RFID Technology Center:Laboratory Facilities at WMU

Dr. Bradley J. BazuinAssistant Professor

Western Michigan UniversityElectrical and Computer Engineering

US Patent Office Visitors4 August 2005

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RFID Technology and ROIRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies provides a means to wirelessly identify, monitor and track individuals or products. With recent improvements in capability and performance, RFID systems are being applied in an every increasing range of industrial and consumer applications.

New RFID systems can provide a significant return on investment (ROI) for applications where technical performance limitations can be overcome and RFID Tag cost are not too severe. Based on the potential ROI, emerging standards, and the pace of advancements, numerous high volume retailers and the US Department of Defense have mandated the use of passive RFID Tags and systems for supply chain management.

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RFID History and DerivationAs with many “new” areas of technology (the next killer app?), RFID systems and technology have emerged from an extended incubation period due to significant advances in related technologies and the availability of new, low cost components.

Wireless identification, tracking and monitoring systems have been employed for decades as espionage devices, in radar systems, for missile and wildlife telemetry, and as transponders for aircraft identification and tracking or military IFF. More recent systems include automobile bridge and highway tolls, employee security badges and implanted animal identification chips.

The exponential growth, incredible demand and significant technical advances related to cellular telephony and other wireless communication systems have provided both subsystems and components for RFID. Advances and devices include: RF antennas, RF and mixed signal ICs, RF receiver and transmitter designs, software radio based modulation and demodulation, communication protocols and data networking.

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OverviewThis presentation will provide an overview of RFID.

The general concepts, potential applications, and range of devices and systems that perform wireless identification.

The predominant RFID system standard for global supply chain management, the EPCglobal Network™, will be described along with various technological factors that effect the systems ability to reliable detect and read passive tags.

An RFID developer’s kit will then be used to demonstrate basic system operation and a range of technical factors that should be considered when installing and using RFID.

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OutlineSystem Overview

Applications and Types of Systems

Product Codes and the EPCglobal Network™

Mandates for Use

RFID in Southwest Michigan

Technical Design Considerations

Factors Effecting System Performance

RFID Development System Demonstrations

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RFID ConceptsA 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.

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RFID System

Eth

erne

t

RFIDReader

RFID Tag

RF Antenna

LAN

Server

Tag ICTag AntennaTag Antenna

WirelessCommunications

Data

Internet PortAdditional

Readers

InternetAccess

Low cost RFID tags on products, flats, pallets, etc. RFID antennas and readers installed at tracking portalsDatabase Server for collecting, processing and providing ID informationNetwork/Internet access for tagged item information

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RFID ApplicationsSupply Chain Management

Shipping, receiving, inventory

Asset ManagementMonitoring and tracking position or location of assetsElectronic Article Surveillance (EAS)Theft Prevention

LogisticsWhere is all the stuff ?

Access ControlPersonal SecurityFast Pass toll lanes, parking garages

Manufacturing and Process ManagementQuality Control

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Metro Group Future Store Initiativehttp://www.metrogroup.de and http://www.future-store.org

Intel, Solution Blueprints, Transforming the Retail Shopping Experience.http://intel.com/business/bss/solutions/blueprints/pdf/metro_rcds.pdf

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RFID Frequency ConsiderationsOperating Frequency Ranges and Application

Available Frequency BandsRF Signal Characteristics and Propagation

Frequency Ranges LF 125 KHz HF 13.56 MHz UHF 868 - 915 MHzMicrowave 2.45 GHz &

5.8 GHzTypical Max Read Range

(Passive Tags)Shortest 1"-12" Short 2"-24" Medium 1'-10' Longest 1'-15'

Tag Power SourceGenerally 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 couplingData Rate Slower Moderate Fast Faster

Ability to read near metal or wet surfaces

Better Moderate Poor Worse

Applications

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

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125-134 kHz Frequency BandsAccess control, inventory control, automotive security and electronic livestock identification applications.

Radio waves (predominantly inductive coupling) at these frequencies penetrate through water, tissue, aluminum and wood but do not penetrate across metals. Large antennas are required to receive and transmit the signal.

This frequency range is well suited for applications requiring the reading of small amounts of data at low speed within minimal distances on the order of 1 to 12 inches.

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.

