RFID

RFID systems consist of a number of components including RFID tags, handheld or stationary readers, RFID data input units and RFID system software. The RFID tags are the backbone of the technology and come in all shapes, sizes and read ranges including thin and flexible "smart labels" which can be laminated between paper or plastic.

RFID creates an automatic way to collect information about a product, place, time or transaction quickly, easily and without human error. It provides a contactless data link, without need for line of sight or concerns about harsh or dirty environments that restrict other auto ID technologies such as bar codes.

In addition, RFID is more than just an ID code, it can be used as a data carrier, with information being written to and updated on the tag on the fly.

RFID has been applied to hundreds of applications in dozens of key industries. Today, we see RFID used for vehicle and personnel access control, automotive anti-theft systems, product and asset tracking and supply chain automation.

Lynk Data Systems Ltd offer Texas Instruments range of several different RFID technology platforms and a wide variety of RFID tags and RFID readers. Platforms include: low frequency (134.2 kHz), high frequency at 13.56 MHz, UHF, and a combination system called LUHF (134.2 kHz down-link with 903 MHz

up-link). RFID tag products are generally battery-free with a few exceptions, can be read only and read/write, have choices in security features, and include a range of memory sizes.

Within the low frequency family of RFID tags, the different series of products include: The Glass Capsule Series, Compact, Disk Series, Badge and Card, Low Profile Series, and Vehicle and Container Series. RFID tags come in many different sizes and shapes, and have many choices for mounting and attaching. All RFID transponders are battery-free; getting their power source from the reader signal. Read ranges are between 20 cm and 200 cm. Memory sizes are from 64 bits to 1360 bits. These RFID transponders can be read through virtually all non-metallic material.

The Tag-it RFID platform offers smart label RFID transponder inlays that are small enough to be laminated between layers of paper or plastic to create low-cost "smart" labels for high volume applications like airline baggage and express parcel identification and tracking. This system operates at 13.56MHz, is offered in either read only or read/write versions and can process multiple tags in the read field at the same time. These inlays have a memory size of 256-bit user memory in 8x32 bit blocks.

The LUHF system includes an RFID vehicle tag that can be used for drive through payment and loyalty applications. It can read up to 3 meters and includes a challenge/response security feature that ensures authentication of the tag. 

Texas Instruments RFID readers include the Reader System 2000 to support the low frequency family of tags, the Reader System 5000 to support payment & loyalty applications with the LUHF vehicle tag, and the Reader System 6000 to support the Tag-it platform.

For advice on how RFID can improve your systems please call us on 01622 882262