RFID Robert Cook Alpha Systems Agenda How RFID Works? Tags RFID Standards Interrogators The...
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Transcript of RFID Robert Cook Alpha Systems Agenda How RFID Works? Tags RFID Standards Interrogators The...
RFIDRFID
Robert Cook
Alpha Systems
AgendaAgenda
• How RFID Works?
• Tags• RFID Standards
• Interrogators
• The “truth” about RFID today• Myth vs. Reality
• RFID Implementation Considerations
Theory of OperationTheory of OperationReader / InterrogatorAntenna
Tag
IntermecUAP-2100
IntermecUAP-2100
IntermecUAP-2100
IntermecUAP-2100
Existing Data Collection System
Asset Contains an RF Tag/Label Instead of Asset Contains an RF Tag/Label Instead of (or in conjunction with) a Bar Code Label(or in conjunction with) a Bar Code Label
Interrogator “Scans” the Tag for Information Interrogator “Scans” the Tag for Information Using RFID. Using RFID.
The Differences:The Differences:
a) Interrogator May Read any field or memory locationa) Interrogator May Read any field or memory location
b) May select a group of tags based on field valuesb) May select a group of tags based on field values
c) Write New or Additional Information to Tag (depending on c) Write New or Additional Information to Tag (depending on privileges or process requirements)privileges or process requirements)
How RFID WorksHow RFID Works
RFID Tag
Chip
Insert
Tag
One
Small number
ApplicationSpecific
Multiple Tag Antenna Shapes and EncapsulationsCover Several Frequencies and Application Environments
Three Basic Types:• Active Tags
• Battery powered memory, radio & circuitry• High Read Range (300 feet)• $$$
• Passive Backscatter• Reader powered• Shorter Read Range (4 inches - 18 feet)• $
• Semi-passive• Reader activates tag, but battery powers memory
and circuitry• Medium Read Range (10 - 50 feet)• $$
Not All Tags Are The SameNot All Tags Are The Same
10 kHz10 kHz 100 kHz100 kHz 1 MHz1 MHz 10 MHz10 MHz 100 MHz100 MHz 1000 MHz1000 MHz 300 GHz300 GHz
Low Freq. EASLow Freq. EAS Mid. Freq.Mid. Freq.EASEAS
Cell PhoneCell Phone
RFID: RFID: Item Item
ManagementManagement
DataDataModemModem AMAM
RadioRadioToysToys
GarageGarageDoorDoorCBCB FMFM
RFID:RFID:Access ControlAccess Control
Animal IDAnimal ID
RFID: Item RFID: Item ManagementManagement& Toll Roads& Toll Roads
MicrowaveMicrowaveEASEAS
TVTV
DataDataTerminalTerminal
RFID:RFID:Smart CardsSmart Cards
2.45 GHz2.45 GHz
Best bet…Best bet…Concentrate on your business requirementsConcentrate on your business requirements
Let requirements dictate frequencyLet requirements dictate frequency
FrequenciesFrequencies
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 Have Their PlaceActive Tags Have Their Place
• Power Management of Tag Battery • Blink Rate vs. Battery Life
• Only some assets can afford to be tagged • 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
Active Tags - DisadvantagesActive Tags - Disadvantages
• Low Cost• Good Read Range• Good Read Rate• Standards
Passive Backscatter – Our FocusPassive Backscatter – Our Focus
Inductive Coupling
Propagation Coupling
RFID Frequencies125 KHz - 13.56 MHz
• Electromagnetic or Inductive Coupling• Close Proximity• Slower Data Rates• Ferrous Metal Affects Inductive Coupling
RFID Frequencies400 MHz – 6800 MHz
• Propagating Electromagnetic Waves• Longer Range• High Data Rate• Absorption Affects Propagation
RFID Communication MethodsRFID Communication Methods
Lower Frequency Tags are typically identified by their larger sized or long looping antennas. This increases tag thickness and cost.
125 – 134 kHz RFID125 – 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 RFID125 – 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)
125 – 134 kHz RFID125 – 134 kHz RFID
13.56 MHz RFID13.56 MHz RFID 13.56 MHz RFID13.56 MHz RFID
13.56 MHz RFID13.56 MHz RFID 13.56 MHz RFID13.56 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 RFID13.56 MHz RFID 13.56 MHz RFID13.56 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
13.56 MHz RFID13.56 MHz RFID 13.56 MHz RFID13.56 MHz RFID
4” x 4”
868-950 MHz UHF RFID868-950 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 RFID868-950 MHz UHF RFID
Disadvantages• Does not penetrate water/tissue • Regulatory issues (differences in frequency, channels, power, and duty
cycle) • 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
868-950 MHz UHF RFID868-950 MHz UHF RFID
2.45 GHz Tags2.45 GHz Tags
915 MHz Tags / Inserts915 MHz Tags / Inserts
Reusable Plastic Container Tag
Generic Plastic Container Tag
Plastic Leader Board Tags
Wooden Palletwith RFID
Plastic LeaderBoards
Windshield Sticker Tag
Label Inserts
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 GHz2.45 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 GHz2.45 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"
2.45 GHz2.45 GHz
RFID Frequency Differences(Passive Tags Only)RFID Frequency Differences(Passive Tags Only)
Free Space
Tuned
De-tuned
If properly tuned to the environment, a reflective metalground plane can increase the tag’s read range.
Tuning for MetalTuning for Metal
Distance from Metal
Metal Ground Plane
Free Space
Close proximity to liquids will degrade a tag’s performance, as liquids absorb RF energy.
