Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a method for reading and saving data by non-contact and non-visual means. In general four factors determine if an RFID system is suitable for an application or not, they are the distance to the read/write heads, the speed at which the object moves past them, the data transfer rate and the ease of integration into the existing automation system. Ease of integration is a key issue and Turck Banner has responded to customer demands with the launch of its modular BL Ident RFID system and a novel on-line configurator that allows an application to be simulated, simplifying component selection.
An RFID system always consists of data carriers (TAGs), read-write heads (transceivers), interface modules, the higher-levels of control, and if required, logistics systems as well as the software required for implementation. At first glance there is a direct comparison between RFID and barcode systems. If TAGs were replaced by barcode labels and transceivers by scanners, the well-known barcode system with all its benefits and drawbacks would be the result. However, the large differences become evident as soon as the individual components of the RFID system are closely examined and are compared to those of the other systems.
Barcode labels regardless of whether they are one or two dimensional can only be read in one direction. RFID technology could do little more at the very outset as the first data carriers featured a pure read memory only. The most important features such as insensitivity to dirt and humidity as well as the recognition through non-transparent media were benefits in comparison to conventional barcode systems. RFID has also made some major advances. The TAGs of modern data carriers feature multi-write capable memory based on EEPROMs, and in more recent times, even FRAM technology is available with memory sizes up to 2 kBytes.
Turck Banner's new BL Ident modular RFID system consists of data carriers, write/read heads and interface modules, and was developed in collaboration with Turck customers. For example, the use of FRAM memory technology on the data carriers makes it possible to write data carriers 1010 times and read them an unlimited number of times. Furthermore, the data transfer rate of TAGs with FRAM memory is higher than those with EEPROMs. This enables reading and writing “on the fly” at conveying speeds of over 10 m/s.
Previously, areas that could never be equipped with RFID TAGs were the paint lines in the automotive industry. Conventional data carriers are normally only suitable for use at temperatures up to approx. 80 °C. Thanks to a new type of coating, data carriers can now be used for high temperatures. BL Ident can therefore offer many different types of data carriers that can be selected to suit the most demanding applications.