I NTRODUCTION TO RFID

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION

Radio Frequency Identification - data
Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID technology, has been around longer
collection method that utilizes low power
than barcode technology, but is only now being brought to the surface
radio waves to send and receive data
because of new mandates being set by large retailers such as Wal*Mart
between tags and readers
and large government agencies such as the Department of Defense. RFID
is a data collection method that utilizes low power radio waves to send
Barcode - an encoded reference number that
and receive data between tags and readers. By using radio signals, RFID
a computer uses to look up an associated
eliminates the need for a direct line of sight to the tag in order to read it.
record which contains descriptive data and
RFID readers can simultaneously read and write to hundreds of tags within
other important information
their read field.

RFID Tag - an integrated circuit which HOW DO THESE TAGS AND READERS WORK?
transmits data through an attached antenna
R F I D TA G S
It is quite possible that you have seen RFID tags, even used RFID tags,
Integrated Circuit (IC) - a micro-electric
during the course of your day without even knowing it. Such an example
semiconductor device comprised of many would be EZPass, a system for paying tolls without having to stop and
interconnected transistors and other physically hand someone money. Your information is held on an EZPass
components (The integrated circuit can be tag that is placed on your windshield. That information is transmitted using
looked at as the “brains” of an RFID tag.) radio-signals to an RFID reader which in turn will tell the toll plaza’s main
computers to debit your account the amount of the toll. This system helps to
Passive Tag - an RFID tag that relies on a reduce the amount of toll booth attendees that need to work at the toll plaza,
reader to provide it with the power necessary while allowing you to avoid long lines.
to transmit data

What is in your EZPass tag that makes it work?

Active Tag - an RFID tag that has its own An RFID tag, similar to your EZPass tag, consists of an integrated circuit
battery power source (IC) which transmits data through an attached antenna. Some tags rely on
a reader or interregator to “wake it up” and to supply the power necessary
Read Only Tag - an RFID tag that contains to respond and transmit data; these are called passive tags. Active tags
data that cannot be changed have their own battery power source and are able to transmit data further
distances because they have their own power source. Active tags can
transmit data constantly, or periodically like a lighthouse beacon shining a
light.

There are three classifications of active and passive tags:

read-only, read-write, and a combination of the two.
Read-only tags, similar to your EZPass tag,
are programmed once and can never be
programmed again. Think of this
as a music CD you purchase at
the store. It is already programmed
with music that you can listen to over
and over again, but you can’t record over
that CD.
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A read/write tag is similar to a CDRW which you can buy at an office supply Read/Write Tag - an RFID tag that can store

store. These CD’s allow music and information to be recorded on to them data and be reprogrammed (Read/write tags

and then read or listened to multiple times. They also allow you to erase are generally more expensive.)

discs and reuse them. Read/write tags allow you to write to them multiple
times and read that information; they could be permanently placed on pallets
and have the contents written to it. Once the pallet reaches its destination
and the contents are removed, it can be reprogrammed with information
about the new contents that are placed on it.

The third type of tag, which is a combination of both tags, can be written Combination Tag - an RFID tag that can be

to just one time after it has left the factory. Normally this tag will have key written to just once

information programmed in at the manufacturing facility, such as an EPC

number, and then you can program the tag with more information once it
receives it. This would be similar to a CDR disk that you would purchase.
You can only write information or music to it once; however, you can read
that information, or listen to that music, over and over once it is
programmed.

RFID READERS
Now that you have a basic understanding
of the tag, you need to have an
understanding of the second main
component of the system - the reader. If The PSC 5500 can auto-
you have ever used a barcode scanner, or differentiate between Class 0

have seen someone using a barcode scanner, and Class 1 tags

you have a pretty good base for understanding an

RFID reader. A barcode scanner uses either a laser
or imaging device to obtain information from a barcode.
This information is then either interpreted by the reader or RFID Reader - a reader which uses low
sent directly to a main computer to be interpreted and analyzed. power radio waves to exchange information
An RFID reader does the same thing, only it uses low power radio waves to with RFID tags
obtain information from the RFID tag. However, readers can also program
RFID tags. Antenna - a coiled element that allows tags
and readers to transmit data

The RFID reader uses an antenna to send and receive signals to and from
RFID tags. The antenna can be either an internal or an external addition.
In fact, some barcode scanning devices can add an RFID sled on to them
to become a reader. Readers can also be fixed mounted; fixed mounted
readers can be found at a receiving dock’s bay door or at an EZPass toll
booth. A fixed reader creates a magnetic field which the tag passes through,
allowing the reader to send and receive information. Readers can be
incorporated into other equipment such as fork lifts or assembly lines.
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RFID READERS (CONTINUED)

Once the information is received by the device, it is processed by its internal
Wireless LAN (Local Area Network) - a computer or sent via your wired network, or wireless LAN system, back to
network which transmits and receives data your main database. This data is then processed as they normally would be
over the air using radio frequency technology by your main computer.

