RFID Introduction
RFID is currently in use in three major frequency bands, each corresponding to a specific application.
Low Frequency (LF) RFID operates at less than 135 KHz and is very short-range (near physical contact), and is used in animal identification and property theft-prevention such as RFID-embedded automobile keys.
High Frequency (HF) RFID operate at 13.56 MHz and are somewhat longer ranged than LF, typically 6-12 inches. HF tags are often used in smart cards such as mass transit or building access and manufacturing processes such as work-in-progress tracking.
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) operates at around 900 MHz and reads at relatively long distances, up to 15 feet. Retail distribution and logistics has adopted this frequency, but the range makes it vulnerable to environmental factors including ambient radio noise.
RFID Technology - History and Overview
Radio Frequency Identification or RFID is not the new, modern technology that many people believe it to be. The first practical application occurred in WWII Britain, when the British devised a method for using radio transponders in their military aircraft to distinguish them from enemy aircraft. Since that early application little was done with RFID until other technologies were developed, such as the transistor, the integrated circuit, the microprocessor and communication networks.
Barcode technology developed along similar lines. Until scanner technology along with the computer processing power necessary to support it was developed, barcodes were of limited use.
RFID and Barcode: The Future
There is a contemporary myth that RFID will eventually replace all applications of barcode. This myth could become reality if certain, unforeseen things occur which will make RFID cost-equivalent to barcodes. Unless that occurs, RFID will never make barcodes obsolete, but RFID will replace barcodes in certain applications because in those circumstances, RFID outperforms barcodes in important ways.
The primary difference between RFID and barcode is that barcode is line-of-sight; RFID is proximity. The scanner must "look directly at" the barcode to read it. The RFID antenna has to be within range but can do "x-ray" reads through and around visual obstacles.
Many differences accrue from these technological differences. For example, barcodes must be read one-at-a-time; many (hundreds) of RFID tags can be read simultaneously. Barcodes cannot withstand harsh environments; RFID tags can be obliterated with dirt, grease, even paint, or embedded within a container.. Barcodes are static memory; RFID tags can be rewritten thousands of times
As long as it makes cost-based sense to barcode certain items or in certain processes or applications, there will always be barcodes. The same test of cost-effectiveness applies to RFID.
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RFID Technology can Work for You! Improved ROI is Virtually Guaranteed!
Are you a manufacturer that needs to:
- Track perishable or raw materials?
- Meet regulatory or compliance requirements? (ROHS) (FDA) (USDA)
- Ensure traceability or pedigree?
- Track best “use by” or ship dates?
- Improve WIP?
- Solve sequenced part delivery problems?
Fotel is a specialist in closed-loop RFID applications in the HF band.
Most of our RFID systems are integrated into industrial and manufacturing process environments. RFID Equipment Including:
RFID Tags
We specialize in durable tags for use in harsh environments including exposure to water, chemicals and heat. Durable tags offer the lowest cost solution in industrial applications because they are reusable.
RFID Controllers, Readers, Antennas
Most of our installations have utilized integrated reader and antenna configuration. This enables us to "harden" the reader-antenna connectivity which is essential when the read occurs in a harsh environment.
RFID Kits
We engineer installations with client-specific integration pre-designed into it. Working from an exhaustive client requirements survey, our equipment arrives as a kit with everything needed and pre-assembly already completed, so installation is quick and seamless.
Get in touch with a Fotel RFID Consultant if you are interested in:
- Where is RFID Technology going?
- How is Fotel embracing this exciting technology?
- How can Fotel help you succeed with smart RFID solutions?
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Family owned and operated for over 40yrs!
Fotel, Inc. 1125 E. St. Charles Rd., Suite 100 Lombard, IL 60148
Contact us | Toll Free: 800-834-4920 | Phone: 630-932-7520
