RFID Gazette

16 Barriers to RFID Ubiquity

RFID is arguably a very efficient technology, made for multiple purposes, useful for private and public sectors. The benefits of RFID are far too numerous to mention in a single article, as the potential applications are seemingly endless. Many in the industry and elsewhere feel that the technology will become ubiquitous and replace older technologies because of its efficiencies and extra functionality. The problem is, it is also a very controversial technology for many reasons, which are thus a barrier to widespread adoption of RFID.

RFID Gazette - Mon Mar 26, 2007

What RFID Is Not
Spychips points to an AIM Global newsletter item that kills some so-called RFID truths. Keep in mind that AIM Global is an important  RFID international standards body with very well-placed industry people in its membership list. They list 6 RFID myths, amongst them: that RFID is secure and no threat to privacy.

Calling Occupants... Of Interplanetary Craft
[with apologies to Klaatu] RFID is an ideal technology for the supply chain, regardless of what kind of industry. Most of the time, location is not a barrier, either. As such, RFID could be useful for the interplanetary supply chain that NASA is setting up for the planned Moon base for 2020, and crewed missions to Mars. New Scientist Space has more details, though RFID is not mentioned in the article.

RFID Industry Mergers
PanGo networks and InnerWireless have announced a merger. The two companies had been working on an asset tracking project together for a joint customer, a hospital. [via RFID Update]

RFID To Fuel Internet of Things

SEDs, or Service-Enabled Devices, will form a network of ordinary objects. So says Steve Ranger in a Business Week article. The term SED doesn't appear in the article, but ordinary devices that can communicate with each other are often referred to as SEDs. Item-level RFID tagging is still relatively expensive, but when your common household objects eventually get tagged, they could potentially form a network with each other. [via Loftware]

RFID isn't the only technology necessary, as the communication of data requires any one of the several wireless protocols. Potential candidates include ZigBee and possibly the new Wibree wireless communication protocol from Nokia, which is a low-power alternative to the popular Bluetooth - something many mobile devices already have. Wibree is intended to be used with small wearable objects such as watches and intelligent jewelry, or even computer keyboards and mice. So it could likely be co-opted for SED use, in tandem with radio frequency tech.

RFID Roundup - Wed Nov 08/06

Honey We Shrunk the Contactless Payment Key Fob
Texas Intruments is offering a new contactless payment chip inlay [PCB007] about the size of a postage stamp, as well as an oval-shaped inlay antenna. Both products are compatible with MasterCard PayPass contactless payment systems, and open up the possibility of very small form factor payment keyfobs and wristbands. PayPass compatible wristbands were given away by MasterCard Worldwide recently to fans at the New York Giants' Giants Stadium. Texas Instruments recently gave up buying RFID inlays to manuffacture their own.

China Approves Savi Technology
The SRRC (State Radio Regulation Committee) in China has approved Savi Technology's active RFID tags and readers , which operate at 433.92 Mhz (ISO 18000-7) for use in the country. [via FCW] Savi was acquired recently by Lockheed Martin.

Cricket Welcomes RFID
Cricket is the latest sport to use radio frequency technology, in this case for event ticketing for the Rajasthan Cricket Association. The RFID tags used are from NXP (formerly Philips Semiconductors), the readers from Gemini. [via The HIndu Business Line]

The Network Effect Of RFID Use

Paul Faber of Industry Week gives a very nice explanation of a phenomenon called the network effect, where the value of a good or service increases in direct proportion to the number of people or companies using that good or service. For example, early email systems were only of value to those few researchers who had access. Now, email access is ubiquitous and valuable. Faber discusses how the network effect applies to RFID in retail, EPCglobal's EPC (Electronic Product Code), and container tracking.

The beauty of the EPC, aside from the fact that it's being promoted as a standard, is that it is designed for the sharing of information, collected by RFID readers, between organizations. So anyone in a particular supply chain that uses EPC could benefit from it. So while Wal-Mart's use of it is unfortunately relatively isolated, their mandate to introduce their suppliers to RFID and EPC should increase the value of its use to both them and the suppliers, especially beause Wal-Mart plans to share such data. However, at present, RFID in retail, Faber suggests, is not large enough yet to enjoy the positive side of the network effect, "[d]ue to the incomplete infrastructure of EPC RFID tools." Layoffs in companies such as Checkpoint Systems would bear that out.

RFID Roundup - Sun Nov 5/06

RFID In Europe: Mood For EPC + Gen2 UHF Tech Improving
New UHF readers that work with new ETSI radio frequency regulations means that European companies are now more interested in EPCglobal's EPC (Electronic Product Code) RFID standard. Since the Gen 2 UHF protocol was introduced, ETSI has relaxed their regulations a bit to provide a wider frequency spectrum, amongst other things. And as a few companies rollout projects, those create interest in other companies. [via RFID Journal]

Another RFID Company Lays Off Staff
A Spychips article suggests that no one is "buying" Checkpoint Systems' plan to put RFID chips in clothing and shoes, and as a result of low systems sales, they are laying off people. They are still planning to sell their products including library inventory-management systems. Late last year, Checkpoint's BCS (Bar Code Systems) businesses were acquired by SATO.

Military + Aerospace RFID Use Growing
ABI Research has a new report on the military and aerospace use of RFID, a market that is expected to reach US$2B by 2011. Part of this market will be due to RF tech use in maintenance and repair applications. [ABI Research via EE Times]

More Of What's Holding Back Adoption Of RFID

Aside from issues of privacy and security, one serious factor holding back a wider adoption of RFID is the lack of skilled professionals. While the general principles of radio frequency technology may be many decades old (varies depending on whom you ask), its current uses are mostly limited to the past 15 or so years. Those professionals who do have the skills are already employed. And those few that are learning are apparently not learning fast enough, with recruiters feeling that some grads are not skilled enough to handle more complex installations.

There are a lack of degree/ diploma programs, beyond a handful of workshops,  courses and programs (Middlesex College, Oakton Community College, Indiana University), at least in North America - some of which are government grant-supported. Self-learning is not always easy going. Even a person like myself, with extensive technical background, has difficulties understanding all of the aspects of RFID - and there is a lot to learn, with new facets being introduced into the industry on a weekly basis.

The industry could spur the learning by helping establish "trade" programs in community colleges, supply equipment, and even loan/hire out their own professionals to teach courses. Aside from promoting the opportunity of a career in RF technology, I don't see how the future-lack problem can be nipped in the bud. Look at India. They are currently short of qualified engineers and other professionals for all the outsourced work that is assigned to the country. They're now running fast-track study programs to graduate people faster, and actually inviting students from other countries. Something similar will probably have to happen for the RFID industry - maybe including short-term contracts for retired/ semi-retired programmers and database administrators, not to mention technicians.

If you have an interest in getting involved in the RFID industry, two sites you may want to visit are OTA Training and RFID Recruiters. OTA will be debuting their RFID on the Web e-learning program this Fall, for those want to learn independently. RFID Recruiters has an article explaining how to earn a career opportunity in RFID and how to get started (including a list of the hot areas of RFID opportunities).