TI-RFid™ Low Frequency Products

Accenture, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) White Paper, 16 Nov. 2001.http://www.accenture.com/xdoc/en/services/technology/vision/rfidwhitepapernov01.pdf

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13.56 MHz Frequency Band

Accenture, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) White Paper, 16 Nov. 2001.http://www.accenture.com/xdoc/en/services/technology/vision/rfidwhitepapernov01.pdf

Electronic article surveillance (EAS) used in retail stores, access control and security, clothing identification, and smart cards.

Electromagnetic fields (predominantly inductive coupling) can propagate through water and tissue but cannot penetrate metals. Antennas are made simply of turns of coils of small radius (10-20cms).

TI-RFid™ ISO Inlay Tag Square

This frequency range is well suited for applications requiring the reading of small amounts of data at low speed within minimal distances on the order of 2 to 24 inches.

Radio transcontinental connections and other ISM applications, such as remote control systems, demonstration radio equipment and pagers as well as integrated circuit card applications.

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.

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400 MHz-1 GHz Frequency BandSupply chain management, EPCglobal Network™, Highway Tolls. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID. Typical bands are located at 430-460 MHz and 860-960 MHz, with 902-928 MHz in the US (ISM).

Electromagnetic waves do not penetrate closed metallic objects, but they may travel around open metallic items of finite size. Water and tissues do not allow propagation of radio waves.

This frequency range is well suited for applications requiring the reading of moderate amounts of data at higher speeds within moderate distances on the order 1 to 10 feet.

Systems using this large band are for example mobile commercial radio systems, cellular telephones, wireless telephone handset, TV broadcasting, telemetry systems, and amateur radio systems.

Significant differences exist between the U.S. and Europe frequency band allocations. Worldwide, cellular telephone bands exist in the range of 810 to 960 MHz.

Intermec Intellitag® UHF Free Space Insert

Alien Technology

SquiggleT TAG

Accenture, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) White Paper, 16 Nov. 2001.http://www.accenture.com/xdoc/en/services/technology/vision/rfidwhitepapernov01.pdf

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2.45 GHz –5.8 GHz Frequency Bands2.4000-2.4835GHz

Supply chain management, transportation, vehicle identification all at longer ranges.

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.

Moderate amounts of data at higher data rates, longer ranges 1 to 15 feet

US ISM, wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b & g), and amateur radio systems.

5.725-5.875 GHz

Movement sensor systems such as those in shops or department stores.

Wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11a) and amateur radio systems.

Accenture, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) White Paper, 16 Nov. 2001.http://www.accenture.com/xdoc/en/services/technology/vision/rfidwhitepapernov01.pdf

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The WalMart MandateWal-Mart Backs RFID Technology Will require suppliers to use 'smart' tags by 2005News 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 mandateBy 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 http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/112904walmart.html

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The US Department of Defense (DoD)Memorandum from the Undersecretary of Defense, Subject: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Policy, 2 Oct. 2003.

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 2005. 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 2004. We will issue a final version of this policy in July 2004.

The policy can be found athttp://www.acq.osd.mil/log/logistics_materiel_readiness/organizations/sci/rfid/rfid_policy.html

The DoD has established a web site for RFID. It can be reached using http://www.dodrfid.org or http://www.acq.osd.mil/log/rfid/index.htm.

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Additional Major Users and MandatesAlbertsons’ TargetCostcoKrogerBest BuyCVSSam’s ClubTescoUSDA, National Animal ID System

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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, industry-driven, 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. http://www.uc-council.org/Universal Product Code (UPC)

• BarcodesElectronic Product Code (ePC) (http://www.epcglobalinc.org/ )

• RFID Tags and Formats

• An alternative to UPC (future merging/replacement)

• Specifications

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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 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. 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.

4. DISCOVERY SERVICESA suite of services that enable users to find data related to a specific EPC and to request access to that data.

5. EPC INFORMATION SERVICES (EPC IS)Enables users to exchange EPC-related data with trading partners through the EPCglobalNetwork.

The EPCglobal Network™: Overview of Design, Benefits, & Security, EPCglobal CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, September 24, 2004, www.EPCglobalinc.org.

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The EPCglobal Network™: Overview of Design, Benefits, & Security, EPCglobal CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, September 24, 2004, www.EPCglobalinc.org., p.7.

