An In-Depth Review of Radio Frequency Identification

Transcription

1 An In-Depth Review of Radio Frequency Identification Dr. Bradley J. Bazuin Assistant Professor Western Michigan University Electrical and Computer Engineering FLEXO Day 14 March 2005

2 Abstract System Overview Product Codes and EPCglobal Applications and Mandates Technical Design Considerations Factors Effecting System Performance RFID Tags RFID in Southwest Michigan 8 April

3 RFID System RF Antenna Server Wireless Communications RFID Reader Data Ethernet LAN Tag Antenna Tag Antenna Tag IC RFID Tag Additional Readers Internet Port Internet Access Low cost RFID tags on products, flats, pallets, etc. RFID antennas and readers installed at tracking portals Database Server for collecting, processing and providing ID information Network/Internet access for tagged item information 8 April

4 RFID Concepts Define a non-contact system that can monitor and track items or individuals Provide unique identification that allows for a wide range of applications Perform the operation using unobtrusive, low cost components Use Wireless Communications techniques to facilitate the system design 8 April

5 Product Codes Uniform Code Council Inc. The UCC s family of wholly-owned subsidiaries, divisions, and partnerships powerfully connects companies in the supply chain with standards-based solutions that are universally open, industrydriven, and globally endorsed. This unique position provides an unprecedented blend of integrity, value, and authority to move global business forward to a more efficient future. Universal Product Code (UPC) Barcodes Electronic Product Code (epc) ( ) RFID Tags and Formats An alternative to UPC (future merging/replacement) Specifications 8 April

6 The EPCglobal Network The EPCglobal Network is a method for using RFID technology in the global supply chain by using inexpensive RFID tags and readers to pass Electronic Product Code numbers, and then leveraging the Internet to access large amounts of associated information that can be shared among authorized users. There are five components of the EPCglobal Network. 1. ELECTRONIC PRODUCT CODE (EPC) Unique number that identifies a specific object in motion in the supply chain. 2. ID SYSTEM The ID System consists of EPC tags and EPC readers. EPC tags* are RFID devices that consist of a microchip and an antenna attached to a substrate. The EPC is stored on this tag, which is applied to cases, pallets and/or items. EPC tags communicate their EPCs to EPC readers using RFID. EPC readers communicate with EPC tags via radio waves and deliver information to local business information systems using EPC Middleware. The EPCglobal Network : Overview of Design, Benefits, & Security, EPCglobal CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, September 24, 2004, 8 April

7 The EPCglobal Network (2) 3. EPC MIDDLEWARE EPC Middleware manages real-time read events and information, provides alerts, and manages the basic read information for communication to EPC Information Services (EPC IS) and a company s other existing information systems. EPCglobal is developing a software interface standard for services enabling data exchange between an EPC reader or network of readers and information systems. 4. DISCOVERY SERVICES A suite of services that enable users to find data related to a specific EPC and to request access to that data. Object Naming Service (ONS) is one component of Discovery Services. 5. EPC INFORMATION SERVICES (EPC IS) Enables users to exchange EPC-related data with trading partners through the EPCglobal Network. The EPCglobal Network : Overview of Design, Benefits, & Security, EPCglobal CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, September 24, 2004, 8 April

8 The EPCglobal Network (3) The EPCglobal Network : Overview of Design, Benefits, & Security Page 7 Figure The EPCglobal Network : Overview of Design, Benefits, & Security, EPCglobal CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, September 24, 2004, 8 April

9 RFID Applications Supply Chain Management Shipping, receiving, inventory Asset Management Monitoring and tracking position or location of assets Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Theft Prevention Logistics Where is all the stuff Access Control Personal Security Fast Pass tool lanes, parking garages Manufacturing and Process Management 8 April