Readers have to be able to read in the particular frequency for the tag
Low Frequency - typically operating at 125
that you are using, and this is one of the challenges you are faced with
KHz (These tags are less expensive but
can’t transmit data long distances or at high
when installing an RFID system because there is no set standard for which
speeds.) frequency to use. The three most common frequencies used are low
frequency, high frequency, and ultra-high frequency.
High Frequency - typically operating at
13.56MHz (These tags can operate from Frequency Name Frequency Level Range
about 10’ away and transmit data faster.) Low Frequency (LF) 125 KHz Up to 20”
High Frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz Up to 10’
Ultra-High Frequency - typically operating Ultra-High Frequency 915 MHz or 2.45 3’ to 20’
between 866MHz to 930MHz (These tags (UHF) GHz
will transmit data faster and further however,
they cannot send data through high water
There are readers called “frequency agile readers” which will read multiple
content items such as fruit.)
frequencies. These readers are a good investment if you will need to read
Frequency Agile Readers - RFID readers different tags. Without a frequency agile reader you will need to have
that can read multiple frequencies multiple readers at each location where you are reading tags, each reading
at a different frequency level.

While readers and tags need to operate at the same frequency, there
are several other attributes that they must have in common in order to
be fully compatible; these attributes include encryption and decoding
algorithms, data content and format, interface protocols, and other technical
specifications. You will need to fully understand all of these attributes in
order to ensure that your readers and tags will be able to interact.

RFID readers at loading dock

doors create a magnetic field that
RFID tags pass through.
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RFID BACK END SYSTEM

Well now that you have a basic understanding of RFID tags and readers,
that’s all you really need to know, right? Well, not quite. RFID allows
you to send and receive a lot more information back and forth than you
are currently sending with your existing barcode system. With all of this
extra information, you need a back end system that can decipher that
data and use it as efficiently as possible. This may mean re-engineering
certain business processes; this will allow you to send and receive more
data at a higher rates. By sending more data at higher rates you will gain
more control over product information and can have greater automation
throughout your facility.

Let’s say, for instance, you are a drug manufacturer.

With an RFID tag on each bottle of medication that is
sent out from your lab, you can have the lot number
associated with each bottle as well as other pertinent
information. If, in one month after sending out a certain
batch of medication you find out that lot was bad, you
can easily track that batch, knowing which bottles went
to which stores and then pull only those bottles that
contained bad medication from the shelves, instead
of having to pull all bottles of your medication from the
shelves in every store.

With RFID tracking, this scenario is quite possible,

but your back end system has to be able to handle
this information which may mean re-designing your
software programs or creating an entirely new database
altogether. This is something that you need to look into
before jumping on the RFID bandwagon.
By placing RFID tags on medication,
pharmaceutical companies can avoid
blanket recalls due to one bad batch of
medication.
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RFID - AM I READY?
Ok, so now you understand RFID tags, RFID readers, and the RFID back
end system. Are you now ready to install your RFID system and start using
it to its full capacity? Yes, and no. It really depends on what you are trying
to accomplish with your RFID system. There are two general types of RFID
systems you can install: a closed-loop system or an open-looped system.

Closed-Loop System - an Closed-loop systems generally have little or

RFID system set up within one no contact with the outside world. Everything
organization (Closed-loop systems is done within one facility or organization and
do not rely on outside standards) therefore can have their own standards set by
• Assembly operations the organization.
• Manufacturing processes
• Work-in-Process For instance, an automobile manufacturer may
• Animal tracking place an RFID tag on a car’s frame to track it
• Health care (inventory & throughout the entire assembly process. Once
equipment control) that tag leaves the plant, it can be “killed” so that
it can never be read again by an RFID reader.

Open Loop System - an RFID system that An open-loop system has information that will be shared with outside
shares information with outside parties vendors and/or customers. This could involve tracking containers,
(Open loop systems will rely upon set monitoring rental cars leaving and returning a location, point-of-sale
standards in the auto ID community)
applications, or baggage handling. The reason open systems are rarely
• Supply chain management
used today is due to the lack of a standard and central database.
• Baggage handling
• Returnable container tracking
The potential an open-loop system brings is tremendous. Being able to
• Rental car control
track a pallet all the way through the supply chain, or being able to locate a
• Toll roads & parking garages
single item anywhere in your warehouse, or even your clients warehouse,
• Security & access control
has tremendous implications. Unfortunately, a standard needs to be set that
• Product security
is adopted across the board before an open-loop system’s potential can be
• Shipping
unleashed.
• Warehousing
• Cashless payment
SO ARE YOU READY FOR AN RFID SYSTEM TO BE IMPLEMENTED WITHIN
YOUR COMPANY?

