Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Products

Introduction to flexID® Products from Deister Electronics

Deister Electronics manufactures ultra-high reliability RFID products which are key components in the enhancement of an automatic identification system.

The biggest advantage of RFID technology over bar coding is the ability to read and write to transponders contact-free, even through all kinds of non-metallic materials and without line-of-sight. Difficulties in scanning due to humidity, dirt, oil or grease do not exist. The ability to write to transponders (tags) gives the user the means of keeping and updating a "portable database" within the transponder and not have to continually access a host database. When used in manufacturing, processes can be controlled by carrying all pertinent instructions within the transponder. If the host computer ever goes off-line, manufacturing does not have to come to a halt since relevant process data is still intact within the transponders. Also, the reusable transponders reduce the amount of consumable resources used in production tracking.

Deister offers three types of transponders: read/write data carriers with 256 or 1k bits of non-volatile memory with the ability to be written to, read and re-written to thousands of times, 256 bit one-time-programmable (OTP, WORM) code carriers and factory random coded 64 bit fixed code transponders. These passive transponders do not use batteries; they receive their power from the electromagnetic field generated by the reader, so a long life expectancy is guaranteed. Transponders are available in various physical sizes: from 12 mm diameter - ideal for flush mounting - up to 100 mm diameter for a longer read range.

A variety of reader antennas allows reading distances up to 310 mm (12.2") and writing distances up to 130 mm (5.1"). The large selection of readers and tags facilitates a wide range of applications such as identification of tooling bits, totes, pallets, tools, trash cans, containers and much more.

Using passive, low-frequency technology combined with the largest number of available data bits and the fastest read rate (4000 bps), Deister's contact-free readers and tags provide the highest level of accuracy and convenience. All Deister RFID components are designed to simplify the accurate collection, storage and retrieval of data.

Products

Hand-held Readers

ICL 10:

The ICL 10 is a portable, hand-held batch collection device which uses RFID technolgy for data capture. It is especially compact and rugged making it ideal for field work. Collected data is stored in the reader along with the date and time and uploaded to a PC, contact-free, using the OVI 10 Data Transfer Unit via its RS-232 interface.

IDL 15:

The IDL 15 is a hand-held read/write device for updating data carriers in the field. This unit does not store data but operates online with a notebook or hand-held host computer. Transponder data is read and transferred to the host computer via the serial interface. Write commands are generated by the computer and executed by pushing a button on the IDL 15.

Fixed-mount Read/Write Heads & Antennas

IDR 50:

Developed for use in harsh industrial environments, the IDR 50 is a low profile, medium range read/write head. Due to its low profile housing, installation is easy, even where there is little room available. The fully encapsulated electronics ensures reliable, maintenance-free performance even at 100% humidity. The IDR 50 provides a direct digital interface to the IDE 1 Controller and includes visual indication of the operating status.

IDR 100:

Having the same performance and features of the IDR 50, the IDR 100 is used when a greater read/write range and target area are required.

IDR 130:

Designed to work with the IDC 60/ICC 60 transponders, the IDR 130 Read/Write Head provides excellent read/write range in a rugged industrial package.

IDM 18:

For applications requiring smaller read/write ranges and when transponders are spaced close to each other, the IDM 18 is a short range read/write antenna housed in a rugged steel, standard 18 mm threaded cylindrical industrial enclosure. The fully encapsulated electronics ensures reliable operation even at 100% humidity. Since the IDM 18 is an antenna only and does not contain driver hardware, it communicates with the IDE 1 Controller via the IVI 1 Driver Module.

IDM 30:

Similar to the IDM 18, the IDM 30 Read/Write Antenna provides greater read/write range in a 30 mm diameter, threaded standard industrial cylindrical sensor housing. As with the IDM 18, the IDM 30 communicates with the IDE 1 Controller via the IVI 1 Driver Module.

Read/Write Controller

IDE 1:

The IDE 1 is a flexible and powerful stationary controller that ensures fast and reliable communication with the read/write heads or antennas. It decodes captured transponder data so that it can be processed by the host computer and data transfer is accomplished via its selectable RS-232 or RS-485 interface. Using the master/slave mode, up to 32 controllers can be interlinked via a 2- or 4-wire line. Due to a possible distance of several hundred meters between read/write head and IDE 1, several controllers can be mounted centrally on a panel, ensuring easy installation and service. Furthermore, different read/write head and antenna models can be mixed in one system.

OEM Readers

ICL 40 Minireader:

Developed for the OEM to install in a customized housing or existing equipment, the ICL 40 Minireader can be connected directly to a PC or host computer via its on-board RS-232 interface. Depending on the customized housing, it can be used stationary or portable.

IDL 40 Miniwriter:

Being the read/write version of the Minireader, the IDL 40 Miniwriter is the world's smallest fully functional read/write device.

Read/Write and Read-only Transponders

Deister offers a variety of transponders (also called tags) in various shapes and sizes to address a wide range of applications. As well as different physical characteristics, transponders are available with various memory sizes and formats. The IDC prefix signifies the transponder is a read/write data carrier having either a 256 or 1k bit memory size. The ICC prefix means the transponder is a 256 bit one-time-programmable code carrier and gives the user the option of specifying the range of identification numbers required. Most transponders are also available in a random fixed-code, read-only format and are designated with the IFC prefix. The IDS prefix signifies the transponder is an insert with no housing and consists of a PC board and coil. All Deister transponders feature unlimited read cycles and 100,000+ write cycles for read/write data carriers. Data storage within transponder memory is guaranteed for twenty years.