Big Blue Postpones RFID Demo

IBM called off an RFID demonstration in Australia recently, at the Australian Tennis Open. They stopped due to the interference they were causing to a nearby Vodafone mobile phone tower, because of frequency overlap. The irony is that IBM was demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of RFID. [Australian IT via Storefront Backtalk]

As the Australian IT article indicates, this interference with a cellular tower is not a normal occurrence. Apparently the non-IBM RFID reader did not conform to standards set by GS1 (Australian branch of a standards body). However, differences in operating frequency ranges for RF equipment in different countries has occasionally been a hindrance to projects where RFID tags are used in different countries. Adoption of a single band for RF activity in all countries is difficult due to legacy use of various frequencies in each country. IBM has been looking to standardize RFID and is also involved in a new US-UK RFID research consortium, which they are leading.

Chinese RFID Demand Driven By Security Sector?

According to a CCW Research report, China's demand for RFID will be driven by[China Tech News] public security applications. While this may be true, the sheer size of China has resulted in several RFID projects, some of massive scope, and with great potential for more radio frequency programs. Here are a few tidbits about Chinese-related projects:

• China recently announced a gigantic project for 125M contactless train tickets for their railway system - quite possibly the biggest project of it's kind in the world.
• NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips Semiconductors) is finding demand [EET Asia] for it's UCODE EPC G2 UHF chips, which were apparently selected because they conform to Wal-Mart's RFID mandate. Not suprising, given the probably high ratio of Chinese manufacturers amongst the retail giant's suppliers.
• In fact, Chinese-made items make up half of the product sold by giant US retailers. China is also looking to implementing RFID in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
• An older article at this site says that manufacturing logistics and suply chain issues are a big driver of RFID implementation in China.
• China has also been tagging livestock and has been testing RF tags for luggage tracking for some airlines.

   

As you can see, it's not just public security apps driving demand for RFID in China. They have so many projects of such large scope that they had considered having a Chinese RFID standard, though that idea seems to have passed. The government's Ministry of Science and Technology did come up with a Chinese RFID policy white book.

Japanese Firms Propose RFID 2.0

There isn't yet an accepted RFID standard around the world (but the ISO recently approved EPCGlobal's EPC Gen 2 standard), but two Japanese firms, HP Japan and BEA Japan, are talking about a new architecture [RFID in Japan] for business applications called RFID 2.0.

Meanwhile, Japan's Internal Affairs and Communication Ministry will be approving the use [RFID Blog] of active RFID chips for a number of purposes, including cargo containers. The chips will follow US standards by using the 433 Mhz frequency, and can communicate over long ranges [Forbes], even exceeding 100 meters. Existing RFID chips in Japan are mostly short-range, unable to communicate over more than 10 inches or so.

Japan is currently conducting a number of RFID initiatives, including smart license plates and even controversial projects such as tracking elementary school students with affixable RFID tags.

The State of RFID In China

With rumors recently quashed about China wanting their own RFID standard, the state of RFID there is causing some worries in the industry. IdTechEx recently sent technical consultant Ning Xiao around the country to visit RFID companies, users, and government officials. His findings are summarized at IDTechEx, but the gist is that China has the world's largest order for RFID, including their national ID card program. Ning's findings summarize a number of other areas of importance, including that around 65% of Wal-Mart's goods sold are from China.

Given this information, it's a good thing that China has stopped talking about having their own RFID standard, as doing so would have repercussions on the industry. Wal-Mart isn't the only giant retailer to purchase goods from China, and having to support different standards would likely be a technical nightmare, as well as increasing RFID implementation costs.

Milk Cow-Tracking Blues

A new RFID cattle-tracking system is being offered by agri-tech company TekVet. The system monitors livestock temperature individually and uses an IBM-hosted Internet server for access to tagged livestock's health records. TekVet's system is different from other catttle trackers because it uses active tags and has a temperature sensor. The read range of the tags 300-500 feet. [via RFID Journal]

A system known as NAIS (National Animal Identification System) has been devised in the US, the result of a partnership between the NIAA (National Institute for Animal Agriculture) and the NPPC (National Pork Producers Council). The intent is to RFID-tag all livestock animals in the US, then later tracks tags using a GPS (Global Positioning System).

While most people probably consider animal tagging relatively innocuous, some people feel differentlly, as detailed in the award-winning book The Cattle.

RFID Roundup - Wed Aug 23/06

The 2005 California Bill 682 stalled the use of RFID technology in ID cards, placing a three-year moratorium on such use. That bill has now been amended and approved by a 49-to-26 vote in the California Assembly. Senate still has to vote. If it passes, it'll be sent to The Terminator, I mean (California Governor) Schwarzenegger for final approval. [via RFID Journal]

Despite rumblings that China wanted their own RFID standard, ABI Research's latest report suggests that this is unlikely. This may be partly due to EPCGlobal's activities in mainland China, whose momentum would be difficult for the government to stop. [via RFID Update]

Newsfactor Online has a lengthy article on RFID and the changes it will bring to our lives, privately, in the workplace, and in places we shop.

The government of Queensland in Australia is seeking vendors for their smartcard driver's license, for which studies were conducted starting in 2003. [via Australian IT]

US Government Inconsistent About The Use Of RFID?

The Inspector General (IG) of the US DHS (Dept of Homeland Security) feels that RFID systems need certain vulnerabilities be addressed before the Department's systems could be considered completely secure. The IG also said that there is no department-wide policy dictate how agencies should implement security for their RFID systems. A plan of action is currently being devised. [via FCW]

I find it surprising that the DHS, an agency whose very existence has to do with security, wouldn't already have a draft document in place before the fact, before any RFID trials ever took place. (At least, that's what appears to be the case.) Maybe I'm just naive.

Then again, large organizations often have several similar projects in place that are run unaware of each other. The result, in this case, is that some branches of the government have differing opinions on how RFID should or should not be used. (For example, the DHS privacy office criticized the potential use of RFID for tracking people.)

This in turn has cause programs like the DHS's WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) to be set aside while e-passports are already being handed out.

US Government To Coordinate RFID Efforts

Robert Cresanti, Undersecretary of Commerce for Technology Administration and a co-chair of the RFID Interagency Working Group, has stated publicly that he will coordinate the US government's RFID efforts. This is necessary because of the dozens of federal agencies who are using or looking into using RFID. [via RFID Law Blog]

On a related note, the US State Department and the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) are at odds over the type of RFID tags to use. The former prefers short-range chips, in deference to security issues raised by privacy advocates. The DHS prefers longer-range chips.

Gen2 RFID Chip Market Heating Up

Impinj, once the only manufacturer of RFID Gen 2 chips, has been joined by at least two other large semiconductor companies, including Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics . Impinj helped draft the Gen 2 standards and a number of companies, including Texas Instruments, purchased chips from Impinj for their RFID inlays.

With an increasing number of applications demanding Gen2 chips, it's more than likely that there'll be a fight for market share. In fact, Texas Instruments gave up the inlay market and buying RFID chips from Impinj, and moved  to manufacturing their own Gen2 chips. Philips is expected to join this manufacturing market soon.

The industries most expected to use RFID chips in general includes pharmaceutical/ healthcare and government, particularly the DoD (US Dept of Defense). They are arguably the biggest users of RFID technology, with maybe the possible exception of Wal-Mart.