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RFID in Southwest MichiganRFID Technology Center (http://www.rfidtechnologycenter.com/ )

Leadership groups includes members from:Michigan Blueberry Growers/Global Berry Farms, Flowserve Corporation, BlueGranite, Kalamazoo Valley Plant Growers, Steelcase,Precept Partner, Southwest Michigan First, WMU CEAS, M-TEC CenterRFID Users Group MeetingsRepresentatives/Employees have attended from numerous local companies, such as: Perrigo, Pfizer, Humphrey Products, HermanMiller, Steelcase, etc.

WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS)Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) RFID LaboratoryWireless Communications and RF DesignAdvanced Digital Signal Processing including Software RadiosPaper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Imaging (PCI) Printing RFID AntennasIncorporating RFID tags in the printing process

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI)Materials studies for recyclinghttp://www.ncasi.org/

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RFID Technology CenterThe 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 asstarting 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.Offices are located at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) at the Groves Kathy Johnson, Director Laboratory located at WMU CEAS A-216 Dr. Bradley Bazuin, Principal Investigatorhttp://www.rfidtechnologycenter.com

From the RFID Technology Center Vision statement, http://www.rfidtechnologycenter.com/vision.aspx

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WMU RFID LaboratoryEstablished 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 andComputer Engineering (ECE) Department

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WMU RFID Laboratory GoalsRFID 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 AreasRFID 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.

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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.

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GBF/MBG RFID TrialRFID Installation – July 20041st RFID Tests – 3 August 2004

GBF/MBG: J. Conner & C. McMillanBlueGranite: Matthew Mace & RonWMU RFID Lab: Brad Bazuin

Trials continued – August 2004

Results - 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).

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RFIDTechnical Design Considerations

and Demonstration

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Alien Technology CorporationDemonstration Kit

One of the leading RFID suppliers developing systems compatible with EPC Global standards.

http://www.alientechnology.com/index.html

Alien Technology™ Hardware Setup GuideALR-9780, ALR-9750-A, v02.00.00, 2003

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RFID TagsRFID Tags

Squiggle-Tag, I-Tag, and D-TagPatterned Antenna and an Integrated CircuitNo Battery, power is derived from the RF Signal

Alien Technology™ Hardware Setup GuideALR-9780, ALR-9750-A, v02.00.00, 2003

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RFID Technical Design ConsiderationsOperating Frequency

Available Frequency BandsRF Signal Propagation (range, reflections, and material transmittance) Interference

Communication SignalInterrogation Signal with request commands and controlResponse Signal with unique identification and data

Tag DesignPassive or Active PowerAntenna Design and PerformanceIntegrated Circuit Design

Reader and Reader AntennaNetworking Requirements

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RFID Communication SignalsRFID 915 MHz band EPC Communication Format

Frequency HoppingStart PeriodASK ModulationTAG Response

Alien RFID Reader and Tag, RHCP Reader AntennaTektronix RSA3308A, LHCP RSA Antenna

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RFID CommandSignal Format ASK

1/8 To=zero and 3/8 To=onePreamble.Clock Synch.Start-of-FrameCommand.Pointer.Length.Value.End-of-Freme

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RFID ResponseSignal Format PCM

One cycle=zero, Two cycle=one

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RF Signal Propagation

TransmittertP

tG rG

f

R ReceiverrP

Transmit Power – regulated maximumTransmit Antenna Gain –antenna design Frequency and Range – signal attenuation in free spaceReceiving Antenna Gain – antenna designReceiver Sensitivity – weakest signal that can be received

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Friis Transmission Formula

Wireless Range Equation

where trP / is the received (or transmitted) signal power trG / is the effective antenna gain

R is the distance between the transmitter and receiver, andλ is the wavelength

( )22

4 RGGPP rt

tr ⋅⋅⋅⋅

⋅=π

λ

r

rtt

r

rtt

PGGP

fc

PGGPR ⋅⋅

⋅⋅⋅

=⋅⋅

⋅⋅

=ππ

λ44

where c is the speed of light and f is the frequency

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Antenna Types and Gain PatternsThe RF Café Antenna Patterns web site

http://www.rfcafe.com/references/electrical/antenna_patterns.htm

RFID AntennasE&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)

J.D. Kraus and R. J. Marhefka, Antennas: For All Applications, 3rd ed.,

McGrawHill, New Yark, NY, 2002, p. 14.

