Radio Frequency Identification [RFID]

We are all aware that, Dynamics Ax supports RFID. The Article below will give some basic idea about the RFID.


RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is the Auto-ID technology by which one can identify objects and track information about them wirelessly using radio waves.

In the simplest terms an RFID system consists of a TAG (transponder) and a READER (interrogator). The technology of RFID deals with the remote collection of information stored on a tag using radio frequency communications. Information stored on the tag can range from as little as an identification number, to kilo-bytes of data written to and read from the tag, to dynamic information maintained on the tag, such as temperature histories. The information from the tag/reader combination is either presented to a human operator typically using a

hand-held device or a host computer which automatically manages the information.
Critical performance variables of an RFID system determine the cost of implementation.

Read Range - Range at which communication can be maintained
Memory - Size of the information space contained on the tag
Speed - The rate at which the communication with the tag can take place
Size - The physical size of the tag
Simultaneous read - The ability of the system to "simultaneously" communication with multiple tags
Interference - The reliability of communication with respect to interference due to material in the path between the reader and the tag
Accuracy - Read success rate especially in presence of many tags
Life & Re-use - Tags should be robust to handle harsh temperatures and environments. Battery life limits life of tag.

Several factors determine the level of performance that can be achieved in these variables.
Legal/regulatory emission levels allowed in the country of use. Battery is included in the tag to assist its communication or not. Frequency of the RF carrier used to transport the information.

The main components involved are:

RFID tags - attached on objects to identified and contain information
RFID readers - generates and RF signal to identify RFID tags
Antennae - Carries the RF signal to identify tags
Aggregation Software - Collects the required data

RFID Middleware
Filter the enormous data and convert it into information.
Integration with backend business systems (ERP, CRM, WMS, SCM etc.)

RFID Components
RFID Tags
RFID tags are attached on objects, to identify them and can store information. Tags are classified based on their characteristics.

Active and Passive tags

Active tags use a battery to power its chip, Passive tags use the energy of the RF signal from readers.

Frequencies

Low Frequency (LF) – 125 KHz
High Frequency (HF) – 13.56 MHz
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) – 433 to 960 MHz – region specific
Microwave – 2.4 to 5 GHz Dual Frequency (DF) – power up at 125 KHz & Backscatter at 6.8 MHz

Read/Write capability

Read Only
Write Once Read Many
Write Many Read Many
Tag/Reader Communication Protocols

Reader talks first
Tag talks first
RFID Readers
RFID readers consist of a transmitter, receiver, antennae and a decoder. They communicate with RFID tags, identify them and retrieve data stored on the tag. Different types of RFID readers:
Fixed readers - Entry/Exit, Conveyer etc
Mobile readers - handheld readers, forklift readers etc
Dual Barcode and RFID readers

RFID Antennae

Apart from the antennae that is present in a tag an antennae is required between the reader and a tag to enable communication. The antennae can either be built in to the reader or it can be a powerful external antenna that can enhance the read range and quality of RF communication.
Most real scenarios require external antennae to direct the RF signal and provide comprehensive coverage of the area.

RFID Middleware

RFID Middleware is an intelligent toolset of software modules that transforms real-time data collected by RFID hardware into relevant operational information for instant and informed decision making.

Functions of Middleware

Filter the huge data collection and transform into relevant information
Seamless integration with existing Business Systems
ERP
CRM
WMS / SCM
Departure Control Systems
Workshop Management Systems
Others
Specify the required information to be collected from the RFID environment
Effectively manage data network infrastructure based on defined business logic
Ease scalability of RFID application

RFID vs. BARCODES

Durable – Can withstand harsh temperatures & environments
Line of sight – Not required unlike barcode technology
Orientation – Not required unlike barcode technology
Simultaneously Read Many Tags – possible using anti-collision algorithms
Read range – Much Longer than barcodes
Tamper security – RFID tags have a Unique Permanent Serial Code that cannot be duplicated.
Reading Speed – Faster than barcodes
Memory – Can store useful data with dynamic update
Cost Effective – RFID tags maybe more expensive than barcode labels. But they have many advantages over barcode labels. Therefore RFID could be more cost effective provided it is used in the right manner and for the right application.