RFID An Introduction

Venkat Alagarsamy

venkat.alagarsamy@gmail.com

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Last Updated: 7th march 2007

Automatic Identification (Auto ID)

Capture of a data without any user intervention Aim is to
increase efficiency reduce data entry errors and free up staff to perform more value-added services

Common Auto IDs

Bar Codes Smart Cards Voice Recognition Biometric Technologies Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

RFID -- Methodology
Storing a unique data on a microchip that is attached to an antenna Chip and antenna called as RFID tag Antenna enables the chip to transmit the data to reader Reader converts the radio waves reflected back from RFID tag into digital data that can then be processed by computer.

Why RFID was/is not popular?

Issue 1: Standards Standards werent established until recently. Issue 2: Cost RFID readers typically cost $1000 or more. Need thousands of readers to cover all RFID tags expensive for identifying millions Issue 3: Incompatibility Existing RFID systems use proprietary technology

Comparison with Bar Code

Bar Code Line-of-sight model. Scanner has to see the code RFID Line-of-sight not required

Can not scan if label is ripped or soiled Can read with in a range Can identify manufacturer, product and Unique item Data combination is not configurable Tags use microchips (2KB data) Data combination is not limited and configurable

Reading RFID

Applications using RFID

From tracking cows and pets to triggering equipment down oil wells. Applications are limited only by peoples imagination. The most commonly applied applications are:
Retail Healthcare Pharmaceutical Systems Chemical Manufacturing Transport and Logistics Defense, Military and Aerospace Packaging Automotive

RFID The Working

RFID tag reads the electromagnetic waves sent by the reader. Passive RFID tag draws power from the field created by the reader. Uses it to power the microchips circuits.

Chips modulate the waves and then sends back to reader.

The reader then converts the new waves into digital data.
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RFID Operating Frequencies

RFID tags and readers have to be tuned to the same frequency to communicate Low-Frequency (around 125KHz)
less power better able to penetrate non-metallic substances for scanning objects with high-water content, such as fruit. But the read range is limited to less than a foot (0.33 meter)

High-Frequency (around 13.56 MHz)

Ultra-High-Frequency (800-960 MHz)

better on objects made of metal can work around goods with high water content range of 1 meter. faster than LF and HF tags Use more power and are less likely to pass through materials require clear path between the tag and reader. better for scanning boxes of goods range up to 3 to 7 meters with active tags the reading range could be up to100 meters.

Microwave (2.45 GHz).

Types of RFID Tags

Three types depending on its R/W methods
Read Only (RO tags) Write Once, Read Many (WORM tags) Read-Write (RW tags)

Classifying based on its power source

Active tags
o transmits the data using its own power source (typically a battery)

Passive tags
o have no battery, but draw power from the reader to transmit.

Semi-Passive tags
o has power source to run the chips circuit o but communicate to reader by drawing power from the reader.

RFID Readers
It is a host device attached with the computer, which communicates with the RFID tags and receives data

Active Reader
can read tags operating different frequencies using different methods of communication between tags and readers.

Intelligent Reader
can run different protocols to filter data and to even run applications.

Dump Reader
simple device that might read only one type of tag uses one frequency and one protocol.

 International standards have been adopted for some specific applications, such as
tracking animals for smart cards, which require encryption to keep data secure.

RFID Standards

Many other standards initiatives are under way

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

for tracking goods in the supply chain using HF tags (ISO 18000-3) and UHF tags (ISO 18000-6)

EPC global

set up to commercialize Electronic Product Code technologies has its own standard process, which was used to create bar code standards. it intends to submit EPC protocols to ISO so they can become international standards.

RFID Implementation Cost (Approximate)

RFID Tag Cost
Pricing is based
o on volume o the amount of memory on the tag o and the packaging of the tag (plastic or embedded in a label, for instance)

Depending on the volume a 96-bit EPC, passive, RO tag cost from 20 to 40 cents.

RFID Reader Cost

Cost from $1000 to $3000 depending on the features in the device Standalone LF reader may cost $750 HF reader may cost $500 But cost could be reduced by 50% to 70% by buying a reader module alone and putting into another device.

 Cost Depends on

Fully Functional RFID System Cost

on the application size of the installation type of system and many other factors

not possible to give a ballpark figure Other costs

middleware to filter RFID data need to hire a systems integrator upgrade enterprise applications, such as warehouse management systems upgrade networks within facilities