10 The WalMart Mandate Wal-Mart Backs RFID Technology Will require suppliers to use 'smart' tags by 2005 News Story by Jaikumar Vijayan and Bob Brewin JUNE 16, 2003 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Chicago Wal-Mart Stores Inc. last week said it plans to require its top 100 suppliers to put radio-frequency identification tags on shipping crates and pallets by January 2005, a move that's likely to spur broader adoption of the technology because of Wal-Mart's market clout. Leeway found in Wal-Mart's RFID mandate By Ann Bednarz, Network World, 11/29/04 According to ABI Research, only about 30% of Wal-Mart's top 100 suppliers will have accomplished full-scale RFID implementations by January. The remaining 70% have only been testing the waters with shallow "slap-and-ship" efforts. ("Slap-and-ship" refers to adding RFID tags at the distribution center, simply to meet retailer requirements, as opposed to integrating RFID technology early in manufacturing processes.) This story appeared on Network World Fusion at 8 April

11 The US Department of Defense (DoD) Memorandum from the Undersecretary of Defense, Subject: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Policy, 2 Oct Additionally, the DoD will be an early adopter of innovative RFID technology that leverages the Electronic Product Code (EPC) and compatible RFID tags. Our policy will require suppliers to put passive RFID tags on lowest possible piece part/case/pallet packaging by January We also plan to require RFID tags on key high value items. The DoD Components will establish initial capability to read RFID tags at key sites to be prepared for the January 2005 implementation. We will develop business roles based on the results of initial RFID projects to be completed and analyzed no later than May We will issue a final version of this policy in July The policy can be found at The DoD has established a web site for RFID. It can be reached using or 8 April

12 RFID Frequency Considerations Operating Frequency Ranges and Application Available Frequency Bands RF Signal Characteristics and Propagation Frequency Ranges LF 125 KHz HF MHz UHF MHz Typical Max Read Range (Passive Tags) Tag Power Source Microwave 2.45 GHz & 5.8 GHz Shortest 1"-12" Short 2"-24" Medium 1'-10' Longest 1'-15' Generally passive tags, using inductive coupling Generally passive tags, using inductive or capacitive coupling Active tags with integral battery or passive tags, EM-field coupling Active tags with integral battery or passive tags, EM-field coupling Data Rate Slower Moderate Fast Faster Ability to read near metal or wet surfaces Applications Better Moderate Poor Worse Access Control & Security, Identifying items through manufacturing processes or in harsh environments, Ranch animal identification, Employee IDs Library books, Laundry identification, Access Control, Employee IDs Supply chain tracking, Highway toll Tags Supply chain tracking, Highway toll Tags, Identification of vehicle fleets, Asset tracking 8 April

13 Frequency Bands ( khz) KHz used for access control and animal identification applications. This band enjoys relative freedom from regulatory limitations because it has not been reserved as an ISM frequency range, although in this frequency interval other systems operate typically for aeronautical and marine navigational services. This frequency range is well suited for applications requiring the reading of small amounts of data at low speed within minimal distances. Radio waves at these frequencies penetrate through water, tissue, aluminium and wood but do not penetrate across metals and large antennas are required to receive and transmit. Accenture, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) White Paper, 16 Nov April

14 Frequency Bands ( MHz ) MHz used for radio transcontinental connections and other ISM applications, such as remote control systems, demonstration radio equipment and pagers as well as integrated circuit (I.C.) card applications (which several working groups of the International Standard Organization (ISO) have been working on since 1998). This frequency range is well suited for applications requiring the reading of small amounts of data at low speed within minimal distances. At around 13.56MHz, electromagnetic fields can propagate through water and tissue but cannot penetrate metals. Antennas are made simply of turns of coils of small radius (10-20cms). It is important to note that the regulations regarding power levels allowed for RFID systems operating on this bandwidth differ from the U.S. to Europe. Accenture, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) White Paper, 16 Nov April

15 Frequency Bands (400 MHz-1 GHz ) 400MHz-1GHz used for several applications, also known as the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) range. Systems using this large band (from the lower to the higher end) are for example mobile commercial radio systems, TV broadcasting, telemetry systems, and amateur radio systems. Again, important differences exist between the U.S. and Europe, for example, for the frequency range across 915MHz, which is not available for ISM applications in Europe (GSM is present), whereas the bands MHz and MHz are available and used by some RFID systems commercialised in U.S. Electromagnetic waves do not penetrate closed metallic objects, but they may travel around open metallic items of finite size (e.g. a metal plate). Water and tissues do not allow propagation of radio waves. Accenture, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) White Paper, 16 Nov April