Unfortunately for Impinj, according to the CRM News article I've linked to above, the pharmaceutical industry is leaning towards HF (high frequency) chips, whereas Impinj focused their efforts on the newer, more controversial UHF (ultra-high frequency) RFID chips.

Still, the demand for RFID Gen2 chips is expected to grow, and with it, more manufacturers will likely want a piece of the market.

Poland To Issue Smart Passports Soon

Poland is the latest country planning to use RFID to create ICAO-compliant smart passports for their citizens. The necessity for this comes from Poland becoming a member of the EU (European Union), which requires members adoption of ICAO-based passports by this month (Aug 2006). The new passports are expected to be passed out starting Q3 2006. [via Contactless News]

Sweeney's Three Keys To Successful RFID Implementation

Despite RFID's decade's old origins, it's current host of applications is relatively new, and many companies lack the skilled workers to effectively implement the technology into their business practices. In an interview with Patrick Sweeney, CEO of ODIN Technologies,  AIM Global offers three keys to successful RFID Implementation.

Sweeney has been working with the DoD (US Dept. of Defense) and dealing with their stringent demands for 100% read rates as part of massive RFID trials. He says that the three keys to successful RFID implementation are understanding the phsyics of radio frequency, realizing there's no silver bullet to picking the right hardware, and following a proven process.

Very wise advice. I don't think I've heard it put that succinctly before.

China Wants Their Own RFID Standard - Good or Bad?

While many countries have accepted EPCGlobal's RFID standard, China wants to have their own standard. While China will still use the ISO standard frequencies of 13.56 Mhz (Megahertz) for NFC (Near-Field Communication), as well as the 860-960 Mhz band, the want to use their own numbering system. Their NPC (National Product Code) would compete with EPCGlobal's EPC (Electronic Product Code). [EE Times Asia via Storefront Backtalk]

China feels that their approach is cheaper than EPCGlobal's. With the substantial commitment to RFID that Chinese industries have undertaken, even a small percentage savings will make a difference.

Currently, there is no single worldwide standard for RFID technology, although EPCGlobal's draft document is arguably the closest thing to it. Yet despite the supposed cost savings, I think China's approach is a mistake. (Aside from their RFID Technology and Policy whitebook.) The EE Times Asia source article says:

More than a quarter of world trade passes through Asia, with China as the hub, making it key target for RFID.

If this is true, China should cooperate with existing efforts and find ways to cut costs elsewhere. Otherwise implementing a new standard is just going to generate costs elsewhere down the line in other countries, and probably find it's way back around to China. A financial karma of sorts?

Just speculating, but with an expected near three billion tags being consumed in China by 2009, especially for smart card use, implementing a new RFID standard seems like yet another way to wall themselves off.

RFID Roundup - Mon Aug 07/06

To get the public more acquainted with RFID in the supply chain, the technology is being demonstrated in an interactive learning exhibit at the Retail Technology Expo in Melbourne, Australia, from Sep 19-21, 2006. [via Ferret]

The Pathfinder group of companies in New Zealand is running an RFID trial, at both both pallet- and case-level, to test their supply chain. If the trials are successful, that bodes well, as Prime Minister Helen Clark feels that 2007 see NZ exporting a lot of goods, many of which will need to be tagged. Previous RFID trials in NZ were fairly restricted, but the variety of applications is increasing. [via Stuff]

It might suprise you to know that JP Morgan Chase in the USA has already released around seven million RFID-enabled contacless smartcards for banking and payment. Chase recently released first-year statistics show some benefits of use for the smartcards for consumers, but retailers stand to benefit even more. [via Storefront Backtalk]

While the auto industry used RFID tags as far back as twenty years ago, and in a more widespread fashion about fifteen years ago, RFID-enabled cars can be stolen. Some of the methods used include disabling the RFID reader by removing a fuse, or a variety of brute force techniques. And unfortunately, even a former police officer whose SUV was stolen and vandalized was accused of lying because the thieves hadn't damaged his RFID transponder.  [via The RFID Weblog]

How Safe Are The New RFID e-Passports?

Kevin Mahaffey, a 21-year old electrical engineer, set off an explosive with an RFID-enabled passport mockup. But he had no nefarious intent. In fact, he was asked by tech security analysts at Flexilis to set up the demonstration. Thi was done to show the potential hazards of using the new RFID-enabled e-passports that the US government is planning on issuing later this year, and which has raised privacy concerns.

Flexilis analysts, speaking at the Blackhat 2006 conference in Nevada, said that the foil mesh inside the cover of the new US e-passports are not secure enough to shield from being read by unauthorized devices.

While I'm no fan of using RFID as an attempted human tracking technology, I make a few exceptions, especially in the case of RFID-tagging luggage for airport check-in/ out. However, the scenario painted Flexilis has nothing to do with luggage. They suggested that an RFID e-passport could be used to set off explosives hidden in a trash bin at an airport. Something about this, in my opinion, seems flawed.

Firstly, if trash-bin device uses short-range RFID, the person setting it off is endangered as well. If the device is long-range, then security sweeps of an airport, using an RFID reader is likely to reveal it. So given good security methods and thorough sweeps, it's unlikely to remain hidden.

Secondly, if a trash bin is metal and blocks security readers, an e-passport will be no more successful setting off a hidden device. Alternately, each airport trash bin could be lined with a Faraday Cage, to shield against RF signals. While possibly costly, it would deter the success of such scenarios.

Thirdly, you don't need an RFID-passport to activate the hidden device. The person assigned as activator could carry an RFID keyfob. In other words, it's not the passport that's the problem, but the methodology (or lack of) used to prevent such scenarios.

On the other hand, if the criminal intent is to harm the person carrying the passport, this is a bit more chilling, as the theory put forth by Flexilis is that a specific person's passport could unwittingly activate the hidden device. As proof, Flexilis set up model rocket engines in a trashcan (albeit rubber), attached to an RFID reader. When they swung a e-passport-carrying mannequin, on pulleys, near the trashcan, the rocket engines were fired off directly at the mannequin.

Apparently it's not just the US passports that are considered a risk. In Germany, a computer security consultant, Lukas Grunwald, demonstrated how to clone a specific RFID chip. Grunwald tested his method on an EU German passport, but says that it'll work for all e-passports using the ICAO standard. Earlier this year, a Dutch security firm cracked a prototype e-passport, based on the ICAO standard, within two hours, while being filmed for a TV program.

In light of this information, these RFID e-passports don't seem all that secure. So it makes me wonder how and why they are being enforced, in so many countries. Of course, these flaws could just as well be utilized by government spies as by criminals. (But then, some people think that they're synonymous anyway.) However, who gainsays what a government does, and how?

RFID Alternatives Or Variations?

Mark Roberti, founder and editor of RFID Journal, takes exception to certain technologies such as RuBee and HP Memory Spot being labelled as alternatives to RFID. He sets the record straight that these are both RFID technologies. Fair enough.

I guess despite my own loose use of "alternative", I'd pretty much have to agree with him. But I think it's also a question of who you're writing for. For industry insiders, these technologies are viewed as being within the domain of RFID, as they probably should be. For a more general audience who might be used to slotting things into niche categories, these technologies might be perceived as being alternatives to existing RFID technology. I know I'll be more careful how I present "RFID alternatives" in the future, but I guess I've tended to use the term in a looser sense than maybe I should have.

