1. Abstract
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an emerging technology, which promises to advance the modern industrial practices in object identification and tracking, asset management and inventory control. This technology is being evaluated and implemented successfully in many manufacturing and distribution environments, retail stores and defense installations.
The scope of RFID is rapidly shifting from tracking objects (present or absent) to monitoring the condition (where and how) of engineering systems. The integration of sensors with RF tags (Smart Sensors) enables RFID technology to gather and process sensor data in addition to identifying and tracking the object. The deeper ramification of such RFID systems for monitoring manufacturing systems remains largely unexplored and untapped.
The focus of the presentation will be to present the results of our in-depth review of the current and emerging technologies and applications based on RFID and Smart sensors for depot support and logistics environments and for machine condition monitoring.

2. Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID)
Radio-Frequency identification (RFID) is generic term for technologies which use RF waves to identify, track or categorize any object
RFID is fast, reliable, and does not require physical sight or contact between reader and the tagged object

3. RFID System Components
Tags (Transponders)
Attached to the object to be identified, stores information (unique code) about object and sends this information back to reader when receives appropriate frequency signals
Reader/Interrogator
Reader sends signals of appropriate frequency and facilitates data transfer
Antenna
Antenna radiates the RF signal to, and receives signal from the transponder
Interface
This unit interfaces the reader to an intelligent device / controller
Host/Controller (PC/Laptop)
Computer with suitable software controls RFID readers

4. How system works? Controller activates RFID reader to send RF signals
Reader sends the signal of appropriate frequency (LF,HF,UHF,MW)
Tag receives and modifies the signal
Tag sends modified signals back through tag antenna
Reader antenna receives the modified signal and reader decodes it
Controller analyzes the results

5. RFID and Smart Sensors
Sensors can be integrated with RF tags (Smart Sensors) and sensor data can be communicated using RF waves
This enables RFID systems to gather and process sensor data in addition to identifying and tracking object
Applications:
Machine Health Monitoring, Fluid Composition Detection.

6. Applications in Depot Support Environment
Warehouse
Vehicle Inspection
Material request sent to the warehouse and material retrieved as per history sheet
Vehicle brought to maintenance shop
Vehicle history sheet retrieved
Vehicle tag detected by readers mounted in the gates
Benefits
Automatic Operation
ERP System
Shop
Time Management
Quality Management
Vehicle sent to appropriate machines and database updated after each operation
Appropriate technician informed as per schedule via mobile communication
Operation Sequencing and Scheduling done as per availability of machines
Poka - Yoke
Material Management

7. Applications in Logistics
Warehouse
Supplier Site
Transit
Parts recognized and database updated at warehouse gate
Mode of transit tracked at every designated halt by Through satellite communication
Parts properly tagged at supplier site and inventory database updated
Benefits
Real Time Inventory Tracking
Parts grouped and stored
in the ASRS
Eliminating Inventory Shrinkage
Request sent to ASRS
Cycle time Reduction
Readers mounted on forklift trace and track the parts out of the warehouse to appropriate shop
Information Visibility
ERP System
Delay Reduction

8. Applications in Monitoring Health of Machines
DEPARTMENT OF MACHINE MAINTENANCE
Lubrication & Coolant
Tool Engineering
Tribology
Metrology
The database sorts data & sends to appropriate department
Benefits
MACHINE CONDITION MONITORING DATABASE
Reduction in response time
Lubricant level
Table alignment
Tool wear
Bearing condition
Quality management
Reduction of scrap
Predictive maintenance
RFID based Smart Sensors send critical information about machine parameters to the central database

9. Environmental Conditions
Tag Selection Guide
Factors affecting Tag Selection
TAG / TRANSPONDER
Application
Read Range
Form Factor
Standard Compliance
What is application?
Short Range
Long Range
ISO/IEC
EPC Gen 1, 2
Frequency Range
Functionality
Environmental Conditions
Passive Active Semi Passive
LF 125,134 KHz
HF MHz
UHF MHz
Microwave 2.45 GHz
RF friendly
Vicinity of Metals & Liquids

10. Reader Selection Guide
Factors affecting Reader Selection
Reader/Interrogator
Application
Read Range
Form Factor
Standard Compliance
What is application?
Short Range
Long Range
ISO/IEC
EPC Gen 1, 2
Frequency Range
Functionality
Environmental Conditions
Passive Active Semi Passive
LF 125,134 KHz
HF MHz
UHF MHz
Microwave 2.45 GHz
RF friendly
Vicinity of Metals & Liquids

11. Coupling, field & applications based on frequency
Short Range Applications
Long Range Applications
Powered by EM field
Powered by Radio-waves
Coupling, Field & Application
Near Field Communication
Far Field Communication
Induction Coupling
Propagation or Backscatter Coupling LF HF
UHF
Micro-Wave
MHz
13.56
KHz
2.45
GHz

12. Frequency Allocation as per region
Geographical Regions
Micro-Wave LF HF
UHF
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
125 – 134 KHz
MHz
2.4 – 2.48 GHz
13.56 MHz
MHz
MHz
Europe, Middle East, Africa, Former Soviet Union
US & Canada, Pacific East of international date line
Japan

13. Air Interface Protocol
Air Interface Protocols standards over frequency range
EPC Gen 1
EPC Gen 1, Gen 2
Air Interface Protocol
ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC LF HF
UHF
Micro-wave
KHz
13.56
MHz
MHz
2.45
GHz

14. Max. Possible Read Range based on frequency range

15. Typical applications based on frequency range
Long Range Applications
Applications requiring large data transfer
Micro-Wave
2.45 GHz
Automatic Toll Collection Systems
Supply Chain Applications
UHF
MHz
Long Range Systems: Range>1m
Dock Door Reading
Asset management in Warehouse
Overhead reading
Smart Shelves
Baggage Tracking
Short Range Systems: up to 1 m Applications in vicinity of metals and liquids HF
MHz
Frequency Range
Animal Identification
Item Level Tracking – Baggage handling
Smart Shelves
Short Range Systems LF
KHz
Electronic Door Locking System
Contact less Smart Card System
POS applications
Typical Applications