RFID Robert Cook Alpha Systems

Agenda How RFID Works? Tags RFID Standards Interrogators The “truth” about RFID today Myth vs. Reality RFID Implementation Considerations

Theory of Operation Reader / Interrogator Antenna Tag Existing Data Collection System

Asset Contains an RF Tag/Label Instead of (or in conjunction with) a Bar Code Label Asset Contains an RF Tag/Label Instead of (or in conjunction with) a Bar Code Label Interrogator “Scans” the Tag for Information Using RFID. Interrogator “Scans” the Tag for Information Using RFID. The Differences: The Differences: a) Interrogator May Read any field or memory location a) Interrogator May Read any field or memory location b) May select a group of tags based on field values b) May select a group of tags based on field values c) Write New or Additional Information to Tag (depending on privileges or process requirements) c) Write New or Additional Information to Tag (depending on privileges or process requirements) How RFID Works

RFID Tag Chip Insert Tag One Small number Application Specific Multiple Tag Antenna Shapes and Encapsulations Cover Several Frequencies and Application Environments

Three Basic Types: Active Tags Battery powered memory, radio & circuitry High Read Range (300 feet) $$$ Passive Backscatter Reader powered Shorter Read Range (4 inches - 18 feet) $ Semi-passive Reader activates tag, but battery powers memory and circuitry Medium Read Range ( feet) $$ Not All Tags Are The Same

10 kHz 100 kHz 1 MHz 10 MHz 100 MHz 1000 MHz 300 GHz Low Freq. EAS Mid. Freq. EAS Cell Phone RFID:ItemManagement DataModem AM RadioToys GarageDoor CB FM RFID: Access Control Animal ID RFID: Item Management & Toll Roads MicrowaveEAS TV DataTerminal RFID: Smart Cards 2.45 GHz Best bet… Concentrate on your business requirements Let requirements dictate frequency Frequencies

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 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 - Disadvantages

Low Cost Good Read Range Good Read Rate Standards Passive Backscatter – Our Focus

RFID Frequencies 125 KHz MHz Electromagnetic or Inductive Coupling Close Proximity Slower Data Rates Ferrous Metal Affects Inductive Coupling RFID Frequencies 400 MHz – 6800 MHz Propagating Electromagnetic Waves Longer Range High Data Rate Absorption Affects Propagation RFID 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 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 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 MHz) more expensive (than MHz) more complex (requires more turns of the induction coil) 125 – 134 kHz RFID

13.56 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 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 MHz RFID

4” x 4” MHz UHF RFID

Advantages Effective around metals (if tuned) Best available frequency for distances of >1m Tag size smaller than 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) MHz UHF RFID

Disadvantages Does not penetrate water/tissue Regulatory issues (differences in frequency, channels, power, and duty cycle) Radio Region 1 Europe MHz, 250 KHz Bandwidth, 0.5W ERP, 10% Duty Cycle Radio Region 2 – Americas – ( 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 MHz UHF RFID

2.45 GHz Tags

915 MHz Tags / Inserts Reusable Plastic Container Tag Generic Plastic Container Tag Plastic Leader Board Tags Wooden Pallet with RFID Plastic Leader Boards 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 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 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 GHz

RFID Frequency Differences (Passive Tags Only)

Free Space Tuned De-tuned If properly tuned to the environment, a reflective metal ground plane can increase the tag’s read range. Tuning 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 Liquids Liquid Medium Distance from Liquid De-tuned

Standards Basic plus enhancements Interoperability

Necessary prior to interoperability ISO 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 Standards

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 2

Tag ICs and Memory Tag ICIntermec Intellitag Philips UCODE HSL Philips UCODE EPC 1.19 Memory size1024 bits2048 bits = 352 bits RF InterfaceISO B Memory organization ISO B EPC NotesUnique 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 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 Data headerCompany / item info. Serial number Partition value Filter value EPC Tag Data Standard Unique value from IC vendor Hardware tag type Software tag type ISO B Tag Data Standard Tag memory byte addr.

Competing UHF RFID Standards ISO Global Consortium developed a and b versions EPC (Auto-ID Center at MIT) Initial draft specifications not finalized First versions US only Initially only available from VC funded companies

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 - Timeline per Dicki Lulay, President EPC Global, April 30, 2004

EPC global Tag Classes Generation 2Generation 2 Class 4Active – battery powered Long range (i.e. 300’), user memory, sensors, etc. Class 3Battery Assisted – reader activates, battery powers Medium range (i.e. 10’- 50’), R/W, user memory, sensors, encryption Class 2Passive Shorter range (i.e. 4”- 18’), Read/write (multiple), user memory Class 1Passive WORM with provisions for read/write (96 bit min.) Class 1 Version 1 Passive WORM with provisions for read/write (96 bit min.) Class 0Passive Factory programmable (64 bit only)

EPC Network EPC Reader The 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 Savant Servers which act as local repositories for EPCs and associated information, and which support middleware for serving PML queries. ONS Object Name Service; the distributed resource that “ knows ” where information about EPCs is held (just like DNS). PML Physical 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

The Overhead Scanner Tracking Level(s) Assets Tracked: Oversized Items Pallets Plastic Containers Benefits: Automated Delivery Notification Inventory Management Staging Operations Improved Conveyance Usage

Forklift 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 Scanner Tracking Level(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

Interrogator With Antennae Presence Detectors RF Shielding - Mesh Screen Portal Status Lights Metro AG Case & Pallet Dock Door Portal (Back Store – Rheinberg, Germany)

Conveyor Applications Tracking Level(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 Scanner Tracking Level(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 Mobile Wireless Batch Fixed Station Tracking Level(s) WIP Benefits: Allows for exception processing Rapid Searching / Inventorying Rapid Pallet Build using bar-code and RFID

Integrated 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 Reader Use Requirements: Attach to Legacy Handhelds Attach to PCs Reader Requirements: Self-Powered Lightweight Ergonomic Design

Network 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 Reader Use Requirements: Simple Interface PLC Interface Sensors Reader Requirements: Simple Design Low Cost DC Power Multiple Antennas Peripheral Capabilities

PC Card Reader Use Requirements: Simple Station PCs Tablets Reader Requirements: PCMCIA Interface 100% Duty Cycle

RFID Printer Use Requirements: Labeling Existing Drivers Applicators Reader Requirements: Standard Interface High-Speed Applicator Module

Consumer Products Field Service Homeland Security Industrial Products Logistics/ Trans. Retail Intermec 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

Myth: RFID will replace Bar Code.

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.”

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.

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?

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?

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? An RFID tag will NEVER be cheaper than a barcode label!!!

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 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?