RFID technology has a rich set of uses, so whether a related technology should be labelled as an alternative or a variation, or something else, depends on its full functionality. If it can fully (or nearly so) replace RFID systems without using the same principles, then it's an alternative. (E.g., in my opinion, VLID - Visible Light IDentification, is an alternative, but compatible to RFID.) Under that definition, many of the "alternatives" presented here are really "variations" to RFID.

If the technology in question only replaces a portion of RFID functionality, then what do you call it? My memory fails me, but I can't think of a word in English that works here. Then there are technologies that enhance RFID but are not explicitly functional alternatives.

For example, earlier posts here have covered biometric methods such as palm vein scans, I think that it's incorrect to say that they are full alternatives to RFID. RFID has far more uses than just identification, and biometrics are purely for identification. That's not to say that RFID and biometrics are not being combined.

That said, I will try to cover some more alternatives and variations to RFID in the future.

RFID Roundup #3

IBM and T3Ci finished the interoperability testing of a new EPCIS RFID software standard, based on EPCGlobal's EPC (Electronic Product Code), which allows the exchange and query of RFID data. T3Ci is a maker of RFID analytics software. This new feature will allow RFID data sharing across systems. Unilever North America is apparently piloting the standard.

ExtremeRFID has an podcast on RFID between eWeek Senior Editor Kevin Fogarty and RFID expert Fran Rabuck, about the implications of China joining the EU's BRIDGE project.

ABI Research says that the US government should be soothing the fears of citizens regarding the new RFID-enabled smart e-passports. These passports are expected to start being issued in August and are based on the ISO 14443 contactless technology standard.

RFID tag manufacturer Alien Technology was hoping to raise US$88M for their IPO, scheduled for July 27, 2006. (Although it appears that their expectations dropped from raising $120 mln.) A look at their Nasdaq page (Nasdaq: RFID - clever) after close of market on July 28th shows that they have not begun trading yet. A look at Alien's press releases webpage shows nothing dated after June 26th. So I guess we'll have to wait and see.

RF Code, an Arizona-based asset tracking solutions developer, has donated RFID equipment to the University of Ohio's RFID research programs. [via RFID blog]

What is ZigBee's Relationship to RFID?

[Updated July 27th] If you've watched Star Trek, you're familiar with some of the technological features, particularly crew member location. Someone asks the computer for the location of a certain crew member, and the computer queries their badge, then responds. Well thanks to ZigBee, that ability is now close to reality. At least the location-tracking ability, if not the the voice-operated ability.

ZigBee is a wireless protocol built upon IEEE 802.15.4 and is related to several other wireless protocols. It's particularly useful for setting up WPANs (Wireless Personal Area Networks) of SEDs (Service Enabled Devices). Essentially, Zigbee allows enabled "appliances" to talk to each other, regardless of manufacturer. This has many uses in RFID applications.

The ZigBee protocol provides a low-speed, low-power communication for devices that need to communicate wirelessly within a 10-meter (33-foot) range (i.e., a WPAN). WPAN clusters can be connected together to extend that range.

There are three frequencies that provide different bit transfer rates. The most commonly used frequency is 2.4 Ghz, which provides 250 kbps (kilobits per second). Other shorter-wave frequencies offer lower transfer rates. This protocol allows communication with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless networks as well.

ZigBee is not an alternative for RFID, but is rather a network platform, enabling RFID devices to communicate with each other as well as other networked devices.

This ability of ZigBee is being demonstrated at Saint Luke's East-Lee's Summit Hospital in Lee's Summit, Missouri, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The trials there allow hospital staff to locate patients wearing RFID-enabled badges. RFID readers query for badges, and if any are present, transmit signals over the ZigBee WPAN network. The system has allowed doctors, nurses, and other staff to find patients, on different floors, with a high degree of accuracy.

These results bode well. Besides closed systems such as unwired hospitals, a similar  RFID + ZigBee setup could be used by miners or any environment where the safety of individuals is enhanced by non-intrusive tracking methods.

Additional sources:  [Expert Answer Center, IEEE WPAN projects, Network World]

Note: As per RFBase's comment below, this is a correction. The ZigBee capabilities demonstrated at St Luke's Hospital consists of the RFID tags inside patient badges querying for RF transceivers and communicating via ZigBee. There are no RFID readers, per se, and thus these do not communicate over a WPAN network, as indicated above.

Apologies for the error. Thanks to RFBase for the heads up.

Fools On The Hill - Senators Learn About RFID

Despite the failure of previous bills in the California Senate to look at RFID privacy issues or ban RFID use, the US Senate has been taking a closer look lately. A couple of US Senators  recently initiated a special RFID Caucus to learn more about the technology had their first meeting this past Thursday, July 13. A few more Senators joined the Caucus, the goal being to educate themselves and the aides of senators about RFID and policy issues.

This is of course a good thing, because as more legislators understand the technology and its potential uses, the more likely they are to legislate RFID wisely. The question of whether RFID should be legislated is of course hotly debated, not just by the RFID industry but also writers and editors of magazines and websites.

Additional sources: [RFID Journal]

Peer-to-Peer Capabilities of RuBee, An Alternative To RFID

RuBee is being touted as a low-cost alternative to RFID, for low-bandwidth scenarios. One feature that might just push RuBee-based tags to wider implementation than RFID is its peer-to-peer capabilities, which include being searchable on the Internet.

In the IEEE announcement of RuBee, they point out the fact that these tags will be equipped with IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. However, the page mentions the older IPv4 instead of the newer IPv6 with longer addresses. IPv6 is expected by some peple to be the backbone of being able to set up a network of SEDs (Service Enabled Devices) that communicate with each other over an "Internet of devices".

Regardless, as RuBee tags have IP addresses, that means that their status can be checked from the Internet. Given a full-blown SED with a RuBee tag and a web server, you can view data collected by the device simply by visiting a dedicated web page. In fact, the press release mentions a ".tag" TLD (Top-Level Domain) name, so you could presumably have a web URL such as http://ourlabs.tag/rubee42/.

Besides asset management, combined with a variety of hybrid sensors, RuBee tags could have enormous telepresence-related application implications, including security (such as Seaport + border), robotics, nanotechnology, weather sensors, and more.

VLID and RuBee LWID - Alternatives To RFID?

Back in early June, the IEEE revealed standard 1902.1, aka RuBee, an alternative to RFID technology. There was buzz about it since 2005, or even earlier, as a technology that would solve a lot of the problems of RFID.

While several large American retailers and vendors are backing the project, it's not expected to reach full fruition for a year or longer. (The target date is Oct 2007.) The idea is that the real return on investment for RFID will come from item-level tracking, for which RFID is currently too costly, amongst other problems. Supposedly, RuBee will change that.

RuBee LWID (Long Wavelength ID) tags are mostly magnetic/ inductive, whereas RFID tags are typically radio frequency-based. More information is available in the IEEE PAR form for RuBee Standard for Long Wavelength Network Protocol (PDF). This document reveals that RuBee works on a "long wavelength (< 450Khz), low speed (300-9600 Baud), low power, medium range (50' to 100')" basis.

