What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification RFID is the generic term using radio waves to identify objects and assets, which contain a microchip attached to an antenna (RFID-tag). With RFID objects and assets are identified by using RF waves to move information from one point to the other.
The required architecture is relatively simple since only two basic building blocks are required - a tag and a reader.
- Review the current status of RFID technologies and keep you up to date in terms of solutions, international standards and developments;
- Focus on potential business opportunities in your company and perform a technical feasibility test and business case assessment;
- Inform (senior) management of the business case assessment and determine further action;
- Demystify this new technology and reveal its full potential to enhance your supply chain.
RFID-tag
An RFID-tag is a device which is attached to objects and/or assets to be identified. When radio signals are received, information is transmitted back to the RFID reader. RFID tags consist of the following components: the microchip (or IC), the antenna, the connection between IC and antenna and the substrate on which the tag is produced. The microchips are the brains of the tag. The antenna handles the communication from either the Tag to the Reader or from the Reader to the Tag.
RFID-reader
The RFID reader is a device that captures and processes tag data. Although some devices also write data on a tag, these devices are still called readers or interrogators. Readers are connected to the antennae and are connected to the RFID network infrastructure.
Energize the tag
In the case of passive and semi-active technology, the reader provides the energy of which a fraction is used to energize and wake up the tag. The reach of the reader is determined by the design of the antenna (both sides) and the power and configuration of the reader. The reader configuration capabilities are to some extent determined by regulations.
Operating frequency
Another important aspect of the interaction between reader and tag is the operating frequency. Over the years various operating frequencies have been established, such as Low Frequency (LF) at 135 kHz, High Frequency (HF) at 13.56 MHz, Ultra High Frequency (UHF) around 868 MHz. in Europe, etc. Generally speaking the selection of the operating frequency will depend on the required application as the operating frequency determines read range as well as data transfer rate. For the application of RFID technology in open supply chains the international world standard is UHF RFID technology.
Major Worldwide UHF RFID Frequencies
Antenna
The antennae are used for communication between the tag and the reader. The design of antennae and also the positioning play a significant role in obtaining the required coverage zone, range and accuracy. In general, most antennas radiate either linear or circular polarization. The linear reader antennae provide a higher range than the circular antenna and at the same time yield less accurate read results in applications where the orientation of the tags can vary randomly.
RFID network infrastructure
RFID Network Infrastructure is the critical solution component that provides the accurate, actionable data enterprises need to realize this promise from their RFID implementations. RFID Network Infrastructure delivers valuable, manageable production-scale deployments in everyday operations with compelling value propositions across a broad range of verticals and processes.
Reva's Tag Acquisition Processor (TAP) appliance is RFID Network Infrastructure that combines dynamic reader management and control with data processing based on a location construct to provide extremely accurate RFID data via standard interfaces to the applications that enable business process value. This new class of infrastructure product is delivering near plug-and-play RFID deployments at manufacturing plants, distribution centres, retail stores, and other facilities around the globe. TAPs are network appliances that integrate RFID devices with execution systems, ERP systems and other business applications in a seamless, secure and redundant fashion transforming pilot projects into production solutions.
 EPC™ Network
The EPC™ Network is an enabling technology concept that will make organizations more effective through true visibility of information about items (products and assets) in the supply chain. This new, open global standard combines low-cost RFID technology, existing communications network infrastructure, and the Electronic Product Code (a number for uniquely identifying an item) to create cost-efficient, real-time, accurate information about the location of items, the history of items, and the number of items in the supply-chain.
Organizations will be more responsive to customer and consumer needs through more efficient, supply chain operations. This will, in turn, drive business value through increased revenue, decrease costs, and increase asset utilization.
There are strong business cases for implementing the EPC™ Network in the heart of the supply chain of many industries today.
Mieloo & Alexander have developed RFID/EPC™ business case assessment and technical feasibility test tools & methodologies to help clients determine the business value. (read more about Mieloo & Alexander’s RFID implementation method)
Types of RFID
RFID tags can be distinguished into two major classifications by their power source:
Active tags
Active tags contain both a radio transceiver and battery to power the transceiver. Because there is an onboard radio on the tag, active tags have substantially more range (~300 feet) than passive or “active/passive tags.” Active tags are also considerably more expensive than passive tags and, as with any battery-powered product; the batteries must be replaced periodically.
Passive tags
Passive tags can be either battery or non-battery operated, as determined by the intended application. Passive tags reflect the RF signal transmitted to them from a reader or transceiver and add information by modulating the reflected signal. A passive tag does not use a battery to boost the energy of the reflected signal. A passive tag may use a battery to maintain memory in the tag or power the electronics that enable the tag to modulate the reflected signal.
- Battery-less (“pure passive” or “beam powered”)
Pure passive tags do not contain an internal power source such as a battery, and
are thus easier, and less expensive to manufacture.
- With a battery (“active/passive”)
There is a version of a passive tag that does contain a battery. This type of
passive tag has some of the enhanced, and speed attributes of a true active tag,
but still communicates in the same method, as do other passive tags. These active / passive tags that do contain an internal power source are usually much more complex integrated circuits with multiple components.
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