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?