— Newsletter Archive: Newsletter Vol. 8, 2024/3/13 —
In our previous newsletter, we covered basic RFID tag technology, including RFID tag standards and types.
In this issue, we will go over RFID-related peripherals such as RFID readers and RFID tag printers that are necessary to use RFID tags.
PAT. P
(1) Features of RFID Readers
To read information wirelessly from RFID tags, RFID readers have an antenna structure that transmits and receives radio waves; they have a specific polarization pattern in reading RFID tag signals, which greatly affects tag reading performance.
There are two main types of polarization in RFID readers:
[Linear polarization]
- Linear polarization antennas transmit RFID signals in a single plane (horizontal or vertical). Since linearly polarized antennas output the reader’s power in a single plane, they tend to have a longer read distance.
- If the polarization directions (angles) match, the communication distance is the longest, but as the angles shift, the communication distance gradually shortens, with 90 degrees being the most difficult to read.
[Circular polarization]
- Circularly polarized antennas transmit RFID signals in a clockwise (right-handed polarization) or counterclockwise (left-handed polarization) circular motion. Circularly polarized antennas can read RFID tags regardless of the tag orientation.
The type of polarization has a significant impact on RFID tag reading performance. For both polarization types, read accuracy is best when the RFID tag is basically parallel to the antenna plane.
Linear polarization antennas provide optimal read performance when the tag is positioned in a particular orientation, but read performance can be significantly degraded when the tag orientation changes. Circularly polarized antennas, on the other hand, provide consistent read performance regardless of tag orientation, but the read range tends to be shorter than linearly polarized antennas.
(2) RFID tag printers
To fully utilize RFID tags, write various types of information onto RFID tags, which can then be read as needed.
The RFID tag prints information on the surface of the RFID label so that it is visible to the human eye, and at the same time, digital information is written (encoded) into the built-in IC chip. Thus, the main difference between an RFID printer and a regular printer is that an RFID printer has the ability to write information onto an RFID tag. In contrast, regular printers can only print information on paper or labels and cannot read or write digital information.
RFID printers can be classified into several types depending on the application and the RFID tags to be printed:
- Stationary RFID printer: A stationary RFID printer that can be handled like a normal printer
- RFID printer for metal-compatible tags: An RFID printer that writes data to special RFID tags such as metal-compatible tags
- Mobile RFID printers: Small RFID printers that can be carried around
We use Zebra’s ZT411, which also supports metal tags.
Writing information on RFID tags requires printer software to write the information along with an RFID printer to write the information. RFID tags, which are used in a wide variety of applications, come in many different sizes and thicknesses, and labels must be designed to print human-readable information. We use BarTender, which is widely sold worldwide and supports many printers.
Install BarTender on your PC and set up your PC and RFID printer as you would set up a normal printer.
Once the printer software setup is complete, design the information and layout to be printed on the surface of the RFID tag to be used, and then configure the digital information to be written on the RFID tag to be used.
Once the RFID tags are ready to be printed and written on, the actual RFID tags are placed in the printer for a print test, which requires the unique process of RFID printers, such as adjusting the sensor position and calibrating the signal level for each type of RFID tag.
In addition to writing digital information on the internal chip, printing on RFID tags sometimes requires printing on the surface. some types of RFID tags are thermal, which can be printed without the need for ink, but thermal transfer types are usually used for RFID printing and require an ink ribbon.
(3) Other RFID-related tools and peripherals
The basic components to utilize RFID tags are (1) an RFID tag that records information, (2) a printer or writer that writes or prints information on the RFID tag, and (3) a reader that reads the information on the RFID tag.
HAKO-FLO provides a service that reads RFID tag information using a handheld RFID reader, but stationary, desktop, and arch-type RFID readers are also used in the market, depending on the on-site application.
RFID products such as RFID readers and RFID printers are devices that emit radio waves and therefore require a radio station license or registration depending on their radio wave output. As it is related to the Radio Law, each country has different regulations such as fees for radio wave usage, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to complete the procedures in advance when introducing RFID technology.
If a warehouse management system (WMS: Warehouse Management System) or other system for managing goods and cargo is in place, a system for linking the above RFID-related devices with the WMS or other management system is also required. Therefore, it is necessary to develop customization or in-house middleware to link the RFID system with these management systems.
(4) RFID Technology Outlook
RFID technology, which was developed in the United States in the 1970s, has a long history and is now being used in a wide range of fields, from familiar ones such as IC cards and electronic money to manufacturing, distribution, retail, and healthcare. The recent rise in interest in traceability and sustainability is encouraging the introduction of this technology in an even wider range of fields.
Considering future trends in the introduction of RFID technology, it is likely that passive RFID tags, which are less burdensome to maintain, will become more widespread and RFID technology will be integrated with other sensor technologies in order to assist workers in visualizing the inside of warehouses and to achieve more efficient work execution.
In terms of RFID technology, it is expected that by introducing a fixed reader that not only reads RFID tag information at pinpoint points when needed, but also automatically reads RFID tag information at multiple points in the flow of moving objects, the accuracy of the information can be improved and accurate information can be maintained.
Furthermore, warehouse environments are often somewhat unique in their size, height, brightness, and temperature differences. When managing goods and cargo in a warehouse, RFID technology can be combined with other sensor technologies to obtain more timely and accurate information. For example, recent warehouses are introducing wireless communication infrastructures such as Wi-Fi and 5G, and by integrating location information using such radio waves and wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, and by combining temperature and humidity sensors, weight sensors, etc., it is expected to manage products and cargo as high-value-added information. The introduction of wireless communication infrastructures such as radio waves, Bluetooth, and other wireless technologies has been progressing.
As the use of RFID technology expands in various fields, we can expect to see more attempts to use a single RFID tag attached to cargo or products in different fields, and to operate RFID tags in a sustainable manner while keeping operating costs down. For example, by issuing and affixing RFID tabs at product manufacturing plants or when shipping cargo, and utilizing the information on the RFID tags at warehouses and distribution centers, and then utilizing the information on the RFID tags when selling products or delivering cargo, not only can consistent product and cargo management be achieved, but also traceability information This information is also expected to be used as traceability information.
We offer an easy-to-implement service called “HAKO-FLO” that utilizes RFID and other technologies that are highly effective for business efficiency. We also provide consulting services to help our clients make the most of these technologies in their workplaces.
If you have any issues in logistics management, please contact us.