RFID
Robert Cook
Alpha Systems
Agenda
• How RFID Works?
• Tags
• RFID Standards
• Interrogators
• The “truth” about RFID today
• Myth vs. Reality
• RFID Implementation Considerations
Theory of Operation
Antenna
Reader / Interrogator
Existing Data Collection System
Tag
How RFID Works

Asset Contains an RF Tag/Label Instead of
(or in conjunction with) a Bar Code Label

Interrogator “Scans” the Tag for Information
Using RFID.

The Differences:
a)
Interrogator May Read any field or memory location
b)
May select a group of tags based on field values
c)
Write New or Additional Information to Tag (depending on
privileges or process requirements)
RFID Tag
Chip
Insert
Tag
One
Small number
Application
Specific
Multiple Tag Antenna Shapes and Encapsulations
Cover Several Frequencies and Application Environments
Not All Tags Are The Same
Three Basic Types:
• Active Tags
•
•
•
•
Passive Backscatter
•
•
•
•
Battery powered memory, radio & circuitry
High Read Range (300 feet)
$$$
Reader powered
Shorter Read Range (4 inches - 18 feet)
$
Semi-passive
•
•
•
Reader activates tag, but battery powers memory
and circuitry
Medium Read Range (10 - 50 feet)
$$
Frequencies
RFID: Item
Management
& Toll Roads
RFID:
Access Control
Animal ID
RFID:
Smart Cards
RFID:
Item
Management
Microwave
EAS
Low Freq. EAS
Data
Modem
10 kHz
Mid. Freq.
EAS
Radio
Toys
100 kHz
AM
1 MHz
CB
10 MHz
Data
Terminal
Cell Phone
TV
Garage
FM Door
100 MHz
1000 MHz 2.45 GHz 300 GHz
Best bet…
Concentrate on your business requirements
Let requirements dictate frequency
Active Tags Have Their Place
Advantages:
• Long Range Monitoring (15 – 300 ft.)
• Can afford
•
•
•
•
•
$25 - $50 per tag
reusable / life of asset
Need to monitor events (temp, shock, etc.)
Desire instant inventory
Desire location look-up capability
Active Tags - Disadvantages
•
Power Management of Tag Battery
•
•
Only some assets can afford to be tagged
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Blink Rate vs. Battery Life
Tag Size is an issue
Tag Cost is an issue
The Operational Environment is an issue (heat, cold)
Proprietary Air Interfaces and Data Structures
Lack of International Regulatory Acceptance
Passive Backscatter – Our Focus
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•
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Low Cost
Good Read Range
Good Read Rate
Standards
RFID Communication Methods
RFID Frequencies
125 KHz - 13.56 MHz
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•
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Electromagnetic or Inductive Coupling
Close Proximity
Slower Data Rates
Ferrous Metal Affects Inductive Coupling
RFID Frequencies
400 MHz – 6800 MHz
•
•
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Propagating Electromagnetic Waves
Longer Range
High Data Rate
Absorption Affects Propagation
125 – 134 kHz RFID
Lower Frequency Tags are
typically identified by their
larger sized or long looping
antennas. This increases
tag thickness and cost.
125 – 134 kHz RFID
Advantages
• Uses normal CMOS processing —
basic and ubiquitous
• Relative freedom from
regulatory limitations
• Well suited for applications
requiring reading small
amounts of data at slow
speeds and minimal distances
• Penetrates materials well
(water, tissue, wood, aluminum)
125 – 134 kHz RFID
Disadvantages:
• Does not penetrate or transmit around all metals
(iron, steel)
• Handles only small amounts of data
• Slow read speeds
• Larger Antennas -- compared to higher
frequencies
• Minimal Range
• Tag construction is:
•
•
•
thicker (than 13.56 MHz)
more expensive (than 13.56 MHz)
more complex
(requires more turns of the induction coil)
13.56 MHz RFID
13.56 MHz RFID
13.56 MHz RFID
Advantages
• Uses normal CMOS processing--basic and
ubiquitous
• Well suited for applications requiring reading small
amounts of data and minimal distances
• Penetrates water/tissue well
• Simpler antenna design (fewer turns of the coil);
lower costs to build
• Higher data rate (than 125 kHz--but slower than
higher MHz systems)
• Thinner tag construction (than 125 kHz)
• Popular Smart Card frequency
13.56 MHz RFID
Disadvantages
• Government regulated frequency
(U.S. versus Europe)
• Does not penetrate or transmit around metals
(unless very thick)
• Large Antennas (compared to higher
frequencies)
• Larger tag size than higher frequencies
• Tag construction: requires more than one
surface to complete a circuit
• Reading Range of ≈ 0.7 m
868-950 MHz UHF RFID
4” x 4”
868-950 MHz UHF RFID
Advantages
• Effective around metals (if tuned)
