Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 4 - 2008 - (Page 13)

R Radio frequency identiﬁcation (RFID) technology is gaining favor as a cost-effective solution for automatic data capture. One key advantage is the use of wireless radio frequency (RF) signals, which enable contactless identiﬁcation of objects over a greater distance than is possible with alternatives such as barcode readers. Current applications of RFID range from inventory tracking, industrial automation and access control to electronic toll systems, e-passports, medical applications and animal identiﬁcation. In development, manufacturing and installation, every RFID application presents difﬁcult measurement challenges, particularly in the analysis of transmit signals, modulation schemes and data signals. Solving those challenges depends on advanced signalanalysis equipment that can measure and characterize the performance of RFID devices and systems. This article focuses on the technical aspects of RFID data transmission and acquisition, typical test requirements and the desirable attributes of suitable test equipment. Product tracking and inventory control: Passive RFID tags are used to track the movement of trucks, pallets or individual items. Compared to barcodes, RFID tags work across greater distances because the reader does not have to “see” the tag and scan it with laser light. This capability greatly decreases the time required to store and warehouse inventory. What’s more, readers can often detect the responses of several tags at once, further reducing the time required for inventory counting. This also reduces the chance of human error that often occurs during the physical inventorying of individual items. ID badges and access control: Proximity readers can grant access to users carrying RFID-based badges encoded with a speciﬁc data response that matches the level of security required for different locations or situations. These badges are more durable than those that use a magnetic strip or barcode because they require only proximity to the card reader rather than physical contact. Transportation payments: In toll-plaza applications, active RFID tags use their onboard battery power only when they receive a wake-up signal from a reader. With active tags, readings can be obtained at distances of two hundred feet or more while vehicles are traveling at highway speeds. Animal identiﬁcation: Many animal owners are implanting their small pets with passive RFID tags. Every tag has a unique identiﬁcation number that can be accessed if a pet is brought to a veterinary clinic or humane society facility equipped with a compatible reader. After reading the ID number, a database search can provide the owner’s contact information. Looking at RFID, past and present Various types of RFID technology have been in development for decades. Basic forms, such as military “identify friend or foe” (IFF) systems, were developed and used during World War II. RFID development continued through the years and many foundational elements of today’s technology were created during the 1970s and ’80s. Until recently, however, high costs and low levels of standardization hindered widespread implementation of RFID technology. With today’s technology advances, the availability of small, cheap, disposable “tags” is driving greater demand for RFID solutions. As a result, widespread use is now an obtainable goal in a variety of applications including inventory control, secure building access, toll-road payments and animal tracking. Agilent Measurement Journal 13

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 4 - 2008

Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 4 - 2008 Delivering Confidence through Compliance with Standards Contents Emerging Innovations Trying Early Device Implementations at the IEEE 1588 PlugFest Achieving Greater Confidence in Measurement Accuracy through Consistency in Calibration Services Overcoming the Challenges of RFID Component Testing 3GPP LTE: Introducing Single- Carrier FDMA Ensuring Reliable Operation and Performance in Converged IP Networks Testing Storage Area Networks and Devices at 8.5-Gb/s Fibre Channel Rates Choosing an Appropriate Calibration Method for Vector Network Analysis Making Traceable EVM Measurements with Digital Oscilloscopes Exploring Terahertz Measurement, Imaging and Spectroscopy: The Electromagnetic Spectrum’s Final Frontier Interpreting Quoted Specifications when Selecting Digitizers

Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 4 - 2008

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