If you want an idea of how slow 300 baud is, if you're old enough, you might recall the old phone modem cradles, for computer network communication, from the 1980s. They were rectangular in shape and had two round, padded ports where you'd fit in your phone handset (old-style, with round mouth and earpieces of about 2 inches diameter). As I say, if you're old enough, you remember how slow those connections were.

The PAR document goes on to further say that RuBee fills a gap, in applications where bandwidth is not an issue. So it's not a replacement to RFID. At 300 baud, it couldn't be used in, say, a retailer's checkout lines, but could be used for smart shelves that communicate with the store's POS system, as necessary.

Other examples, according to the document, include "visibility of medical devices in hospitals, patient and physician visibility in OR's, product visibility in retail stores, and livestock visibility." RuBee tags can also be used in "harsh environments (near steel and water), and are expected to have battery lives of over 10 years.

Fully-decked out RuBee tags (with sRAM, displays, LEDs) will likely run <$2 tag. That's not feasible for item-level tagging, especially when item-level RFID tags are sub-forty cents, and sub-ten cent tags are on the horizon. On the other hand, basic RuBee tags could be as low as fifteen cents, which makes item-level tagging much more realistic, considering sub-five cent tags may not be commonplace for another five to seven years. RuBee base stations are expected to cost less than $100, compared to <$1000 for RFID.

Other alternatives to conventional RFID tags are experimental VLID (Visible Light ID) tags that are compatible with RFID systems (protocol level), but require direct line-of-sight between tag and reader. VLID tags do not suffer from radio interference. They can be used in areas that frequently ban RF signals, such as hospitals, or simply do not transmit them, such as underwater. RuBee, on the other hand, can perform through some solids.

These three types of tags, RFID, VLID, and LWID, offer a choice for a variety of conditions. Whether issues of security and signal interception will be solved is yet to be seen.

Additional Sources: [Storefront Backtalk, eWeek Channel Insider, IEEE.org RuBee announcement]

FDA yet to make RFID mandate for US drugs

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put aside the proposal that mandates the use of RFID to trace pharmaceuticals in the supply chain for the time being
FDA resolves to prevent counterfeit drugs in the supply chain. It will enact regulations, which force drug manufacturers to provide a pedigree of how products have passed through the supply chain.

The drugs legitimate has not mentioned specifically about the technology to check counterfeit drugs. Therefore, the FDA finds RFID is the ultimate option to safeguard the drugs supply. FDA has given time to the companies to adopt the technology. It will be implementing the pedigree proposals to ensure electronic tracking of pharmaceuticals.

via silicon

MOST to set national standards for electronic labels in China

China has decided to set national standards for electronic labels to increase competition amongst domestic and foreign manufacturers. China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will prepare and put national standards for the electronic products. Zhang Zhiwen, an official with the MOST, expressed on the proposal, ‘We make reference to the international standards of ISO/IEC18000 for drafting our own RFID standards’.

He further commented, ‘We need to consider other major technical standards in some developed countries’. The report predicts that the RFID market will boom in the coming days and reach four billion US dollars in 2008. China is adopting this latest technology gradually. It has implemented RFID technology in some of the major sectors.

It is high time for the national government to set standards, covering physical features, interface protocols, reader protocols, coding system, application system and data management, Zhang adds.

Via people

New RFID bill takes balanced approach

A new RFID bill, dubbed as ‘AB 2561’ promotes the use of RFID technology in state government IDs, while dealing with privacy concerns of citizens and organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, is gaining momentum in California.

The new RFID bill takes a balanced approach to privacy and remotely readable identification cards than previously proposed bill, notes the American Electronics Association (AeA). AeA describes that AB 2561 insists a board of experts to ensure implementation of RFID technology with security safeguard to protect the privacy of Californians.

The bill urges the California Research Bureau to evaluate the use of this technology while seeking guidance from an advisory panel, which includes government, technology and consumer representatives. The bill was proposed on Feb 23 and has been passed with bipartisan support in two California legislative committees.

Via contactlessnews

Irvine's RFID Certificate program gets technical support from Zebra

Zebra Technology Corporation has agreed to provide technical assistance to University of California, Irvine's new RFID Certificate Program. The leading printing solutions has contributed an R110Xi RFID printer, encoder and smart label media for execution of this program.

Stefano Stefan, assistant director of business, management, legal and IT programs at  UC Irvine Extension commented,

There is a lot of RFID interest and activity in Orange County and the surrounding area. This program will help people understand the business issues around the technology.

He added.

Anything we can do to provide hands-on learning makes the education better. Having RFID printer/encoder technology from Zebra makes the program that much more valuable because it is something our students would use in their professional lives.   

The program will no doubt draw the attention of professional from throughout southern California.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Avery Dennison RFID names Eight New Qualified Converters

Avery Dennison RFID has named eight new 'Qualified Converters' that have met the company's rigorous standards. These converters are, Brady Corporation; Intermec Technologies Corporation; Marnlen Management Limited; Metalcraft; Nosco, Inc.; Plitek, LLC; Repacorp Label Products; and Starport, LLC. Earlier the Avery has qualified 17 converters in last December.

George Reynolds, VP of sales and marketing at Avery Dennison said,

We consider these converters to be our business partners. The high level of label converting proficiencies demonstrated by these eight companies ensures that we will confidently recommend them to end users that specify Avery Dennison RFID inlay products.

Avery Dennison RFID would work through the converter channel to thrive high- quality, high-volume and low-cost RFID labels to meet the market demand.

Via: [More RFid] 

RFID Trial Results encouraging, says ETSI

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has satisfied with the RFID trial results in busy warehouse conditions.

ETSI has recently declared the results of RFID trials, for which ETSI's Code of Practice has been used as the reference document. 

The round two tests on reading ability of RFID systems at UHF ranges was conducted by specialists at the beginning of May 2006. The test was satisfactory in the sense that it achieved a reading performance of 98.5 percent in comparison to 91 to 96 percent in the early tests. 

John Falck, chairperson of ETSI Task Group 34 explained, 'Equipment now exists that is able to operate satisfactorily in Europe, but there is a way to go as end users call for even higher reading performance'.

Via: [New Telephony]

China RFID Technology and Policy White Book to be released

China is going to release 'The China RFID Technology and Policy White Book' very soon.  The Policy White Book is a document, which provides an overall view of the RFID technology of China.

Under the initiatives of Ministry of Science and Technology, 14 ministers including the Ministry of information and industry worked hard to come up with the document. 

The China RFID Technology and Policy White Book provides guidelines for the enrichment of this latest technology in the country. It insists creation of an RFID national standard and the establishment of the standards system.

It is known that there are 71 companies including Huahong, Tsinghua Tongfang, Datang and China Putian ready to make standard for RFID technology.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Philips, SK Telecom to conduct RFID test in Seoul

Philips and South Korean Telecom are coming together to conduct a RFID test in Seoul. They will use Near Field Communication technology which will allow the four hundred participants to use their mobile phones to download music, unlock doors, pay for goods and services.

