data Transmission Rate, High Production Cost

 

High Frequency:

• Primary Frequency Range: 13.56 MHz


• Read Range: Near Contact - 30 Centimeters


• Average Cost Per Tag: $0.20 - $10.00


• Applications: DVD Kiosks, Library Books, Personal ID Cards, Poker/Gaming Chips, NFC Applications


• Pros: NFC Global Protocols, Larger Memory Options, Global Standards


• Cons: Short Read Range, Low Data Transmission Rate

 

There are two types of RFID that reside within the Ultra High Frequency range: Active RFID and Passive RFID.

Active RFID:

Primary Frequency Range: 433 MHz, (Can use 2.45 GHz - under the Extremely High Frequency Range)

Read Range: 30 - 100+ Meters

Average Cost Per Tag: $25.00 - $50.00

Applications: Vehicle Tracking, Auto Manufacturing, Mining, Construction, Asset Tracking

Pros: Very Long Read Range, Lower Infrastructure Cost (vs. Passive RFID), Large Memory Capacity, High Data Transmission Rates

Cons: High Per Tag Cost, Shipping Restrictions (due to batteries), Complex Software may be Required, High Interference from Metal and Liquids; Few Global Standards

Passive RFID:

Primary Frequency Ranges: 860 - 960 MHz

Read Range: Near Contact - 25 Meters

Average Cost Per Tag: $0.09 - $20.00

Applications: Supply Chain Tracking, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Electronic Tolling, Inventory Tracking, Race Timing, Asset Tracking

Pros: Long Read Range, Low Cost Per Tag, Wide Variety of Tag Sizes and Shapes, Global Standards, High Data Transmission Rates

Cons: High Equipment Costs, Moderate Memory Capacity, High Interference from Metal and Liquids

 

Features:

The main features of RFID are as follows:

1. Able to Read and Write data without direct contact

The RF tag can contain up to several kilobytes of rich information. All of the data required for each process (process history, inspection history etc) can be freely stored, without the need for direct contact. This makes it possible to develop paperless sites, where the causes of production stop are reduced.

2. By "combining an item with its information", a highly pliable and reliable system configuration becomes possible

With the technology to decentralize information, the load on higher systems is reduced. This means that system development costs can also be reduced, systems can be implemented significantly faster, and the system is much more flexible when making changes. Also, "the unification of items with their information" for each process and site can make it possible to manage production/processes and product quality without errors. And, with the latest information contained in RF tags, work can continue offline in emergencies, significantly shortening the time required to restore processes.

3. With the adoption of space transmission technology and protocols, highly reliable communication is made possible

As opposed to barcodes which simply look for 1 or 0, advanced space transmission technologies and specialized protocols are employed for transmission through the air. 16 bits CRC is added to the information as it is transmitted. More than 18 bits Burst errors can be detected at a ratio of 00.9985%, providing a very high reliability in the transfer. Also, since there are no mechanical devices involved such as with the Raster Scan method for barcodes, the likelihood of malfunction and other problems is greatly reduced.

4. Reading and writing is possible without line of sight, using electric and electromagnetic wave transmission

1.Unlike barcodes, since communication occurs by means of electric and electromagnetic waves, erroneous readings due to dirt, moisture, oil etc are cancelled out. Even if there is dust, moisture etc., or anything other than metal between the antenna and the RF tag,. it will not affect transmission. And since the communication range is wide, there is no need for extreme positioning which can greatly reduce the time and cost of design.

5. Can simultaneously access information of multiple RF tags

Some RFID systems are equipped with a function that allows you to simultaneously read the information of multiple RF tags existing within the transmissions area of the Reader/Writer.

 

Other Equipment & Accessories:

A few other system additions and accessories are available either to enhance a system’s functionality or for ease-of-use. For example, RFID printers, RFID portals, GPIO adapters, antenna mounting brackets, and RF power mappers will all supplement or augment your system.