16 Frequency Bands (2.4 GHz 5.8 GHz ) GHz used partially by amateur radio systems. In this frequency range the electromagnetic waves act very much as optical rays, hence non-transparent obstacles attenuate the power of radio signals traveling through them GHz used by movement sensor systems such as those in shops or department stores.to Europe. Accenture, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) White Paper, 16 Nov April

17 RFID Specific Applications 135 khz, Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) A one-bit pasive tag Walk through an inductive field and the alarm goes off Animal Identification Implant a smart chip in your pet of farm animals Close contact inductive readers, the signal must penetrate fluid! Personal Identification Cards TI s MHz credit card size (and smaller) IDs (replacement for card insertion or card swipe readers) Place the card near a reader and you gain access Hospital Asset and Patient Monitoring Assets Tracking and Location Patient (child) tagging for proximity detection Numerous non-rfid RF monitoring applications (based on similar technology) 8 April

18 RFID Systems in Use EZ-Pass Passive supply chain management RFID tags 915 MHz, EPC Global tags 8 April

19 Additional RFID Systems in Use WiFi Based RFID Use wireless ethernet technology to ID and track (IEEE b, a, & g) Active RFID Tag technology (WiFi chip set and a microcontroller) Excellent when WiFi Access Points already installed Health Care Locate and track equipment wheel chairs, portable beds, infusion pumps, etc. Automotive Manufacturing and Sales WiFi active tags placed on or in vehicles Allow car or large part locations to be determined in storage yards Aeroscout, Ekahau, Wavelink, PanGo, etc. Other RF Communications Systems used for RFID Active tags allow longer ranges at higher costs Writeable tags allow information storage, no need for a network database Passive tags are cheaper, but depend upon being externally powers 8 April

20 RFID Technical Design Considerations Operating Frequency Available Frequency Bands RF Signal Propagation (range, reflections, and material transmittance) Interference Communication Signal Interrogation Signal with request commands and control Response Signal with unique identification and data Tag Design Passive or Active Power Antenna Design and Performance Integrated Circuit Design Reader and Reader Antenna Networking Requirements 8 April

21 RF Signal Propagation f Gt Gr Transmitter P t R P r Receiver Transmit Power regulated maximum Transmit Antenna Gain antenna design Frequency and Range signal attenuation in free space Receiving Antenna Gain antenna design Receiver Sensitivity weakest signal that can be received 8 April

22 8 April Friis Transmission Formula Wireless Range Equation where t r P / is the received (or transmitted) signal power t r G / is the effective antenna gain R is the distance between the transmitter and receiver, and λ is the wavelength ( ) R G G P P r t t r = π λ r r t t r r t t P G G P f c P G G P R = = π π λ 4 4 where c is the speed of light and f is the frequency

23 Visualizing Friis Two Range examples: Short Range R1 Long Range R2 Power in decibelmilliwatts (dbm) (log-domain math) Signal Power (dbm) G t ( dbm) P t ( dbm) P r ( dbm) G t ( dbm) P t ( dbm) G r ( dbm) 0m R 1 m Margin Distance (m) P r Known as R-squared signal loss Gt = P t G r 2 λ ( 4 π R) 2 Signal Power (dbm) P r ( dbm) G r ( dbm) 0m Distance (m) R 2 m No Margin 8 April

24 Friis with Additional Factors Transmitter P t Cable Loss Gt R Gr Cable Loss P r Receiver G t ( dbm) P t ( dbm) Signal Power (dbm) P r ( dbm) G r ( dbm) No Losses Losses 0m R m Distance (m) Additional RF Transmission Losses RF cable losses and RF opaque materials in the path Multiple reflected signal paths (multipath) 8 April

