What is RFID ?• RFID stands for Radio Frequency identification. • Wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to

transfer data • For the purpose of automatic identification & tracking of tags attached to

assets

Types• RFID tags may or may not have a battery in them. • Those that do not have a battery are called passive tags• Those that use a battery are called active tags. The battery mostly

assists in boosting the read range of the RFID tag. • Passive tags are powered by the RF signal from the interrogator/reader

Frequencies • LF – Low frequency @ 125 khz• HF: High frequency @ 13.56 Mhz• UHF: Ultra high frequency @ 860 – 960 Mhz

Why 3 different frequencies ?• Different applications demand different frequencies to be effective &

operational• LF tags are ideal for reading metal objects or objects with high water

content such as fruit & veg/Animals. But the read rage is limited to inches or cms.

• HF tags work fairly well on metal objects and objects with medium to high water content. Max read range is 3 feet to 1 meter

• UHF offers better read ranges(inches to 50ft +, depending on the strength of the RFID reader/interrogator), can transfer data much faster, however since they have a shorter wave length compared to LF or HF tags, the signal does not pass through metal or objects with water content

RFID Tag construction• An RFID tag comprises of essentially 2 parts• First: an antenna for transmitting & receiving radio frequency signals. There

are several types of antenna designs and shapes depending on the application. • Second: RFID Chip or IC (integrated circuit), which stores the tags’ ID and other

info. This is the heart of the RFID tag. The brain of the tag. An IC is essentially a microchip.

• In an RFID tag both antenna & IC are bonded together to form an operational RFID inlay or transponder. NOTE: not all IC’s are compatible with any one antenna design. An antenna needs to be designed around the IC and tuned according to the IC’s frequency for optimal performance. Antenna designs are also at times copyright protected. We also design antennas in-house to suit compatibility with different ICs

RFID Inlays v/s RFID Label• RFID Inlay : Antenna + IC• Dry Inlay: Antenna + IC on a carrier substrate. • Wet Inlay: Antenna + IC on a carrier substrate + adhesive• RFID inlay + Converter/Manufacturer = RFID Label/Tag •  An RFID tag is a label that has an RFID inlay inserted between

the label facestock and liner.

• For different applications, we choose different FACE & Base stocks for performance & functionality criteria

Types of RFID TagsEssentially there are 2 types of tags• Hard tags – RFID inlay/transponder enclosed within a hard shall casing,

providing significantly enhanced durability making them ideal for outdoor use or rough environments. These can be applied by adhesive or screwed onto surfaces.

• Soft tags (flexible) – RFID inlay/transponder sandwiched between paper or filmic materials. Tags are flexible and popular in places where excessive durability is not required.

How RFID works

Implementation of RFID requires 3 major components: RFID readers ; Antennas & Tags, in order to function

Benefits of RFID v BarcodesRFID is not the best fit for every application. The technology may be expensive depending on the size of the application. The ROI must justify the expense.

In several cases RFID is the right fit. But many other times, barcodes may be a more economical solution. Below some benefits of RFID over barcodes

• Unlike barcodes, RFID tags don’t not require Line of Sight access to be read.

• RFID tags can be printed with a barcode too.

• Each RFID tag has a unique identification number, so its possible to distinguish each item within the same batch of product as well.

• RFID can store more data/info compared to a barcode

• Each barcode must be individually scanned. Multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously and entering into the system much faster.

• A barcode can only be read & data cannot be changed once its been printed onto a label. RFID tags can be read and the data on the tag can be re-written or modified

• Barcodes are easily counterfeited. The barcode can be read and re-generated. RFID tags can be encrypted so it is difficult to replicate RFID tags.

Typical RFID Applications• Access management and control• Tracking of goods• Toll collection and contactless payment• E-passports• Airport baggage tracking logistics• Contactless payment cards.• Transponders in car keys for remote and

secure access to the car. If the car is started by a fake key, the system in the car will check the IC in the car key and if it does not detect the correct IC, it will shut down the car.

● Livestock and pet identification: for secure livestock identification for financing, tracing livestock history to effectively tackle livestock related issues such as mad cow disease, identifying lost pets, etc.

● Managing library books● Transit tickets● Inventory management● Waste Management● Supply Chain

RFID WristbandsTypes• Direct thermal printable – Adhesive

closure• Poly RFID wristbands– Adhesive

closure• Tyvek RFID wristbands – Adhesive

closure

Advantages of RFID WB• Access control – Fast access (imagine

100’s of people entering & exiting a waterpark at the same time)

• Avoids counterfeit due to UID• Fast payment transactions without

physical cash handling • Locker access• Photo management services• Loyalty programs • Data Analytics• Marketing & Brand boosting

Race Timing solutionsRunning races/Live Timing/Triathlons/Cycling races

Types• Number Bibs• Ankle Band• Shoe Tag• Cycling Bike Labels• T-Tag

Advantages of RFID Bibs• Athletes receive the most accurate

time measurement of their race• Precise tracking when athlete crosses

each checkpoint or way point.

Smart labelsThis section contains a wide range of RFID tags using HF & primarily UHF technology. These come in different shapes & sizes and the construction of the tag depends on the intended application. Some are small to be applied on smaller surfaces. Some are thin & long in length for a better read distance and so on. Some applications as below

• Heat resistant labels• Mount on metal labels• Logistics & supply chain (warehouse, stock management, dispatch, documents)• HF tags for Library solutions• Labels for tagging laptops, computers, servers etc

Apparel/Retail TagsTypes• Hang Tag• Pocket tag• Blank paper sticker

Advantages of RFID in Apparel• Reduces risks of loss or theft/counterfeit• Real time stock management (production till shop floor• Increased sales & profit margins• Reduced Out-of-stock

RFID Windshield tagsTwo main application areas• Parking• Highway tolling application

Applied to windscreens of cars: Ideal for secure access control into gated communities, company secured parking etc. Each car gets a RFID windshield tag with a unique identification number. Also applicable for automatic toll collection. In several countries, you have to queue on the highway to pay the toll. There are problems of not having the exact change when giving notes of larger value. The RFID windshield tag works in the same way as a prepaid phone number. It automatically debits your account as you pass a tolling booth on a highway without stopping. This makes traffic flow easy too. Tags are tamper evident and self destruct upon any attempt to take off(this is a major security requirement for this product)

http://www.syndicaterfid.com/

http://www.syndicaterfid.com/

Primary points of consideration when selecting an RFID tag:

• What type of surface will you be tagging? On metal, plastic, wood, etc.?

• What read range do you desire?• Size limitations (i.e. the tag can be no larger

than x by y by z inches)?• Any excessive environmental conditions to

consider? Excessive heat, cold, moisture, impact, etc.?

• Method of attachment? Adhesive, epoxy, rivets/screws, cable ties, etc.?

To know more, visit:

http://www.syndicaterfid.comhttp://www.syndicategroup.net