The half of the participants will use phones carrying Philips' NFC RFID chip and other will use phones retrofitted with plug and play. The NFC-supported phones fitted with Philips RFID chips compliant with the ISO 14443A standard for contact less cards can be read at a range of less than 10cm or 4 inches.

These phones will serve as RFID readers to read tags, download data and ensure communication with other phones and devices. The trial is scheduled to begin from next month.

Via: [RFID Journal]

Cardinal Health to test next phase of e2e RFID technology in pilot program

In order to improve the safety and efficiency of the nation's drug supply, Cardinal Health, Inc., has decided to start next phase of end-to-end pilot program to test RFID technology. Under this program, the company will begin to tag medication with labels which carries unique data. These data can be captured and read to verify its authenticity at each step of the supply chain. In this way, the company can check counterfeit of drug entering the supply chain.

Renard Jackson, executive vice president of packaging services for Cardinal Health said,

Cardinal Health is the first company in health care to comprehensively test RFID technology at the unit level in a real-time setting, beginning with product labeling and packaging, and then as it travels through the distribution center to when it is received by a customer. 

The use of RFID technology will benefit drug manufacturers, pharmacists and consumers.

Via: [Yahoo! Biz]

CTC develops RFID guidelines

In contrary to the fact that RFID technology has the global market potentiality for it's multiple usages, the industry experts claim that the Radio Frequency technology is yet to come with a standard form and format. The main reason of their allegation is the privacy factor which users are very likely to confront while implementing RFID technology.

Taking the issue into consideration, the Centre for Democracy and Technology CTC, a working group consists of Eli Lilly and Company, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, the National Consumers League, Procter & Gamble, and Visa USA has developed a set of RFID guidelines to protect consumer's privacy.

The CDT said,

When the data collected from RFID tags is linked to personally identifiable information, privacy issues can arise.

The guidelines suggest that consumers should be informed about RFID data collection by the companies. The companies which seek RFID data should not mislead the consumers.

Gartner VP John Pescatore in a research note opined that guidelines will enhance RFID and its general acceptance. He add that the industries must also work for the security of the technology.

Via: [Silicon]

New Standards Work Groups to study High Frequency technologies

EPCglobal Inc(TM) has announced the formation of two new standards development working groups, the HF Air Interface Working Group and the UHF Air Interface Working Group. The groups will work for the creation of an EPglobal Generaton 2 standard for high frequency bands for health applications.

Chris Adcock, president of EPCglobal said;

EPCglobal is happy to begin work on extending the very successful EPCglobal Gen 2 standard to support the healthcare industry. EPCglobal is technology and frequency neutral. Our main objective is to ensure that we have common data structures and command sets to make it easier and less costly to implement.

The groups will focus on the needs of the users and help them in business.

Wal-Mart Chief Information Officer Rollin Ford said;

The EPCglobal UHF Gen 2 standard is our clear choice as we continue to roll out RFID in our supply chain. UHF is the best technology for Wal-Mart at this time. Obviously using one standard will deliver the lowest cost solution for all industries; however if the technical performance and economics support the HF frequency for other industries, then we would support the extension of the EPCglobal Gen 2 standard and data structure to HF for those industries.

Via: [XTVWorld]

Philippines: NTC finalizes RFID usage rules

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Philippines has published and released the final rules on RFID equipment and devices. The new rules will be in effect in the next two weeks when the NTC publishes its circular on RFID in major newspapers

RFID devices will use the 13.553 to 13.567 Megahertz frequency range and 918 to 920 MHz, 2446 to 2454 MHz range exclusively.

RFID readers must radiate power measuring between 500 milliwatts and 2 watts. Only NTC-approved devise are to be used. Moreover, NTC will charge between 50 to 100 pesos depending on the equipment's signal strength.

Via Asian Journal

China will soon establish an RFID standard

Sources from China's Ministry of Information Industry (MII) say that China will soon establish an RFID national standard. We have reported earlier about China's promising RFID market including the National Passport plan.

The impending standard is being delayed due to a persistent for one-upmanship between supporting organizations of the three major international RFID standards--ISO/IEC18000, EPCGlobal and UbiquitousID.

As a result, the authorities are not being able to make up their minds about one national standard for RFID. What will it be? We will keep you posted.

via RFidBlog

SYBASE releases RFID Enterprise 2.0

RFID Enterprise 2.0 is a a comprehensive RFID data management and integration solution. RFID Enterprise 2.0 not only has device and network management capabilities, it also provides a full-featured integrated development environment (IDE) to support business process orchestration, rules and transformation, business activity monitoring and mobilisation features such as alerts and notifications.

Read More

JVC Disc successfully installs HighJump Software's RFID Compliance Solution

JVC Disc America Co. has successfully implemented HighJump Compliance Advantage RFID solution from HighJump Software, a 3M company.

JVC Disc America took eight-months to analyze solution providers and finally selected selected HighJump's solution.

The Kennesaw facility JVC Disc America Co ships more than 4 million units each month directly to stores or distribution centers, with peak volumes of 17 million units per month during October and November. Now n most of these orders require case or pallet-level RFID tagging to meet the requirements of major retail chains.

After implementing HighJump's solution, all of JVC Disc America's order processing stations are now capable of completing orders with either bar codes or RFID, giving JVC Disc America unmatched ability to support both technologies.

Via [MoreRFID]

The RFID Forklift of the Future Initiative

The RFID Forklift of the Future will have real-time location capabilities incorporating the latest RFID capabilities. Such a forklift will have little diffgiculty locating and tracking goods in any Warehouse of the future.

To make such a forklift a reality, Cisco Systems and RedPrairie have teamed up with Intermec Inc. and Cascade Corp., the world's largest manufacturer of forklift attachments.

A concept 'forklift of the future' is on display this week at RFID World in Dallas, Texas. The 'forklift of the future' uses  Cisco's Wireless Location Appliance and RedPrarie's open Mobile Resource Management software integrated with the forklift RFID reading system developed by Intermec and Cascade.

That sure makes the job of the driver real easy.

Via [Rfidsellers]

WJ Communications introduces Generation 2 Firmware Upgrade for supporting MPR Reader Modules

WJ Communications has announced the availability of a firmware upgrade to support the EPC global Class 1 Generation 2 standard for its MPR series PCMCIA type II reader cards. This technology offers better read range and performance and can be used anywhere worldwide. The MPR series has been created for UHF Gen 2 functionality and are FCC certified. It has become the first company to provide industry’s smallest solution with Gen 2 capability for compact RFid form factors such as printers and handhelds. The Gen 2 firmware upgrade enables customers to immediately begin using any of WJ communications multi protocol MPR series reader card to effectively read Gen 2 tags without any hardware changes.

via  [MarketWire]

ITU to conduct workshop on RFid in Geneva

International Telecommunication Union plans to hold a workshop to survey RFid standards. It will be held in Geneva from February 14 to 15 at ITU headquarters. The workshop is titled Networked RFid: Systems and Services. The workshop is important because RFid has become a much touted system in the current scenario. The workshop will discuss on the present status of RFid technology and identify the future trends, services and business models, review current and future applications, architecture, performance, security and QoS.

via [AllAfrica]