25 Factors Effecting System Performance Distance (free space signal propagation) Transmit Power, Transmit Antenna Gain, Frequency, Range, Receiving Antenna Gain, and Receiver Sensitivity Material in or near he Signal Paths Signal Attenuation in Path Change in Antenna Gain due to nearby materials (ground plane) Multipath Reflections Interference Other Signals in the Environment Reader-to-Reader Interference (multiple simultaneous readers) Adjacent Channel Interference (strong signals in nearby frequencies) 8 April

26 Materials Added Attenuation in the Signal Path Cardboard Boxes Walls, Windows or Shields Conducting Planes in the Signal Path Absorb RF Signals Electro-Magnetic (EM) Field can not propagate through the material All Electrically Conductive Materials Conducting Planes very near the Antenna Changes in Antenna Properties EM active materials must be considered as part of the Antenna Conducting Planes near the Signal Path to the Antenna EM Waveform Reflection Coherent Multipath adds or subtracts from direct path Noncoherent Multipath acts like in-band interference 8 April

27 RFID Communication Signals Readers and Tags must Communicate Legally US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Performance Factors are also related to the Communications System Protocol and Signal Structure Communications Signal Structure (getting tags to talk ) Detection and Demodulation Transmission (data/information and power!) Frequency Hopping, ASK, backscatter modulation PCM Communications Protocol (gathering tag information) Networking, Network Membership Request and Reply protocols and required response times Network size and response time tradeoffs 8 April

28 RFID Command and Response RFID 915 MHz band EPC Communication Format Start Period ASK Modulation TAG Response 8 April

29 The 915 MHz RFID Signal RFID Tags have a data structure RFID readers communicate commands to the tag to retrieve the data Preamble, command, parameters Tags respond with identification From: Auto-ID Center technical report 860MHz 930MHz Class I Radio Frequency Identification Tag Radio Frequency &Logical Communication Interface Specification Candidate Recommendation,Version April

30 RFID Command Signal Format ASK 1/8 To=zero and 3/8 To=one Preamble.Clock Synch.Start-of-Frame Command.Pointer.Length.Value.End-of-Freme 8 April

31 RFID TAG Response Period Signal Format PCM- One cycle=zero, Two cycle=one VerifyID: Preamble-TAGID-CRC-Password ScrollID: Preamble-TAGID-CRC PingID: 8-bit Value 8 April

32 RFID Response Signal Format PCM- One cycle=zero, Two cycle=one 8 April

33 Rektronix RSA3308A Test Setup Alien RFID Reader and Tag, RHCP Reader Antenna Tektronix RSA3308A, LHCP RSA Antenna 8 April

34 RSA3308A RFID Capture 8 April

35 IQ Data MATLAB Analysis Alien RFID Reader Tag Programming Mode 8 April

36 RFID Tags Passive or Active Power Receive and rectify power (passive) Store, receive, and rectify power (semi-active) Battery (active) Antenna Design and Performance Integrated Circuit Design High frequency vs. low frequency components Operating at the RF signal frequency or the communication symbol rate? Reliable Fabrication and Deployment Low-cost, batch processed, 100% success rate (is 6-9 s good enough?) Real-world environment and handling 8 April

37 Antenna 3-D Patterns J.D. Kraus and R. J. Marhefka, Antennas: For All Applications, 3 rd ed., 8 April 2005 McGrawHill, New Yark, NY, 2002, p

38 Common Antenna Types and Patterns The RF Café Antenna Patterns web site RFID Antennas E&M Theory resonance based on antenna conductivity and topology Antenna designs based on classical theory and modern computer aided design software systems Microstrip or Patch Antenna Structures Demonstrate the critical importance of ground planes in antenna performance (frequency and gain dependences) 8 April

39 Antenna Signal Radiation J.D. Kraus and R. J. Marhefka, Antennas: For All Applications, 3 rd ed., McGrawHill, New Yark, NY, 2002, p April