If you are looking at a closed-loop

system with specific goals and
business processes that you want to
improve, then an RFID system may be
something you want to begin investing
in sooner rather than later.
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STANDARDIZATION
So what are the standards for RFID and who decides what they are? The
Electronic Product Code, or EPC, is being designed by a joint venture Electronic Product Code (EPC) - a set of

by the Uniform Code Council (UCC) and EAN international. The EPC is digits to identify the manufacturer, product
category, and the individual item
designed to be similar to the UPC barcode that you see on most items sold
in retail stores. The EPC will establish a standard that will be adopted by Uniform Code Council (UCC) - non-profit
all companies that want to have their products able to interact with other organization that oversees the UPC

companies RFID systems. European Article Numbering (EAN) - the

barcode standard used in Europe
Class Description
Class 0 Class 0 tags are read only and have 64 or 96 bit memory.
These tags operate in the UHF frequency band, or 868-930 Uniform Product Code (UPC) - the barcode
range. Class 0 tags are read-only. standard used in North America
Class 0+ Class 0+ tags are offered by Matrics and are the same as
Class 0 tags with the additional ability of being re-writable.
Class 1 UHF Class 1 UHF tags are one-time programmable, meaning they
can be programmed once after being received from the fac-
tory with their EPC number already programmed. These tags
operate in the 868-930 MHz band and have up to 96 bits of
memory.
Class 1 HF Class 1 HF tags are similar to Class 1 UHF tags; however,
these tags operate in the high-frequency range at 13.56 MHz.
Gen 2 Generation 2 (Gen 2) tags are quickly becoming the most
popular tag available on the market. Offering between 96
and 256 bits of memory per tag and operating in the 860-960
MHz band (UHF), these tags are required by Wal*Mart and
the Department of Defense (DoD) in their RFID compliance
programs.

Multiple EPC specifications are differentiated by their class and version.

Vendor compliance programs require that specific classes and versions be
used.

ISO
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is leading the way ISO- the International Organization for
Standardization is developing an RFID
for standardization worldwide. They are currently working alongside the
standard to be used worldwide.
UCC & EAN to develop a standard that can be used across the board.

EXISTING STANDARDS
ISO 11784/11785 – Animal identification RFID standard ISO 22389 – RFID read/write for containers
ISO ANSI/NCITS T6 256 - 1999 – Item management RFID standard GTAG – On-going RFID global tag initiative
ISO/IEC 15693-2 – 13.56 MHz vicinity cards and smart labels RFID ANSI INCITS 256:2001 – American RFID standard for item management
standard EAN.UCC GTAG – Application standard for use of RFID in the macro
ISO/IEC 18000 Part 6 – Air interface for item management at (2450 MHz) supply chain
ISO/IEC 15961 & 15962 – Information interface for object oriented use of ANSI MH10.8.4 – Application standard for RFID on reusable containers
RFID in item management Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) B-11 – Tire and wheel
ISO 18185 – Electronic seal tags identification
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SO IS THIS THE END OF BARCODING, AND

SHOULD I NOW INVEST IN RFID?

So now that RFID is emerging and seems to have great advantages, does
that mean that all of the investments you’ve made in barcoding technology
were for nothing? In one word, “No.”

Barcoding and RFID are not mutually exclusive technologies; they will
interact with each other. In fact, RFID tags are nearly always printed with
a barcode as a back-up system. Even the EZPass in your car has several
back-up methods in case the battery dies or the tag goes bad. This includes
having a barcode printed on the tag itself that can be scanned by a toll
attendant.

RFID tags will never be cheaper than a barcode label. While the cost may
approach the cost of a barcode label, it will never be cheaper. That doesn’t
mean the ROI won’t be greater, or the value of an RFID tag isn’t greater than
a barcode label, but you will still never be able to purchase a roll of RFID
tags for less than a roll of barcode labels.

You should not rush into purchasing an RFID system simply to comply with a
vendor or customer’s demands. By taking your RFID requirements one step
further and doing a little more investigating, you will obtain a much higher
return on your investment.

