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Functioning
RFID
Identify, read
and process
unique information
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification.
RFID technology uses radio waves to read or send information wirelessly and remotely. An RFID system consists of a tag or label, which contains unique information about the object or person to which it is attached. The information is read by an RFID reader and then processed by intelligent software.
In passive RFID systems, the reader and the reading antenna send a radio signal to the tag.
The passive RFID tag does not have its own energy source but makes use of the received signal to activate itself. They only need a microchip and antenna, and they are cheaper, smaller and easier to produce than active tags. Passive RFID systems operate in low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands.
Passive tags can be integrated in many different ways, depending on the specific RFID application requirements. They can be integrated, for example, between an adhesive layer and a paper label to make smart RFID labels. Passive tags can also be integrated in a wide variety of devices or packagings to protect the tag against extreme temperatures or aggressive chemicals. This is an example of a durable tag.
In active RFID systems, the tag sends a radio signal to the reader and the reading antenna (also called gateway).
Active RFID systems have tags with their own transmitter and power source, mostly a battery or solar cell. In order to save the battery life, they send out radio signals at adjustable times. They are also significantly more expensive than passive tags. The gateways receive the active tag signals and have the possibility to monitor the real-time location of the tag (and the object on which the tag is mounted).
An emerging active RFID technology is BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
It is the low-energy version of Bluetooth, a short-range wireless network protocol designed to quickly and automatically establish a wireless connection. Sensors, wearables and IOT devices use this wireless technology to exchange small amounts of data. BLE is designed to consume very little energy and can therefore be used to identify and track assets over longer distances because of the battery present.
Frequency refers to the size of the radio waves.
RFID systems operate in low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands. Radio waves behave differently at each of these frequencies, and there are advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of each frequency band with regard to reading speed, reading distance and interference with materials in the immediate environment.
Low frequency (LF) RFID
The reading distance is short (max. 50 cm) and the reading speed is slower than at higher frequencies (HF/UHF). LF is most appropriate for access control, identification of animals, stock management.
High frequency (HF) RFID
The reading distance goes up to 1 metre and also the reading speed is higher compared to LF. HF is mostly used for access control and for electronic bank cards. Within this frequency band, there are various ISO standards as well as Near Field Communication (NFC).
Near Field Communication (NFC)
The passive NFC technology is a way to exchange small amounts of information at a short distance. The chip in your NFC device or NFC Tag/Label communicates with another NFC device, for example payment systems or smartphones. All you have to do to exchange information with an NFC device or NFC Tag/Label is touching another NFC device.
Ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID
In case of UHF, the reading distance goes up to 12 metres and the reading speed is much higher compared to LF and HF. UHF is mostly used for logistics and retail solutions.
Rain RFID
RAIN RFID makes use of the UHF Gen2 standard and is the fastest growing segment within the RFID market. This RFID solution is useful for numerous applications and is often used for the inventory of products within various sectors, from retail, industry to pharmaceuticals.
What does an RFID system consist of?
RFID HARDWARE
Data carriers
Data carriers – RFID tags – contain the data which identify an object or a person. This information can be static (e.g. for the identification of a roll container) or dynamic (e.g. for the temperature registration during refrigerated transports).
Together, we determine the most suitable technology for your application. In some cases, this can be a combination of different technologies, e.g. an RFID label containing a printed barcode. It allows the transparent and variable use of both technologies in different places. If the available standard tags do not fulfil the customer’s needs, we have the skills and equipment to develop customised RFID tags.
RFID HARDWARE
Data readers
RFID tags can be read by means of fixed or mobile reading equipment. Various standard solutions are available on the market, such as RFID handhelds, gates and scanners, UHF readers, NFC readers,… In our solutions, we integrate standard equipment unless it would not completely fulfil the requirements of your process. In that case, we develop customised solutions.
RFID MIDDLEWARE
RFID SOFTWARE
In order to integrate RFID in an environment, the use of flexible interfaces – called middleware – is an absolute necessity. This software can be limited to reading RFID tags and sending their identification number to an underlying system (ERP, WMS, MES,…). In other cases, the detections of the RFID readers first need to be further analysed – based on filters and algorithms – before sending them to an underlying system.
Aucxis developed the RFID middleware HERTZ to set up a quick and flexible communication between hardware and business applications.
Data management includes all operations enabling digital data to remain traceable, accessible and comprehensible. This includes data storage, access, management, combination, transformation and exchange. Consistent, reliable real-time information supports the continuity of your business processes and helps you to take strategic decisions.
The functioning of the RFID system can be represented in several ways, for example on a LCD screen or handheld with graphical user interface, through a light tower with siren, etc. The monitoring of an RFID solution can be done by software which generates alarms in case of failure, for example via SMS, by e‑mail, …
Aucxis developed an own Asset Management software package, POLARIS, which offers an extensive set of standard modules for application in various sectors.
How to successfully implement RFID?
RFID offers numerous advantages but, obviously, sufficient attention needs to be paid within a company or team in order to make an RFID project successful. Companies have to set clear goals for their RFID implementations, assess existing business processes, determine where data is to be collected and how this information will be used, and select the most suitable technology in order to reach the desired goals.
is always the result of a strong partnership between us and your project team.