• IDC/ICC/IFC 12 - available in read/write and read-only versions, this 12 mm diameter transponder is ideal for identification of tools or small objects. With a read range up to 28 mm, it can be fit flush into the surface of metallic materials.
  
  
• IDC/ICC/IFC 30 - available in read/write and read-only versions, this 30 mm diameter tag is ideal for applications where a read distance up to 145 mm is required. This tag also has a countersunk mounting hole for convenience.
  
  
• IDC/ICC/IFC 50 - similar to the 30 mm tag described above, but is 50 mm in diameter and has a 175 mm read range.
  
  
• IDC/ICC 60 - this rectangular transponder, designed to work with the IDR 130 Read/Write Head, includes mounting holes and boasts a 200 mm read range.
  
  
• IDC/ICC 100 - this is the popular 100 mm diameter "hockey puck" transponder used in a variety of industrial applications due to its 310 mm read range. Two countersunk mounting holes are provided for affixing to non-metallic materials.
  
  
• IDC/ICC 104 - similar to the 100 mm tag but includes a spacer and is specially designed for mounting on metal.
  
  
• IDS 10 Insert - consisting of only a chip and antenna coil, this 10.5 x 5 mm read/write transponder is perfect for embedding into existing products.
  
  
• IDS/ICS 30 Insert - similar to the IDS 10 Insert, this coil and chip package is suitable where a 145 mm read range is required. It is also available in a 256-bit OTP version as well.
  
  

Applications

Tool Identification - By using a tool identification system, it is possible to manage the automated production with machines. Identification enables the machines to classify the tools being used for the various production processes:

• The set up of tools for the machines is safer and results in a reduction of tool changing time.
• During the remaining time, tools can be used for other machines.
• Tools belonging to particular machines can be taken out of one pool.

The mounting space for data carriers in tools and clamping devices for automatic tool replacement has been specified according to the DIN 69873 Standard. According to this draft, the data carrier must have a diameter of 12 mm and an H11 fit. The height is usually 6 mm. The read heads for machine tools must have very small dimensions due to the limited mounting space available. As these machines operate very precisely, reading distances of a few millimeters is often sufficient.

Logistics - Data carriers are used to identify pallets and containers in transport and stock room systems where reading distances of up to 100 mm at speeds of approximately 1 m/s are required. Depending on where the data carrier is mounted, the pallets or containers can be automatically identified when picked up by a transport vehicle. For applications where containers have to leave the company's premisis, it is of particular advantage to use data carriers containing information about the owner, contents, etc. This data can be displayed or updated at any required location by use of portable readers.

Automatic Transport Systems - In this case it is often necessary for vehicles to locate their position at certain points along their route. For this purpose data carriers are attached along the route, e.g. in the floor and can be identified by a reader mounted under the vehicle. Speeds of up to 2 m/s with a 50 mm reading distance are required.

Product Classification - By equipping products with data carriers, it is possible to follow each individual part throughout its entire working life and to register each owner or user. Currently, companies are equipping gas bottles with data carriers so that they can be individually treated and controlled in an automatic filling plant. Since the bottles are stored at various locations, it is essential to use portable readers.

Supplier Identification - For this application, containers from various suppliers are equipped with data carriers. One possibility, for example, is to equip milk containers with data carriers. While the milk is being pumped the data carriers can be read by the milk truck. In this way, it is possible to automatically determine and link this data to a supplier.

Waste Management - As a result of increasing environmental awareness, it has become necessary to keep waste production as low as possible and to register the amount of waste produced by each individual household or business. The billing is calculated according to the amount of waste produced so that each household or business is encouraged to produce as little waste as possible.

Depending on the type of waste container used, either a small data carrier with a reading distance up to 50 mm or a larger data carrier with a reading distance of up to 400 mm can be implemented.

The reader can either be attached to the forks of the truck which pick up the container or attached further away on the side of the truck.

The truck is usually equipped with an on-board computer which contains route data and automatically transfers this data to the computer in the accounts billing department. If a read/write data carrier is fitted onto the waste container instead of a read-only code carrier, then it is possible to register both the owner of the container and the time and date of the last collection, giving a backup if the system should fail.

Containers used to store commercial hazardous waste must be periodically inspected for safety reasons. By using portable read/write devices, information contained in the data carriers mounted on containers can be easily updated in the field by the inspector.

Electronic Cash - In the leisure industry there is often the problem of carrying money. At the swimming pool, when visiting the sauna, when in the fitness center or while skiing it is far more practical not to have to carry money around. Read/write stations are installed at each cash desk and all places where payment has to be made. These stations are insensitive to water and snow which means that transactions can be registered at all times and in all conditions. The data carriers can be carried either around the neck or on the wrist and are simply put in front of the reader in order to be authorized and processed.

General Applications - The number of possible applications is increasing daily. Everywhere bar codes are used, but the recognition rate is poor, it is possible to apply Deister inductive readers and transponders. Below is a list of further applications which have not been described in detail in this section:

• Luggage identification at airports
• Tire identification for high-value tires
• Storage of personal data; e.g. blood type, medical history, etc. in order to accelerate emergency action
• "Certification of Authenticity" of brand name products as additional safety against fakes

Specifications

* - read/write ranges depend on transponder type and operating environment

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For further information on the automatic identification industry, visit the IDAT Consulting & Education World Wide Web site.