RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses radio waves to electronically identify objects. An RFID system consists of tags attached to objects, readers to interrogate tags, and antennas to communicate with the tags. RFID systems operate at different frequency bands with various read ranges and data transfer rates depending on the application. RFID tags can be either active (battery-powered) or passive, and store varying amounts of data. RFID provides advantages over barcodes by allowing identification without line of sight and faster scanning of multiple items simultaneously.

1. Introduction to RFID

2. Auto-ID Technologies Biometric Systems Smart Cards RFID Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Barcode Systems Auto-ID

3. Definition RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that enables the electronic and wireless labeling and identification of objects, humans and animals

4. RFID Principal System Components Tag (Transponder) Chip Antenna Reader (Interrogator) RF Module (Transmitter and Receiver) Control Unit Antenna Several Interfaces (RS 232, RS 485, etc.) Host Computer Middleware

5. RFID System Architecture

6. EPC RFID Architecture

7. EPC RFID System Architecture

8. Carrier Frequencies What is frequency? Refers to the property of radio waves used to transmit data Roughly speaking, it is the intensity of waves used to transmit information

9. Carrier Frequency RFID systems may use a particular frequency band depending on: Application Legislature Cost considerations

10. Frequency Bands Frequency Band Characteristics Typical Applications Low 100-500 kHz Short to medium read range, inexpensive, low reading speed Access control Animal/Human identification Inventory Control Medium 10-15 MHz Short to medium read range Potentially inexpensive Medium reading range Access Control Smart Cards High UHF: 850-950MHz Microwave: 2.4 – 5.8 GHz Long read range High reading speed Line of sight required (Microwave) Expensive Railroad car monitoring Toll collection systems

11. Coupling 100kHz – 30 MHz – inductive coupling HF and Microwave systems use electromagnetic coupling

12. Coupling

13. Frequency and bandwidth Frequency is of primary importance when determining data transfer rates (bandwidth) The higher the frequency, the higher the data transfer rate

14. Range Range – the working distance between a tag and a reader Range

15. Range and Power Levels The range that can be achieved in an RFID system is determined by The power available at the reader The power available within the tag The environmental conditions and structures More important at higher frequencies than at lower frequencies 100-500mW

16. Material Propagation The absorption rate for water and other non-conductive substances is lower by a factor of 100 000 at 100 kHz than it is at 1 GHz LF systems are primarily used due to their high propagation of substances

17. Electromagnetic Interference What is electromagnetic interference? LF (inductive coupling) RFID systems suffer from electromagnetic interference more than UHF and Microwave Microwave systems are more likely to be used in manufacturing (auto-industry)

18. Tags Characteristic Means by which transponder is powered Data carrying options Data read rates Programming options Physical forms Costs

19. Active and Passive Tags Active tags Powered by an internal battery Finite lifetime (because of battery) Greater range Better noise immunity Higher data transmission rates

20. Active and Passive Tags Passive tags Operate without battery Derive power from the field generate by the reader Less expensive Unlimited life Subject to noise Require more powerful readers Orientation sensitivity

21. Data Carrying Options A tag can contain An identifier 1bit – 128 bits Portable data files Example: 64 K

22. Data Read Rate Data read rate is linked to frequency The higher the frequency, the higher the read rate

23. Data Programming Options Read-only Cheap Write once read many (WORM) Read/write Expansive

24. Why Use Read/Write Tags? Greater flexibility Customers may change requirements Standards may change Database dependence Ownership issues Lag times High risk applications

25. Tag Physical Forms Disk and Coins – can be attached to an item by a fastening screw

26. Tag Physical Forms Mount-on-Metal – special construction minimizes impact of metal in terms of interference

27. Tag Physical Forms Keys or Key Fobs, Watches – access control

28. Smart Labels A bar code can be printed on an RFID label

29. Tag Physical Forms Glass Transponders can be implanted under skin

30. What’s so special about RFID? Unifying Auto-ID technology Line of sight is not required Longer read ranges Faster: hundreds of items can be scanned in one read

31. RFID vs. Barcodes

32. Principles of Profitable RFID Use Bar codes are unfeasible Example: rail cars Damage Speed Counting Processes Greater speed Saves manual labor

33. Principles of Profitable RFID Use Personal responsibility doesn't match the enterprise value of data collection Example: a big retailer working with a small supplier The data collection process is relatively chaotic Example: Battlefield Making libraries chaotic

34. Principles of Profitable RFID Use The exact configuration of goods must be maintained Example: Auto industry Data must be collected from consumers outside of the retail Warning: Privacy Concerns

35. RFID Evolution (Gartner, 2003)

36. RFID Growth Several market research firms predict that ~2007 RFID market will reach ~$3 billion

37. Questions?