Before you invest in an RFID system, you want to answer these questions:
RFID Tags, like the one seen above
on an orange container, will never be 1. What business problem am I trying to solve?
cheaper than a barcode label. 2. What is the compelling reason to use RFID instead of barcodes?
3. Is the data actionable?
4. What is the benefit to my business?
5. Is my system open or closed?
6. If open, with what standards will I need to comply?
7. Are there any international regulations I need to consider?
8. Can I expect the system to operate the same way anywhere across
the country? The world?
9. Have I thoroughly tested the system with a representative range of
items?
10. Have I assessed the impact of the “new data” on my existing
information system?
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SO NOW WHAT?

While setting up an RFID system in a lab is easy; setting up an RFID system

in your building is much more difficult. There are many questions to take into
consideration:

• Are there any devices using the same frequency that will interfere with
the tags and readers?
• Are the tags going to be placed directly on a metal surface that may
affect their readability?
• What is the lay-out of the facility?
• Will all of my tags be able to be read by a single reader?

So while you may not want to set up an entire RFID system, it is time to start
looking into the technology, understanding the impact it will have on your
business, and start to realize the tremendous potential RFID has in helping
you save you money and improve your bottom line. You want to be ready
for an investment in RFID once standards are set and you feel that it is time
to move on to the next step. This is not a decision that you want to make
without knowing all of the key information and fully understanding the power
of an RFID system.

While lab testing of RFID systems

is easy to set up and demonstrate,
real-world environments, such as
toll-collecting applications, pose a
much more difficult setup process.
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COMMON MYTHS ABOUT RFID

RFID is a “talking” barcode.

While an RFID tag does not “talk” to you, it will carry more information than
a standard barcode. It can carry a products information, a unique serial
number, lot date, manufacturing facility information, and has the ability to be
read and written multiple times.

You can read every RFID tag every time.

It is nearly impossible to read every single tag every single time. The laws
of physics nearly make this impossible. The readability of every RFID tag
depends on tag placement and the contents of the container on which the
tag is placed. For instance, RFID tags can be placed on an empty container
and be read perfectly; however, fill that container with something, even
water, and that tag can now be useless. A good engineering system also
has to be designed, and procedures may have to be altered to get the best
read rates of your RFID tags.

You can take your entire inventory with the push of a button.
RFID tags can be as large as a brick or
The technology does not exist today to do this; most tags can only be
can be smaller than a postage stamp.
read up to three feet away. Even if the technology did exist it would be so
expensive that it would not be worth the investment to do this. The real
benefit is in real time inventory tracking: When did the product come in?
Where was it placed? Was it moved? Was it shipped?

RFID delivers perfect information.

Not every tag can be read every time, and when it is read it can only deliver
the information that was entered into it. So, if bad information is placed on
the tag, it will return that same bad information. This opens the door for
many faults within the system, including human error, unfriendly materials,
poor system design, and poor software design. However, a system can be
designed and implemented that provides near flawless information. You
will just need to take the time and invest the resources in order to make this
possible.

You can buy tags for 5¢.

Even Gillette’s purchase of 500M tags from Alien was for about 10¢ per
tag. Buying the cheapest tags possible is contingent on the industry buying
millions and millions of tags each year. At this point in time, without a
standard set in stone, it is not cost effective to purchase mass amounts of
tags. The good news is, however, tags do not need to be that cheap to
derive a high ROI. The EZPass tags you use on your cars cost about $20
and rail companies are using $25 tags to track rail cars.
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RFID is primarily a supply chain technology.

There are many applications that can effectively use RFID technology
outside of the supply chain. Some applications include automobile
manufacturing - specifically work in process, access control and security,
payment systems for fuel and merchandise, and toll collections. Set up
correctly, RFID offers a way to increase value when tracking items.

RFID means the end to privacy.

While RFID does seem to pose a threat to consumer privacy, there are
measures that are being taken to ensure this does not happen. “Kill”
software is available that will virtually kill an RFID
tag. As RFID evolves in the marketplace, so will the
privacy protection systems.

RFID is easy to deploy.

While demonstrations in a lab or controlled
environment are simply to set-up and show they
work, setting up an RFID system in your facility
is much more difficult. Interference from phones,
microwaves, and existing RF networks need to be
considered. There are many factors that need to
be considered before deploying an RFID system
in your facility, metal shelves, water, and the layout
and design of your facility.

I can afford to wait before looking into RFID.

While it is better to wait and derive the most return
on your investment than to be first with a system, it would be best to start RFID systems are easy to set up in lab
the process early and slowly. Go step-by-step understanding each part of settings yet they take more planning
the system and avoid a rushed catch-up deployment. You don’t want to tag and testing to set up in real-world
items for your customers without finding your own internal benefits first. applications.

Contact Barcoding Inc. for more information on RFID and your

data collection needs:

2220 Boston Street

Baltimore, MD 21231
888.860.SCAN
www.barcoding.com
[email protected]