ABI Research and RFid Vendor Matrix

ABI Research has developed Vendor Matrix to measure vendor’s performance on invention and execution parameters which helps to understand visual performance model. Vendor Matrix is providing a single destination for organizations to understand industry’s ecosystem. It charts the vendor’s relative strengths and weaknesses across different applications, technologies and markets. It will give the vendors an accurate picture of the competitive landscape. It enables users to segment the results by technologies, vertical markets and applications. RFid Vendor Matrix has a profile of 137 companies.

via  [Tekrati]

International Telecommunication Union to conduct workshop on Networked RFid systems and services

International Telecommunication Union will hold a workshop on Networked RFid systems and services at ITU Headquarters, Geneva from 14 to 15 February. It will dish up as a survey of market in terms of standardization and recognize new areas for work. It will work on standard roadmap and offer a starting point for coordination of future work. The workshop will be identifying future trends of RFid technology, review current and future applications, analyze how far existing standards can support NRFid applications and services and identify elements for a roadmap for standardization of RFid.

via [ITU]

RFID Gen 2 Tag Benchmark by ODIN

The report, RFID Gen 2 Tag Benchmark, has been released by ODIN Technologies. The study was carried out under the sponsorship of Unisys. EPC compliant Gen 2 RFID tags from 11 manufacturers were analyzed to develop benchmarks for reference by end users for them to understand the working of the tags in field conditions, understand the characteristics to be checked while selecting tags, and learn about the best ways to place and orient the tags for maximum efficiency. prweb.com reports:

The Benchmark is the first scientific and objective comparison of how Gen 2 RFID tags work with various standard materials such as corrugate packaging, water and metal.

Read More: ODIN technologies releases the RFID Gen 2 Tag Benchmark

Bill for containing RFID growth

If legislation endorsed by the House Commerce Committee is adopted this month, it could result in New Hampshire becoming one of the leading states that espouse consumer privacy protection.

RFID tags for tire companies

EPCGlobal has come up with a proposal, working in conjunction with AIAG, regarding the use of both EPC and auto industry data structures on a single tag by tire companies. The proposal from the two NPCs could lead to the adding of RFID tags on tires at different stages in its supply chain.

The AIAG came up with the B-11 Tire and Wheel Label and RFID Standard for ensuring uniformity in methods used for the identification of a tire with the help of data present in the RFID tag. AIAG took the step in response to the TREAD Act passed by the US Congress in November 2000. The current B-11 data structure using data identifies “DI” is unacceptable to the DOD and tire retailers as their systems cannot comprehend the codes that identify a number as an EPC.

The auto industry had the option of providing tags using EPC technology to those retailers who were comfortable with it and of providing tags with auto industry numbers to the others. Alternatively, it could have developed a new numbering system. However, both these choices entailed a major overhaul in the back-end systems. rfidjournal.com reports:

Their solution was based on a single bit on the EPC tag that can be turned on or off to indicate whether the following group of eight bits is an International Organizations for Standardization (ISO) Application Family Identifier (AFI), or an EPC header indicating the type of EPC to follow.

Read More: Auto Industry RFID Data Standard Proposed

CompTIA gains traction

The certification course from CompTIA is helping industry to prepare a pool of skilled workers who will take center-stage when the time to shift to RFID approaches. The beta exam can be given by those who have between half a year and two years of experience in the RFID sector. Upon successfully clearing the exam, the examinee will become a certified CompTIA RFID+ professional.

Savi allowed use of the 433.92 MHz band

The Information and Communication (MIC), South Korea has allowed Savi Technology to use the 433.92 MHz radio frequency band. morerfid.com reports:

South Korea, one of Asia's largest trading partners with the United States, ships about 900,000 TEUs (20-foot long container equivalents) between the countries annually.

Read More: South Korean Government Certifies Savi Technology's Active RFID

Regulations for RFID and telemetry

NTC has released two draft memoranda that cover the regulatory framework for RFID and telemetry. ccmsectorinvest.com reports:

Under the draft memorandum circular for RFID, devices can operate in ranges 13.553 to 13.567 Megahertz; 918 to 920 MHz; and 2446 to 2454 MHz. The NTC noted however that the radio spectrum allocation and assignment was subject to review.

Read More: NTC lays down draft rules on RFID, telemetry

Patent application by TiVO

TiVo Inc has filed for a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent is for a personal video recorder that will be able to discern the preference of the user by means of an RFID tag that may be embedded in the clothing or even the person of the user. itnews.com.au reports:

Either broadcast or recorded television programs and music play lists stored on a local hard drive could be sorted, displayed or restricted, depending on the user identifier.

Read More: TiVo files patent for RFID personal video recorder

Effect of RFID mandates

The reduction in the sizes of tags and readers; falling costs; improved capabilities; common standards being implemented; customer expectations leading to better managed supply chains; etc are some of the drivers of RFID adoption. A major push has also come from the mandates that organizations have issued so that RFID is incorporated in their incoming supply chain and their internal processes. The mandates have been issued by organizations such as Wal-Mart, Target, Metro, Tesco, Albertson’s, and the U.S DoD.

Wal-Mart has led the way in laying down RFID mandates. The company has around 3,500 stores and its sales are approximately equal to 2.5 percent of the U.S GDP. The Wal-Mart mandate covers 200 of its top suppliers and these are to implement case- and pallet-level tagging by January 2006. According to experts, Wal-Mart can bring down its inventory and logistics costs by 5% and 7.5% respectively. By implementing RFID across its supply chain, Wal-Mart can achieve savings of more than $ 8 billion every year. The Wal-Mart mandate is bound to have far-reaching ramifications for global RFID adoption. The vendors working to comply with the Wal-Mart mandates have an average spending of less than half a million dollars.

The RFID mandate issued by the U.S DoD is the most comprehensive of all and it relates to the U.S military supply chain that has a world-wide network and handles items worth $ 29 billion every year. The DoD mandate requires that its 60,000 suppliers deploy passive RFID by 2007

Gen 2 tags are the future

The Gen 2 standard that was ratified by EPCglobal in December 2004 is the basis of the Gen 2 tags that are now being shipped by vendors. Improved interoperability and reduced interference are two of the major benefits of the Gen 2 standard. The Gen 2 tags will consume less power and will have kill support. This makes them an attractive proposition for retailers who can look to reduce power consumption costs and allay privacy related fears.

As active RFID tags become smaller and less expensive, their long radio range and ability to work without portals or gates will make them ideal for use with small and low-value objects. As most companies deploy the 802.11 network, active tags can be integrated easily into a companies' existing infrastructure.

FCC grants license to ODIN Technologies

ODIN Technologies has been granted an experimental license by the FCC. The license will allow ODIN Technologies to test RFID devices that work on frequencies allowed in other countries but prohibited in America. The frequency ranges are 902-928 MHz, 865.6-867.6 MHz, 950-956 MHz, 865-867 MHz, and 866-869 MHz for the U.S, Europe, Japan, India, and Singapore, respectively.

ODIN has been allowed by the FCC to work with equipment that uses frequencies in the range of 866-956 MHz at 8 watts of power. The company claims that acquiring the license will enable it to offer better service to its clients from outside America and that also stands to gain an edge over its competition. Although RFID systems do not work at 8 watts in any country, the high power-use margin will provide ODIN with the opportunity to understand the working of these devices in a better manner. rfidjournal.com reports:

ODIN is not the only U.S. company to receive experimental licenses. U.S. manufacturers of RFID equipment designed to operate in Europe or Asia also obtain them to test their equipment outside the 902 MHz to 928 MHz range.

