What Is RFID

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION & DATA CAPTURING USING RF ID

ABSTRACT: replaces barcode readers, magnetic RFID is a type of Automatic type of readers. Identification System. The purpose of an RFID system is to enable data ABC’S of RFID: to be transmitted by a portable Radio Frequency (RF) technology device, called a tag, which is read has been around since WWII, when by an RFID reader and processed the Allied Forces first used it to according to the needs of a identify friendly aircraft. Today this particular application. The data technology is used for mobile transmitted by the tag may provide phones, toll tags, fuel pump key identification or location fobs, animal tracking both wild and information, or specifies about the domestic as well as many other product tagged, such as price, color, applications. date of purchase, etc. This is the latest development of In this presentation we will AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION discuss the use of RF in automatic AND DATA CAPTURE after the identification systems, the most two technologies i.e., optical and rapidly growing segment of today’s magnetic versions. In this version Automatic Data Collection (AIDC) the transmission of data is purely Industry. RFID (Radio Frequency based on radio frequency ranges. In Identification) uses radio frequency this latest version developed by signals to identify “tagged” items, these ADIC technologies data is cases and pallets as they move automatically captured, which through the supply chain. This data is then collected and transmitted to a New RFID label printers marry host system using an RF Reader. these two technologies for the best A Basic RFID System of both worlds. These printers are • RFID Device (transponder, tag, able to print barcodes, human- smart label, readable text, and graphics on the Card, etc.) – contains data about surface of a pressure sensitive label the tagged and then encode the RFID chip Item embedded as part of the label.

• Antenna – transmits the RF Working principle of RFID: signals between the reader and the RFID device RF signals are electromagnetic waves classified according to their

• Reader – receives RF wavelength frequency. The most transmissions from an commonly recognized ranges are RFID device and transmits to a low (LF), high (HF), ultra-high host (UHF) and micro-wave (UW). System for Current RFID technology uses processing frequency ranges from 50 kHz to 5.8GHz. The higher the frequency,

the higher the throughput or rates of RFID replacing Barcode readers data transfer.

Most experts agree that RFID Typical RFID System Frequency will coexist with traditional Ranges barcodes for many years to come. RFID is an extension of barcode • Low Frequency (125 KHz) has a data collection systems for maximum enhanced tracking of items through read range of up to 20 inches the supply chain network. • High Frequency (13.56 MHz) has a maximum read range of up to 3 feet passed a certain point in the supply • Ultra-High Frequency (868 MHz – chain, serial number and much more. Europe) (915 MHz – US) has a read range of This data is transmitted from the 20 feet or RFID tag to the RFID reader, which more in turn communicates to a host • Microwave Frequency (2.45 GHz) computer or information management has a read system, which could be running a range of up to 1 meter as a passive WCS (warehouse control system) or tag or WMS (warehouse management longer range as an active tag system) application.

Like a barcode system that uses an optical signal reader or scanner to interpret data contained in a barcode, an RFID system uses an RF reader to receive radio frequency signals from RFID devices containing stored data. Unlike barcode systems, RFID systems do not require line of- site to read the RF tags. This along with the ability to read many tags at once is the major factor driving interest in RFID technology. Fig: Block diagram of RFID

An RFID device such as a tag or label operation contains data, much more data than a barcode, which uniquely identifies the item it is attached to. Stored data can include; a description of the item, manufacture date, time the item environment, tag placement and reader location all can affect tag read rates. There is not a one tag fits all solution.

Fig: How RFID works

RFID Tag:

There are a variety of tag designs, shapes and sizes. The basic Fig: Basic elements in structure includes a silicon chip RFID tag (stores data) and an antenna

(transmits data to a reader). Together these two components are referred to as the “inlay”. The inlay in turn is embedded in a base material; paper, Mylar, plastic or film. The differences in tag performance are determined by characteristics such as size, antenna, surface and shape. The physical properties of the product to be tagged will determine which tag to use for optimal performance. Packaging material, energize the tag, sending an RF signal to a reader. Active tags are able to transmit signals over greater distances, up to 300 feet indoors and 1,000 feet outdoors. Because these tags include a battery and more complex circuitry, they are much larger and more expensive than Fig: Various types of tags and passive readers tags. The life of the tag is limited to the life of the battery. However, RFID tags are available in active, by optimizing the circuitry and passive and semi-passive forms. battery, some tags may last ten Each type of tag transmits RF years or longer. signals to be received and decoded • Passive – the most common type by an RFID reader. Every tag has of RF tag, a unique identifier, allowing its passive tags operate without an signal to be differentiated from internal other RF tags. battery source. Instead they obtain power to Types of Tags: operate from the electromagnetic field • Active – uses an integrated generated by the RF reader. An battery to RFID reader transmits an energy field that “activates” the tag and provides power to the chip, allowing the tag to transmit or store data. Transmission range for passive tags is limited compared to active tags, but with no battery the tags can be much RFID READERS smaller and less expensive. Passive tags do RFID readers are used for high not have a battery, they have an speed automatic data capture of unlimited products or assets in Catellae life span. systems. The RFID readers often replace manual scanning with • Semi-Passive – a combination handheld terminals, paper based of active work processes or manual data and passive styles, this tag has an entry. The RFID readers are most internal suited for applications with power source that only powers controlled, automated work the on board processes. The results is circuits. Communicates to the significant savings in manpower, reader in a increased scanning speed and similar manner as a passive tag. increased productivity.

