Choosing RFID For Industrial Applications - White Paper

Choosing the proper Radio Frequency Identification system for use in industrial applications like machine tool, palletized assembly, or production tracking can be a confusing task these days. With all the information floating around about HF (High Frequency), UHF (Ultra High Frequency), microwave and GPS based systems, and whether to use active or passive based tags, it may seem like these systems can be used almost anywhere. However, failures because of a wrong or unreliable system can be very costly - many times in hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. Today, RFID is designed for many environments besides industrial, which can make it confusing as to what systems work the best.

Most RFID systems utilize the same basic hardware. This consists primarily of a read/write head (also known as an interrogator), coupled with a tag (also known as a data carrier) that is used to remotely carry data of some type. There is usually a processor used to convert the data from the tag to a common interface or bus in order to control processes and/or move data to or from databases. Depending on the system design, the processor may be remote from the head, allowing greater flexibility and smaller size, or it may be combined with the read/ write head.

This paper explores what the best possible options are based on standard products available today, and how they are applied to get reliable data for the highest chance of success the first time. It also explains the basic principles of operation and how they will influence the performance of each type of system. The three most widely available RFID systems will be discussed:

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