RFID Overview RafCore Systems understands RFID technology and its challenges well, and knows what it takes to make it work successfully. What is RFID? Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify objects. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of it. RFID Components RFID Technology has three major components - tags, readers and software. Tags Reader Software ID device comprised of a microchip and antenna that stores/transmits data Memory contains digital information in terms of bits, that uniquely ID's each product. There are other standards as well. Tags may be active (send a signal) or passive (respond to a signal) Retrieve data via an antenna from the RFID tags Passes data to computer systems Tags and readers operate at different frequencies - affecting read range and ability to permeate varying materials Software gathers and filters massive amount of data Database tools manage the data collected Middleware integrates RFID data into existing enterprise applications (ERP, WMS, etc.) Common digital language describes products Are there any standards for RFID? International standards have been adopted for some very specific applications, such as tracking animals and for smart cards, which require encryption to keep data secure. Many other standards initiatives are under way. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is working on standards for tracking goods in the supply chain using high-frequency tags (ISO 18000-3) and ultra-high frequency tags (ISO 18000-6). EPCglobal, a joint venture set up to commercialize Electronic Product Code technologies, has its own standards process, which was used to create bar code standards. EPCglobal has said that it intends to submit EPC protocols to ISO so that they can become international standards. RFID Frequencies RFID tags and readers have to be tuned to the same frequency to communicate. RFID systems use many different frequencies, but generally the most common are low (around 125 KHz), high (13.56 MHz) and ultra-high frequency, or UHF (860-960 MHz). Microwave (2.45 GHz) is also used in some applications. Radio waves behave differently at different frequencies. Different frequencies have different characteristics that make them more useful for different applications. RFID Frequencies Characteristics and Application areas Low (around 125 KHz) Typically passive Inductive Coupling Use less power and are able to penetrate non-metallic substances Ideal for scanning objects with high water content such as fruit Read range is limited to less than a foot (0.33 meter) High (13.56 MHz) Typically passive Inductive Coupling Good penetration through objects made of metal and they can work around goods with high water content. Wide spread usage for contactless smartcards (ISO 14443, MIFARE, LEGIC, ...), smartlabels (ISO 15693, Tag-It, I-Code, ...) and item management (ISO 18000-3). Maximum read range is about three feet (1 meter) Ultra-High UHF (868 - 915 MHz) Active and passive Backscatter Coupling Several systems Offers higher range capability and faster data transfer rate Microwave (2.45 GHz) Active and passive Backscatter Coupling Offer better range and can transfer data faster than low and high frequencies. Use more power and are less likely to pass through materials. They require a clear path between the tag and reader. Tags might be better for scanning boxes of goods as they pass through a dock door into a warehouse. Used for vehicle identification: 2.446 .. 2.454 GHz BarCode Vs RFID   Barcode labels RFID Tags Capacity Have limited space Are read-only Hold substantial amounts of data Carry a unique identifier Allow for data reprogramming Flexibility Require line-of-sight scanning Allow for one simultaneous scan per read Do not require line-of-sight scanning Read through most substances Support simultaneous reading Accuracy Require human intervention, which opens the possibilities for errors Require little to no human intervention, which reduces errors Durability Can be easily damaged or destroyed Withstand harsh environments (e.g. outdoors, chemicals, moisture, extreme temperatures) RFID Challenges and RafCore Solution RFID Challenges RafCore Solution Faster development /deployment of RFID applications RafStudio on Eclipse Effective Business Intelligence RafCore RAIS Manager accomplishes this using Complex Event Processing (CEP) Making low-level data management easy and effective Maps low level data to high-level business entities making solution development process intuitive and effective. Extracting valuable data from huge amount of redundant data RafCore RAIS Manager has distinct and powerful data filtration mechanism, unique and excellent data management methods. Seamless Integration with back office applications Uses industry standard J2EE connector architecture. Multiple standards of RFID hardware Supports EPC and ISO compliant RFID hardware Back