40 RFID in Southwest Michigan RFID Technology Center ( ) Leadership groups includes members from: Michigan Blueberry Growers, Global Berry Farms, Precept Partner, Flowserve Corporation, BlueGranite, Kalamazoo Valley Plant Growers, Southwest Michigan First, MEDC, WMU CEAS, M-TEC Center RFID Users Group Meetings Representatives/Employees have attended from: Perrigo, Phizer, Bronson Hospital, Humphrey Products, etc. WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) RFID Laboratory Wireless Communications and RF Design Advanced Digital Signal Processing Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Imaging (PCI) Printing RFID Antennas Incorporating RFID tags in the printing process National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) Materials studies for recycling 8 April

41 RFID Technology Center The RFID Technology Center's focus is to explore ways that West Michigan can become a center for Radio Frequency Identification by enhancing the growth of existing technology companies as well as starting new ones. The RFID Center's focus is to showcase West Michigan as a leader in the RFID industry, while simultaneously assisting businesses in successfully implementing this technology to solve their problems using RFID. The leadership group includes members from: Michigan Blueberry Growers, Global Berry Farms, Precept Partner, Flowserve Corporation, BlueGranite, Kalamazoo Valley Plant Growers, Southwest Michigan First, MEDC, WMU CEAS, M-TEC Center Offices are located at KVCC s M-TEC at the Groves Kathy Johnson, Director Laboratory locates at WMU CEAS A-216 in the BTR Dr. Bradley Bazuin, Principal Investigator 8 April 2005 From the RFID Technology Center Vision statement, 41

42 RFID System Trial Global Berry Farms RFID Trial Owned by MBG Marketing in Grand Junction, Michigan, Naturipe Berry Growers in Watsonville, CA., and Hortifrut, S.A. in Santiago, Chile. The trial involves the identification and tracking of blueberry flats from growers, to cooling, storage, and shipment. 8 April

43 Global Berry Farms RFID Loading Bay Incoming Blueberry Cooler Cooler Cooler Blueberry pallets Blueberr y forklift Blueberr y forklift forklift Blueberry pallet Temporary Storage Outgoing pallets 8 April

44 Blueberry Flats on a Pallet 8 April

45 MBG RFID Trials RFID Installation July st RFID Tests 3 August 2004 GBF/MBG: J. Conner & C. McMillan BlueGranite: Matthew Mace & Ron WMU RFID Lab: Brad Bazuin Trials continued August 2004 Data collected and being analyzed 8 April

46 RFID System Trials Global Berry Farms RFID Trial Significant technical challenges have been identified in the areas of: RF signal propagation into and through blueberries and packed pallets, the adequate placement and range of the RFID antennas and readers, the optimal design and placement of RFID tags, and the number and read rate of RFID tags on a pallet (up to 132). 8 April

47 WMU RFID Laboratory Established as an outgrowth of the RFID Action Group Startup RFID equipment funding provided by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) Dean s Office, Dr. Michael Atkins Principal Investigator is Dr. Bradley Bazuin, WMU Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department 8 April

48 WMU RFID Laboratory RFID Research and Development Laboratory Goals to provide an RFID resource center for Southwestern Michigan; to provide technical and theoretical training for RFID users, implementers, and developers; to define and develop RFID system solutions for non-mainstream, challenging environments and implementations; and to research critical technology to improve the accuracy, reliability, and performance of RFID systems. Long-term Research Areas RFID signal propagation, multipath and interference effects, RFID communication signal structures and formats, the application of software radio techniques and real-time signal processing to RFID systems, and the application of smart antenna and adaptive signal processing technology. 8 April

49 Versatruss Box-Truss Portal Modular construction for reconfigurablity Four columns for stability RFID Lab Portal Sufficient height and width to accommodate a single-wide garage door Antennas and RFID readers will be mounted as desired on the structure Two independent readers may mounted and active at the same time 8 April

50 Alien Technology Corporation Demonstration Kit One of the leading RFID suppliers developing systems compatible with EPC Global standards. Alien Technology Hardware Setup Guide ALR-9780, ALR-9750-A, v , April