• Best available frequency for
distances of >1m
• Tag size smaller than 13.56 MHz
• Smaller antennas
• Range: licensed to 20-40' with
reasonable sized tag (stamp to
eraser size)
• Good non-line-of-sight
communication (except for "lossy"
materials)
• High data rate; Large amounts
of Data
• Controlled read zone (through
antenna directionality)
868-950 MHz UHF RFID
Disadvantages
• Does not penetrate water/tissue
• Regulatory issues (differences in frequency, channels,
power, and duty cycle)
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•
•
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Radio Region 1 Europe - 869 MHz, 250 KHz Bandwidth,
0.5W ERP, 10% Duty Cycle
Radio Region 2 – Americas – (902-928 MHz, 4W EIRP,
100% Duty Cycle
Radio Region 3 – Asia – Emerging Standards
Summary – Requires Frequency Agile Chip Capable of
Operating 0.5 W to 4 W - Varying Duty Cycles and Output
Power
2.45 GHz Tags
915 MHz Tags / Inserts
Reusable Plastic Container Tag
Label Inserts
Generic Plastic Container Tag
Windshield Sticker Tag
Wooden Pallet
with RFID
Plastic Leader
Boards
Plastic Leader Board Tags
2.45 GHz
Advantages
• Tag size smaller than inductive or UHF (1"x 1/4")
• Range: greater range than
inductive w/o battery
• More bandwidth than UHF
(more frequencies to hop)
• Smaller antennas than
UHF or inductive
• High data rate
2.45 GHz
Advantages (cont.)
• Good non-line-of-sight communication
• Can store large amounts of Data
• Controlled read zone
(through antenna directionality)
• Effective around metals with tuning/design
adaptations
2.45 GHz
Disadvantages
• More susceptible to electronic noise than UHF
• Shared spectrum with other technologies-microwave ovens, RLANS, TV devices, etc.
• Requires non-interfering, "good neighbor"
tactics
• Competitive requirement: single chip--highly
technical; limited number of vendors
• Regulatory approvals still "in process"
RFID Frequency Differences
(Passive Tags Only)
Tuning for Metal
Tuned
Free Space
De-tuned
Distance from
Metal
Metal Ground Plane
If properly tuned to the environment, a reflective metal
ground plane can increase the tag’s read range.
Dealing with Liquids
Free Space
De-tuned
De-tuned
Distance from
Liquid
Liquid Medium
Close proximity to liquids will degrade a tag’s performance,
as liquids absorb RF energy.
Interoperability
•
•
Standards
Basic plus enhancements
Standards
•
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Necessary prior to interoperability
ISO 18000-6
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Only recognized international standard for UHF
passive RFID
EPCglobal UHF Generation 2
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•
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Not yet a standard
Currently under review by HAG
Ratification expected Sept. ‘04
EPCglobal UHF Generation 2
•
•
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Crosses Class boundaries
96 bits + (or 256 bits and use what is
needed)
Separates the data and syntax from the
carrier and silicon
Enables low cost targets through
streamlined, mass production
Tag ICs and Memory
Tag IC
Memory size
RF Interface
Memory
organization
Notes
Intermec
Intellitag
1024 bits
Philips
UCODE HSL
2048 bits
Philips UCODE
EPC 1.19
96 + 256 =
352 bits
ISO 18000-6B ISO 18000-6B ISO 18000-6B
ISO 18000-6B ISO 18000-6B EPC
Unique ID
ensured
Unique ID
ensured
Faster read rate
to obtain EPC
number
Tag Memory Data
•
•
Any data (i.e. GTIN, EAN-13, EPC) can be
stored in upper memory of ISO 18000-6 tags
Tags with UCODE EPC 1.19 permit storage of
EPC data in lower memory (byte addresses 023). Examples of supported EPC tag data
formats:
•
•
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Serialized Global Trade Item Number (SGTIN)
Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)
Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI)
Tag Memory Organizations
EPC Tag Data Standard
Data header
Company /
item info.
Serial
number
Partition
value
Filter value
Tag memory
byte addr.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Unique value
from IC vendor
10
11
12
Hardware
tag type
13
14
15
16
Software
tag type
ISO 18000-6B Tag Data Standard
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
EPC Global UHF Gen 2 - Timeline
per Dicki Lulay, President EPC Global, April 30, 2004
• May 14, 2004 – End of comment period on protocol proposals
• May 28, 2004 – Consensus decision, assuming no unresolved issues
– only one protocol will be put forth. If no consensus, move to a
technical “bake off.”
