Introduction to RFID

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Introduction to RFID

• Vlad Krotov
• DISC 4397 Section 12977
• University of Houston
• Bauer College of Business
• Spring 2005

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Some links

• www.rfidjournal.com
• www.computerworld.com
• www.rfidusa.com
• RFID Handbook
• www.uh.edu/gartner

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Auto-ID Technologies
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Definition

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

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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

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RFID System Architecture
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EPC RFID Architecture
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EPC RFID System Architecture
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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

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Carrier Frequency

• RFID systems may use a particular frequency band
  depending on
• Application
• Legislature
• Cost considerations

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Frequency Bands
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Coupling

• 100kHz 30 MHz inductive coupling
• HF and Microwave systems use electromagnetic
  coupling

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Coupling
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Frequency and bandwidth

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

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Range

• Range the working distance between a tag and a
  reader

Range
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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

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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

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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)

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Tags Characteristic

• Means by which transponder is powered
• Data carrying options
• Data read rates
• Programming options
• Physical forms
• Costs

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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

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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

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Data Carrying Options

• A tag can contain
• An identifier
• 1bit 128 bits
• Portable data files
• Example 64 K

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Data Read Rate

• Data read rate is linked to frequency
• The higher the frequency, the higher the read rate

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Data Programming Options

• Read-only
• Cheap
• Write once read many (WORM)
• Read/write
• Expansive

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Why Use Read/Write Tags?

• Greater flexibility
• Customers may change requirements
• Standards may change
• Database dependence
• Ownership issues
• Lag times
• High risk applications

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Tag Physical Forms

• Disk and Coins can be attached to an item by a
  fastening screw

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Tag Physical Forms

• Mount-on-Metal special construction minimizes
  impact of metal in terms of interference

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Tag Physical Forms

• Keys or Key Fobs, Watches access control

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Smart Labels

• A bar code can be printed on an RFID label

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Tag Physical Forms

• Glass Transponders can be implanted under skin

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Whats 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

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RFID vs. Barcodes
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Principles of Profitable RFID Use

• Bar codes are unfeasible
• Example rail cars
• Damage
• Speed
• Counting Processes
• Greater speed
• Saves manual labor

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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

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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

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RFID Evolution (Gartner, 2003)
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RFID Growth

• Several market research firms predict that 2007
  RFID market will reach 3 billion

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• Questions?