51 Alien Technology RFID Development Kits Reader with four antennas Matrics Reader with four high-performance area antennas Additional Antennas Two Maxrad vertically polarized directional panel antennas Two Cushcraft RH circularly polarized panel antennas 8 April

52 RFID Interfaces, Command and Control RFID Reader RS-232 Serial Interface Ethernet 10-base-T MAC for TCP/IP network connection RFID System Host Computer PC Com Port Interface TCP/IP network connection RFID System Host Software Command and Control of RFID Reader Operation Send software application required setup commands Receive message when RFID tags are read Read RFID Reader tag buffer and store Provide visibility into RFID Reader operation Provide a User Interface Alien Technology Hardware Setup Guide ALR-9780, ALR-9750-A, v , April

53 RFID System Elements RFID Reader An RF Transmitter and Receiver Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) Communication Signal Frequency Hopping, Time-Division- Duplex (TDD) Backscatter Embedded Microcontroller executes all operations RF Antenna Directional Panel Antennas One to four antennas operated as time-division-multiplexed (TDM) elements Alien Technology Hardware Setup Guide ALR-9780, ALR-9750-A, v , April

54 RFID Tags RFID System Elements Squiggle-Tag, I-Tag, and D-Tag Patterned Antenna and an Integrated Circuit No Battery, power is derived from the RF Signal Alien Technology Hardware Setup Guide ALR-9780, ALR-9750-A, v , April

55 RF Test Equipment Agilent 4396B Spectrum/Network Analyzer 10Hz to 1.8 GHz Optional higher precision time base Agilent 4395B Spectrum/Network Analyzer 10Hz to 500 MHz Wavetek Signal Generator 0.2 MHz to 2.2 GHz HP Signal Generator 0.1 MHz to 990 MHz Miscellaneous Equipment Oscilloscopes, Power Supplies, Low Freq. Waveform Generators, etc RF Amplifiers, Filters, Attenuators, Switches, Splitters/Combiners, etc. 8 April

56 RFID Lab Activities Opportunities for student research ECE 481 & 482 Projects ECE 490 ECE 697 Field Trials and Research Propagation Detection System Engineering Optimization RFID Reader Operation and Communications 8 April

57 System Engineering Deal with RFID as a complete System Analyze why, where, and how RFID will be applied. Define a processes, technologies, and installations that optimized each part of the RFID System (item packing, tag location, tag/reader type, reader antenna locations, number and type of antenna, tag ID value limits, etc.). Will what you achieve be good enough? RF and System Engineering for RFID Existing engineering research literature: body mounted antennas, antenna propagation studies, antenna directivity, near and far field effect, signal propagation, etc. how do they apply to RFID! Historical engineering tricks: limit reader search range, precharge RFID tags, place tags in optimal locations, add isolation or shielding for tags Provide Technical Advise on RFID System application and installation 8 April

58 Research Areas Laboratory testing based on MBG field trial data Evaluation of Network Access Software Evaluation of embedded reader software/algorithm performance Evaluation of propagation and environmental factors Additional Field Trials and Demonstrations Defined by RFID Action Group and RFID Technology Center Research and Quantify Factors Effecting System Performance Define System Engineering Approach for RFID implementations in Southwest Michigan 8 April

59 Summary Challenges Resources Finding Collaborative Solutions Academic Industry Partnerships Business Trials 8 April

60 Technical Challenges RF signal propagation Losses, multipath fading, interference and noise, received signal strength and power transfer R = c 4 π PT G P L R T G R PathLosses Antenna Performance EM radiation patterns, backscatter, polarity, efficiency, materials conductivity and impedance, detuning RF Communications Format/structure, detection thresholds and demodulation Embedded control, messaging protocols, signal processing sequences and rates 8 April

61 RFID Laboratory Resources Test Portal RFID Test Systems RFID Tags RF Test Equipment Antennas and Cables Network Computers 8 April

62 Acknowledgments April

63 Dr. Bradley J. Bazuin Questions and Demo Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Office: CEAS A-241 Phone: (269) Web Page: homepages.wmich.edu/~bazuinb/ 8 April