• June 28 – End of technical “bake off” process (if necessary) to resolve
consensus issues. The result is the “Last Call Working Draft”.
• August 12 – Review of Last Call Working Draft, comment collection,
and comment resolution with the Hardware Action Group (results in a
Candidate Specification).
• September 27 – Validation, Prototype and Test (results in a Proposed
Specification).
• October 5 – Technical and Business Specification Committee reviews
(results in a Recommended Specification).
• October 6 – Ratification by the EPCglobal Board of Governors.
• EPC Global may submit ratified standard to ISO for their ratification
EPC Network
EPC
The globally unique identifier that serves as a pointer for
making enquiries about the item it identifies
Reader
The data capture device; portable or fixed (installed),
connected to a Savant server or network.
RFID
Tags
The carrier for the EPC that communicates with the readers
Savant
Servers which act as local repositories for EPCs and
associated information, and which support middleware for
serving PML queries.
ONS
Object Name Service; the distributed resource that
“knows” where information about EPCs is held (just like
DNS).
PML
Physical Markup Language; like XML, with XQL query
structure to allow structured querying and reporting
concerning EPCs.
Why Intermec’s RFID?
• ePC Global Class 1, Generation 2
(Now called UPC Gen 2)
• Production by multiple world class
vendors – Philips, Impinj, TI, BTG,
EM Micro, SamSys, Sharp, ITC
• ISO 18000-6 compliant – global use
• Future proof investment protection
• Meets ultimate goal for Wal-Mart,
DoD, and others
RFID Hardware
Readers
Antenna
Bells & Whistles
The Overhead Scanner
Assets Tracked:
• Oversized Items
• Pallets
• Plastic Containers
Benefits:
• Automated Delivery Notification
• Inventory Management
• Staging Operations
• Improved Conveyance Usage
Tracking
Level(s)
Forklift Mount Reader
• Use Requirements:
• Read Pallet Tags
• Read Location Tags
• Existing Application
Support
• In Lieu of Dock Door
• Reader Requirements:
• Standard Software
• Cordless Antennas
• Backup Scanner
Support
Portal Scanner
Assets Tracked:
• Pallets
• Plastic Containers
Benefits:
• Automated Delivery Notification
• Automated Shipment Notification
• Prevents Mis-Shipments
• Automated Bill of Lading
• Improved Cross Dock / Dock
Utilization
Tracking
Level(s)
Metro AG
Case & Pallet Dock Door Portal
(Back Store – Rheinberg, Germany)
RF Shielding
- Mesh Screen
Interrogator
With Antennae
Portal Status
Lights
Presence
Detectors
Conveyor Applications
Assets Tracked:
• Manufactured Items
• Eaches Inside of Case
• Cases
Tracking
Level(s)
• Plastic Containers
Benefits:
• Eaches Verification w/o Opening
Case
• Lot tracking of Cases
• Read/Write of data to Case,
Eaches for regulatory, warranty,
distribution purposes
WIP
Stretch Wrap Scanner
Assets Tracked:
• Cases of product on a Pallet
• Eaches of product on a Pallet
Benefits:
• Eaches or Case Level Verification
prior to shipping
Tracking
Level(s)
Hand Held Mobile
Batch
Tracking
Level(s)
Wireless
WIP
Fixed Station
Benefits:
• Allows for exception processing
• Rapid Searching / Inventorying
• Rapid Pallet Build using bar-code and RFID
Integrated Handheld Reader
• Use Requirements:
• Existing Applications
• Extended Uses
• Speech
Recognition, VoIP,
etc.
• Reader Requirements:
• Standard Software
• Battery for 8 Hrs
• Multiple Interfaces
• WLAN, WWAN,
etc.
• Lightweight
• Ergonomic Design
Handheld Reader
• Use Requirements:
• Attach to Legacy
Handhelds
• Attach to PCs
• Reader
Requirements:
• Self-Powered
• Lightweight
• Ergonomic
Design
Network Reader
• Use Requirements:
• Multiple Readers
• Central Point of
Control
• Complex Processes
• Sensors
• Reader Requirements:
• Processing Power
• Power Over Ethernet
• Wireless Capable
• Multiple Antennas
• Peripheral
Capabilities
Serial Reader
• Use Requirements:
• Simple Interface
• PLC Interface
• Sensors
• Reader Requirements:
• Simple Design
• Low Cost
• DC Power
• Multiple Antennas
• Peripheral
Capabilities
PC Card Reader
• Use Requirements:
• Simple Station
• PCs
• Tablets
• Reader
Requirements:
• PCMCIA Interface
• 100% Duty Cycle
RFID Printer
• Use
Requirements:
• Labeling
• Existing Drivers
• Applicators
• Reader
Requirements:
• Standard
Interface
• High-Speed
• Applicator
Module
Why Intermec’s RFID?