RFID readers are used for automatic data capture and processing of RFID tags mounted on a large range of products and automatically applied to a product, assets. RFID readers covering box or pallet. frequency range from 125kHz, 13,56 MHz, 433 MHz, 868-923 While some smart labels are MHz and 2,45 GHz are used in encoded during the tag Catellae systems. manufacturing process then Data capture printed, a more efficient method is RFID readers are used for to use an RFID Label Printer. An scanning RFID tags in all business RF encoder integrated into a areas of Lyngsoe Systems. The thermal transfer printer encodes RFID readers are connected to and the tag/label prior to printing text, controlled by the Catellae EDECS graphics or barcodes onto data collection platform. the label. As a systems integrator Lyngsoe Systems uses RFID An RF reader verifies the readers only from leading encoded data before the label is hardware vendors, but also fed forward for application. If the produce RFID readers for specific tag does not read or its data does purposes. Lyngsoe Systems has not verify the label is voided and developed a range of RFID removed prior to application. This products based on active RFID process takes milliseconds to tags in the 125kHz and 433 MHz seconds depending on the amount frequency area. of encoded data. Label design software will bridge Smart Labels: application software and the RFID Due to the smaller, thinner label printer, telling the printer size of passive tags, they can be what type of tag and what data to integrated into a pressure sensitive encode to it. label. These “smart” labels can be printed with human readable text Smart labels are made or barcodes and then from flexible material that will not damage the print head. Some tags management enables real time use conductive inks to conduct the decision making for a more electronic signals in place of flexible and responsive supply traditional metal antennas; this chain execution. Decisions can makes the tags even thinner. If the be made to redirect product flow integrated circuit (IC) creates an to meet changing customer uneven surface, which demands. can affect print quality, a thicker label material can be used or the • Enhanced Customer Service – operator can avoid printing instant status information leads to directly over the circuit. more accurate delivery dates and increased ability to respond to RFID uses : urgent orders.

• Time and Labor Savings – • Security – better tracking, “field” reading allows the reduced inventory shrinkage scanning of multiple items in (loss), reduced counterfeiting seconds without unloading a pallet. Basic RFID tag will stores data This also eliminates the possibility as shown: of a receiving clerk failing to scan all items. 01. 000D54S. 00019J • Increased Control – tags with 000024KR3. read/write capabilities permit data Header Manufacturer OC Serial to be updated throughout the No. supply chain, highlighting 8 –bits 28-bits 24-bits 36-bits problem areas and enabling faster The unique identifier is the responses. foundation of the EPC Network and where the full power of RFID • Flexible Product Flow – RFID systems can be realized. This as part of supply chain identifier facilitates item level o The tags are required to tracking, real time supply chain identify a bovine's herd of management, more warranty and origin and this is used for service management, faster more tracing when a packing targeted product recalls plant condemns a carcass. and more. EPC global is working Currently CCIA tags are with manufacturers, end-users, used in Wisconsin and by technology vendors and Auto-ID US farmers on a voluntary Labs (successor of Auto-ID basis. The USDA is Center) to establish web service currently developing its standards to securely share RFID own program. XML data across the web. This will allow real-time decisions and collaboration from any point along the supply chain.

Current usage: An RFID tag is embedded in new UK passports and US passports will have RFID beginning in August 2006

Product Tracking: RFID tags used in libraries: square book tag, round CD/DVD o The Canadian Cattle tag and rectangular VHS tag. Identification Agency began using RFID tags as a replacement for barcode tags. stores that combine item- level RFID tagging and SOA to deliver an integrated supply chain, from warehouse to consumer.