Dealing with LiquidsDealing with Liquids
Liquid Medium
Distance from Liquid
De-tuned
De-tuned
• Standards• Basic plus enhancements
InteroperabilityInteroperability
• Necessary prior to interoperability• ISO 18000-6
• Only recognized international standard for UHF passive RFID
• EPCglobal UHF Generation 2• Not yet a standard• Currently under review by HAG• Ratification expected Sept. ‘04
StandardsStandards
• 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
EPCglobal UHF Generation 2EPCglobal UHF Generation 2
Tag ICs and Memory
Tag IC Intermec Intellitag
Philips UCODE HSL
Philips UCODE EPC 1.19
Memory size 1024 bits 2048 bits 96 + 256 =352 bits
RF Interface ISO 18000-6B ISO 18000-6B ISO 18000-6B
Memory organization
ISO 18000-6B ISO 18000-6B EPC
Notes 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 0-23). Examples of supported EPC tag data formats:
• Serialized Global Trade Item Number (SGTIN)• Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)• Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI)
Tag Memory Organizations
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Data header Company / item info.
Serial number
Partition value
Filter value
EPC Tag Data Standard
Unique value from IC vendor
Hardware tag type
Software tag type
ISO 18000-6B Tag Data Standard
Tag memorybyte addr.
• 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 Global UHF Gen 2 - Timelineper Dicki Lulay, President EPC Global, April 30, 2004
EPC Global UHF Gen 2 - Timelineper Dicki Lulay, President EPC Global, April 30, 2004
EPC NetworkEPC NetworkEPC
ReaderThe 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
SavantServers which act as local repositories for EPCs and associated information, and which support middleware for serving PML queries.
ONSObject Name Service; the distributed resource that “knows” where information about EPCs is held (just like DNS).
PMLPhysical Markup Language; like XML, with XQL query structure to allow structured querying and reporting concerning EPCs.
The globally unique identifier that serves as a pointer for making enquiries about the item it identifies
Why Intermec’s RFID?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 HardwareRFID Hardware
ReadersReaders
AntennaAntenna
Bells & WhistlesBells & Whistles
The Overhead ScannerThe Overhead Scanner
TrackingLevel(s)
Assets Tracked:• Oversized Items• Pallets• Plastic Containers
Benefits:• Automated Delivery Notification• Inventory Management• Staging Operations• Improved Conveyance Usage
Forklift Mount ReaderForklift 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 ScannerPortal Scanner
TrackingLevel(s)
Assets Tracked:• Pallets• Plastic Containers
Benefits:• Automated Delivery Notification• Automated Shipment Notification• Prevents Mis-Shipments• Automated Bill of Lading • Improved Cross Dock / Dock Utilization
InterrogatorWith Antennae
PresenceDetectors
RF Shielding- Mesh Screen
Portal StatusLights
Metro AGCase & Pallet Dock Door Portal
(Back Store – Rheinberg, Germany)
Metro AGCase & Pallet Dock Door Portal
(Back Store – Rheinberg, Germany)
Conveyor ApplicationsConveyor Applications
TrackingLevel(s)
WIP
Assets Tracked:• Manufactured Items• Eaches Inside of Case• Cases• 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
Stretch Wrap ScannerStretch Wrap Scanner
TrackingLevel(s)
Assets Tracked:• Cases of product on a Pallet• Eaches of product on a Pallet
Benefits:• Eaches or Case Level Verification prior to shipping
Hand Held MobileHand Held Mobile
Wireless Batch
Fixed Station
TrackingLevel(s)
WIP
Benefits:• Allows for exception processing• Rapid Searching / Inventorying • Rapid Pallet Build using bar-code and RFID
Integrated Handheld ReaderIntegrated 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 ReaderHandheld Reader• Use Requirements:
• Attach to Legacy Handhelds
• Attach to PCs• Reader
Requirements:• Self-Powered• Lightweight• Ergonomic
Design
Network ReaderNetwork 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 ReaderSerial Reader• Use Requirements:
• Simple Interface• PLC Interface• Sensors
• Reader Requirements:• Simple Design• Low Cost• DC Power• Multiple Antennas• Peripheral
Capabilities
PC Card ReaderPC Card Reader• Use Requirements:
• Simple Station• PCs• Tablets
• Reader Requirements:• PCMCIA Interface• 100% Duty Cycle
RFID PrinterRFID Printer• Use Requirements:
• Labeling• Existing Drivers• Applicators
• Reader Requirements:• Standard Interface• High-Speed• Applicator Module
Why Intermec’s RFID?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
Consumer Products
FieldService
Homeland Security
Industrial Products
Logistics/Trans.
Retail
Intermec RFID ApplicationsIntermec RFID Applications
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 RealitiesRFID 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.Myth: RFID will replace Bar Code.
Reality: RFID and Bar Code are expected to co-
exist.
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.”
Myth: “I just have a simple RFID application.”
Reality: RFID is ALWAYS a complex installation.
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 ConsiderationsRFID Considerations
• What type of system is required?• 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 am I reading the tag?How am I reading the tag?
• Do I require 64 bits? ….96 bits?…more?• Do I want to add data through the lifecycle?• Do I have access to a database?
How much data do I need on the tag?How much data do I need on the tag?
• 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?
Why am I using RFID?Why am I using RFID?
An RFID tag will NEVER be cheaper
than a barcode label!!!
RFID ?RFID ?
• RFID typically used when….• 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 • 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
Educate and Set Appropriate Expectations
• Capabilities of RFID• 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?Questions?