• ePC Global Class 1, Generation 2
(Now called UPC Gen 2)
• Production by multiple world class
vendors – Philips, Impinj, TI, BTG,
EM Micro, SamSys, Sharp, ITC
• ISO 18000-6 compliant – global use
• Future proof investment protection
• Meets ultimate goal for Wal-Mart,
DoD, and others
Intermec RFID Applications
Industrial
Products
Logistics/
Trans.
Consumer
Products
Retail
Homeland
Security
Field
Service
 Tyco (Sensormatic) – Video rental and return, retail inventory
management and item location
 Coalescent – High value military hardware
 Toyota – Automobile Tracking
 Ford Engine Plant (MI) – Engine Assembly
 Automotive Tire Tracking
 Security – ‘Nexus Program’ US-Canadian Border
 Excel/Cargill, Inc. – Beef processing
 Paramount Farms – Nut harvesting
RFID Myths and Realities
RFID Myths and Realities
• Myth #1: RFID is a “talking” bar code
• A bar code that broadcasts its serial number
• More data than most bar codes – 128 bytes vs 1.1
bytes (approx)
• Identify SKU plus unique serial number
• Read/write – distributed database
RFID Myths and Realities
• Myth #2: You can read every RFID tag
every time
• Immutable laws of physics
• Tag placement, contents, orientation, nulls
• Good engineering and system design required
• Procedures will have to be altered
RFID Myths and Realities
• Myth #3: You can take inventory with a
push of a button
• Technology does not exist today and, if it did,
it would be cost prohibitive
• Real time inventory by:
• Tracking when it came in
• Where it was placed
• When it left
• System design, new procedures and
employee training is required
Myth: RFID will replace Bar Code.
Reality: RFID and Bar Code are
expected to co-exist.
• RFID costs more
• RFID does not provide a positive ROI
for every application.
RFID may be an option for customers who
have high profile item management
problems that are not addressed with bar
codes.
Myth: “I just have a simple RFID
application.”
Reality: RFID is ALWAYS a
complex installation.
• Things that add to RFID
complexity:
• Read/Write range is not adjustable.
• Read/Write range varies with
environment.
• Read/Write range is not visible
(portable).
• Tag orientation to reader.
• Read and Write command structure.
• Training and process changes.
• Tag design requirements change
with environment and substrate.
RFID Considerations
How am I reading the tag?
•
What type of system is required?
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Fixed readers (portal, conveyor…etc.)
Portable readers (forklift, handheld…etc.)
What are the range requirements?
What are the speed requirements?
What frequency is best?
What is the tag population?
How much separation exists between tags?
How much data do I need on the tag?
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•
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Do I require 64 bits? ….96 bits?…more?
Do I want to add data through the lifecycle?
Do I have access to a database?
Why am I using RFID?
•
•
•
Is it required to meet a customer mandate?
Will it provide a necessary functionality
unavailable elsewhere?
Will it provide improved efficiencies that lower
my operating costs?
An RFID tag will NEVER be cheaper
than a barcode label!!!
RFID ?
• RFID typically used when….
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•
•
•
Line of sight not possible
Dirty environment( grease, paint)
Orientation not known
Many reads required at once
• More efficient than scanning each box)
• Addition of data required
• Reusable container
• High security – anti thief/counterfeit
Any RFID Project Requires:
• Process Changes / Requirements Defined
• Needs Analysis / Site Surveys
• Application Design
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•
•
•
•
Tag Selection, Tag Attachment, Data Transactions Defined
Timing and Physical Environment Defined
Network and Data-Flow Defined
Hardware and Software Interfaces Defined
System Level Specifications
• S/W, H/W, and Network Development
• Installation, Test, and Integration into
Existing Systems
• Training, Support
Educate and Set Appropriate
Expectations
• Capabilities of RFID
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•
•
•
Read and Write capability
Extremely fast data collection
Read/Write through many solids, non-Line of Sight.
Very accurate, automatic data collection possible
• Limitations of RFID
• Does not interrogate through water/metal and RF reflective or
absorbent surfaces
• Read field can not be customized.
• Global regulations and standards not fully adopted.
• Investment Required
• Est. at least $50 K of NRE through pilot
• Human Resource/Contractors
• Time Frame = 1-3 years on ave.
Questions?