Read More: FCC Grants ODIN Experimental License

The EPCglobal Architecture Framework

EPCglobal has released a report The EPCglobal Architecture Framework. The report is intended to serve as a roadmap for solution providers and users and to foster the sharing of information. The report covers standards for hardware, software, and data interfaces.

The architectural framework is of interest to RFID solution developers, system integrators, and the various industry groups. The standards have been addressed at various levels starting at the lowest level that deals with physical objects and their communication.

This is followed by the standard related to infrastructure and the management and filtering of information. The final level deals with information exchange between business partners.

Ofcom

The move by Ofcom to rule in favor of deregulating equipment using frequencies in the range of 865 to 868 MHz will help to promote RFID tagging in the U.K. The only regulations applicable now will be those aimed at reducing potential interference. However, interference from RFID devices in this range will probably be negligible as there are rules governing power levels, frequency bands, and the characteristics of the tag and antenna.

Open standards for RFID

According to some experts, open standards for RFID will help in reassuring people who have concerns regarding privacy issues. The involvement of open source groups in the development of RFID standards will bring about greater transparency in the process.

Open Source Innovation, which is a software charity based in the United Kingdom, feels that open source software allows greater interaction between a technology and users. OSI has been given a grant of £ 1 million by DTI to develop open source software for RFID.

According to OSI, open-source software will play an important role in the creation of uniform global standards for RFID. Several large organizations have come together under the banner of the OSI to develop open source software that complies with the EPCGlobal mandates.

Open source software will also act as a deterrent to large organizations that may wish to make their proprietary software/hardware the de-facto standard for use throughout the industry. It will enable SMBs to compete with the large companies in the development of RFID. This is because more than three fourth of the cost of RFID is in developing the software. Open source software would help reduce the costs and enable smaller companies to contribute to the development process.

AIM issues statement

On October 20, 2005 AIM Global published its second statement regarding the issues related to both passive and active RFID. ccmsectorinvest.com reports:

The position statement addressing RFID standards states that "AIM Global supports cooperation between ISO and industry consortia (e.g., EPCglobal, AIAG, and IATA) to eliminate redundant or conflicting efforts, and recommends that industry consortia users and technology providers participate in and support the ISO standards development process."

Read More: AIM Global Publishes RFID Position

CompTIA

IT professionals who wish to test their knowledge in RFID technology can appear for the RFID exam conducted by CompTIA. The beta version of the exam will be released on October 31. The exam, which offers a baseline certification, is aimed at IT professionals who have at least six months of experience in working with RFID. The topics covered in the exam include the physics involved with the tagging process and device support. eweek.com reports:

It stops short, however,of covering RFID middleware or application technology, according to David Sommer, vice president of Electronic Commerce at CompTIA in Chicago, who is overseeing the certification initiative.

Read More: CompTIA to Release RFID Certification Test Beta

The EPC Gen 2 system – part 2

The Gen 2 EPC systems have their range decided by user requirements. The user requirements vary with the position of the user in the supply chain, for example, the range requirements of a distributor may vary from that of a dealer or a warehouse. There are no range requirements specified in the Gen 2 standards because of the multiple factors that can affect the range. These factors include interference, power output, duty cycle, etc. As these factors differ over geographical locations, it is important that the equipment is evaluated for compliance with regional regulations.

The flexibility of the Gen 2 specifications allows vendors to take advantage of the spread spectrum radio transmission that facilitates efficient use of the bandwidth and higher power output. EPC tags maintain security by encryption and by allowing tag-reader communication only after the establishment of a secure link between the two. The Gen 2 standards also support the disabling of the tags, which is an important consideration in the retail environment to maintain consumer confidence regarding the security of their privacy.

The tags can be disabled only after the authentication requirements have been fulfilled. The Gen 2 tags can be “cloaked” so that they communicate only with authentic readers. A password is supplied by the readers before communication can be initiated. Users have to validate the supplemental data so that it too gets the same level of security as the original EPC number. However, not all Gen 2 products will feature write protection and password requirements. Even though value is paramount, the tags have to be cost effective and the Gen 2 standards have been developed to facilitate the production of tags in a cost-effective manner.

The EPC Gen 2 system – part 1

The EPCGlobal Gen 2 standard promises to deliver increased functionality in RFID usage. However, it is important to realize that there will be differences in the functioning and the potential of the various products that comply with the Gen 2 specifications. Even though, Gen 2-compliant products can lead to improvements in inventory management and retail operations, a standard performance need not be a logical fallout of a standards-based approach. One of the main reasons for the difference in performance is that user environments differ even within an industry.

As Gen 2 is a standard, it only specifies the minimum performance criteria; for companies to implement Gen 2-compliant tagging, they need to be aware of the deliverables that they expect from the process. A company needs to assess itself in terms of the six important criteria that determine the deployment of a Gen 2-compliant system. These include speed, range, efficiency, reliability, security, and cost.

The Gen 2 specifications for speed were based on user experiences while using Gen 1 tags. The fundamental speed criterion is that the tag reading should not slow down the material handling process. Gen 2 standards do not have a minimum speed requirement as the identification speed depends on several factors such as the environment, the number of tags, power, etc.

The technical specs laid down for Gen 2 tags should allow 1500 readings/second in the US and 600 readings/second in Europe. Objects being transported on conveyor belts moving at speeds of 650 feet per second can be read by following the specs. The specs can help to achieve a write rate of around 10 tags per second.

Gen 2 provides specs that if followed will allow readers to select a group of tags for reading based on the structure of the data, for example, the readers can be programmed to read the tags on cases and ignore those on pallets. This allows the systems to process only the data that is necessary and increases operation speed. Persistence is an important functionality that is not mentioned in the Gen 2 specs but is critical for RFID performance. It implies the constant monitoring of the read fields to ensure that the tags that enter the read zone a little late do not miss out on getting read.

Gen 2 also has a feature referred to as the “Q algorithm”, which helps in tag identification and collision prevention. The algorithm is used to initiate a “sleep” mode in the tags such that they respond only when it is their turn to do so. It eliminates the problem of reidentifying tags. However, in case the tags present on the edge of the reading zone do not receive sufficient power, they may fail to remember if they have been identified previously.

Since the bandwidth on wireless networks is limited, it has to be managed carefully. This involves selecting the right frequency, creating the right environment, managing the power output, etc. Gen 1 regulations were based on the U.S Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radio regulations and were not compatible with the regulations in other countries. Often, users had to acquire site licenses. This is not the case with products based on Gen 2 standards; they do not require a site license and can be used globally in conformance with the user requirements. The Gen 2 products can operate in three modes such that bandwidth utilization is maximized. The three modes are single reader, multi reader, and dense reader.

Products operating in the single reader mode can meet the FCC requirements regarding management of bandwidth but cannot exist in compatibility with RF devices that are active in the vicinity. Devices that operate in the UHF mode and wireless phones that operate in the single reader mode can also cause interference. Products operating the multi reader mode make more efficient use of bandwidth.