o UHF RFID tags are o High-frequency RFID tags commonly used are used in library book or commercially in case, bookstore tracking, pallet pallet, and shipping tracking, building access container tracking, and control, airline baggage truck and trailer tracking in tracking, and apparel and shipping yards. pharmaceutical item

tracking. High-frequency tags are widely used in identification badges,

replacing earlier magnetic Automotive: stripe cards. These badges o Microwave RFID tags are need only be held within a used in long range access certain distance of the control for vehicles. reader to authenticate the holder. The American o Since the 1990's RFID tags Express Blue credit card have been used in car keys. now includes a high- Without the correct RFID, frequency RFID tag. the car will not start. o BGN has launched two o In January 2003, Michelin fully automated Smart began testing RFID transponders embedded allowing the car to detect into tires. After an 18 the key approximately 3 month testing period, the feet from the sensor. The manufacturer will offer driver can open the doors RFID-enabled tires to car and start the car with the makers. Their primary key in a purse or pocket. purpose is tire tracking in compliance with the Animal identification United States Transportation, Recall, o Implanted RFID tags are Enhancement, also used for animal Accountability and identification. There are Documentation Act several more or less (TREAD Act). incompatible systems. o Starting with the 2004 Antenna types: model year, a Smart o The Hestnes factor is a Key/Smart Start option practical factor which became available to the describes the reading zone Toyota Prius. Since then, around a RFID antenna. A Toyota has been RFID antenna has a introducing the feature on reading range both various models globally sideways and in front of under both the Toyota and the antenna. The Hestnes Lexus brands, including factor is defined the the Toyota Avalon (2005 following way: model year), Toyota Camry (2007 model year), o Hestnes factor: Front and the Lexus GS (2006 reading range / sideways model year). The key uses reading range. an active RFID circuit RFID include the o The Hestnes factor can reduction of labour costs, depend on the antenna the simplification of geometry, noise business processes and the surroundings and the reduction of inventory readers reading range. It is inaccuracies. named after the still alive Human implants antenna designer Ole Hestnes.

RFID in inventory systems An advanced automatic o identification technology Fig :(a) such as the Auto-ID system based on the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has two values for inventory

systems. First, the Fig:(b) visibility provided by this (a): Hand with the planned technology allows an location accurate knowledge on the (b): just after the operation to inventory level by insert of the eliminating the RFID chip the RFID tag was discrepancy between completed inventory record and Implantable RFID chips physical inventory. designed for animal tagging are Second, the RFID now being used in humans. An technology can prevent or early experiment with RFID reduce the sources of implants was conducted by British errors. Benefits of using professor of cybernetics Kevin Warwick, who implanted a chip in technology in their his arm in 1998. Night clubs in Chicago Card. Barcelona, Spain and in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, use o In August 2004, the Ohio an implantable chip to identify Department of their VIP customers, who in turn Rehabilitation and use it to pay for drinks. Correction (ODRH) Other approved a $415,000 o Sensors such as seismic contract to evaluate the sensors may be read using personnel tracking RFID transceivers, greatly technology of Alanco simplifying remote data Technologies. Inmates will collection. wear wristwatch-sized transmitters that can detect o Some smart cards attempted removal and embedded with RFID alert prison computers. chips are used as electroni c This project is not the first cash, e.g. Smart Trip in rollout of tracking chips in Washington, DC, USA, US prisons. Facilities in Easy Card in Taiwan, Michigan, California and Suica in Japan, T-Money Illinois already employ the in South Korea, Octopus technology. Card in Hong Kong, and the Netherlands and Oyster Card on the London o Automatic timing at mass Underground in the United sports events " Champion Kingdom to pay fares in Chip ". mass transit systems and/or retails. The Chicago o Used as storage for a video Transit Authority recently game system produced by began using RFID Mattel, "Hyperscan". Prisoners Beware! If you are o RFIQ in, designed by Vita planning to get into some scuffle Craft, is an automatic with your inmates or trying to cooking device that has break out of the prison then read three different sized pans, this before taking any stupid step. a portable induction heater, In order to ascertain the position and recipe cards. Each pan of its staff and prisoners ACT's is embedded with a RFID first prison would be RFID tag that monitors the food equipped which would enable real 16 times per second while time tracking of staff and a MI tag in the handle of prisoners. the pans transmits signals to the induction heater to Now at this prison, inmates would adjust the temperature. be fitted with an anklet or a bracelet having a unique identifier o Many more applications and the security guard would be can be found wearing pagers emitting a radio in the literature. signal. This would enable pin pointing of staff and prisoners Prisoners To Be Tracked Using through triangulation of signals RFID that would be read by numerous readers. A combination of active and passive tags would be used. This is not only going to reduce the pressure on prison staff engaged in continuo’s monitoring or watching CCTVs but also discipline the prison inmates Certainly it would not only relieve the headache of the prison authorities but also caution the maintenance cost and labour time prisoners that if they entered into is less. The technical issues any illegal activity within the associated with RFID are likely to prison premises it could land them be resolved as further investments into soup. are made in the technology. Enough progress has been made at this time that trails for the first Conclusion: truly large scale rulers of RFID RFID is a leading technology are beginning. that can provide considerable value in a world in which