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Visualizing Friis

( )dBmPt

( )dBmGt

( )dBmGr

Signal Power(dBm) Margin

Distance (m)

( )dBmPr

m0 mR1

Two Range examples:Short Range R1Long Range R2

Power in decibel-milliwatts (dBm)(log-domain math)

Known as R-squared signal loss

( )dBmPt

( )dBmGt

( )dBmGr

Signal Power(dBm)

Distance (m)

( )dBmPr

m0 mR2

No Margin

( )22

4 RGGPP rt

tr ⋅⋅⋅⋅

⋅=π

λ

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Friis with Additional Factors

( )dBmPt

( )dBmGt

( )dBmGr

SignalPower(dBm)

Distance (m)

( )dBmPr

m0 mR

TransmittertP

tG rG

R ReceiverrP

Cable Loss Cable Loss

No Losses

Losses

Additional RF Transmission LossesRF cable losses and RF opaque materials in the pathMultiple reflected signal paths (multipath)

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Factors Effecting System PerformanceDistance (free space signal propagation)

Transmit Power, Frequency, Range, and Receiver SensitivityTransmit and Receiving Antenna Gain, Beam Pattern and Polarization

Material in or near the Signal Path and DeviceSignal Attenuation in the PathChange in Antenna Gain due to nearby materials (ground plane)Multipath Reflections from Conductors

InterferenceOther Signals in the EnvironmentReader-to-Reader Interference (multiple simultaneous readers)Adjacent Channel Interference (strong signals in nearby frequencies)

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MaterialsAdded Attenuation in the Signal Path

Cardboard BoxesWalls, Windows or Shields

Conducting Planes in the Signal Path– Absorb RF SignalsElectro-Magnetic (EM) Field can not propagate through the materialAll Electrically Conductive Materials

Conducting Planes very near the AntennaChanges in Antenna PropertiesEM active materials must be considered as part of the Antenna

Conducting Planes near the Signal Path to the AntennaEM Waveform ReflectionCoherent Multipath adds or subtracts from direct pathNoncoherent Multipath acts like in-band interference

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RFID Tag DesignPassive or Active Power

Receive and rectify power (passive)Store, receive, and rectify power (semi-active)Battery (active)

Antenna Design and PerformanceIntegrated Circuit Design

High frequency vs. low frequency componentsOperating at the RF signal frequency or the communication “symbol” rate?

Reliable Fabrication and DeploymentLow-cost, batch processed, 100% success rate (is 6-9’s good enough?)Real-world environment and handling

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Specific Demonstrations

RFID Kit ElementsTag reading

RF beam patternsRange restrictions (read rate and programming)Tag orientation

Material ConsiderationNon-conductive materialsMetal and fluidsRange reduction

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SummaryRFID encompasses a range of systems operating at different frequencies with significantly different capabilities.

The DoD, Wal-Mart, and numerous retailers are mandating the use of RFID for supply chain management.

EPCglobal Network ™ is standardizing RFID in the UHF band for global, standardized, royalty free use.

EPC will either combine with or replace UPC

RFID System Design and System Engineering must be performed.

RFID Resources required …

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RFID ResourcesTest PortalRFID Test SystemsRFID TagsRF Test EquipmentAntennas and Cables Network Computers

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QuestionsDr. Bradley J. BazuinAssistant Professor, Electrical and Computer EngineeringWestern Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MIOffice: CEAS A-241Phone: (269) 276-3149Web Page:homepages.wmich.edu/~bazuinb/ E-mail:brad.bazuin@wmich.edu

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Additional SlidesDr. Bazuin’s Resume RFID Laboratory EquipmentSystem EngineeringResearch AreasTechnical Challenges SummaryRFID Signal Capture

Command and Response

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Dr. Bradley BazuinEducation

Stanford University, Stanford, California. Class of 1989. Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering. Dissertation: Totally-Implantable Biomedical Dimension Telemetry: Transducers, Pulse Width Digitization, Control, and PSK Telemetry. Advisors: James D. Meindl, currently Director of the Georgia Institute of Technology Microelectronic Research Center (MiRC).Stanford University, Stanford, California. Class of 1982. Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Emphasis in integrated circuit design and signal processing.Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. Class of 1980. Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering and Applied Science, Intensive Major in Electrical Engineering. Magna Cum Laude, Departmental Honors, Lanphier Memorial Prize for achievement in Electrical Engineering. Tau Beta Pi.

AcademiaWestern Michigan University, College of Engineering and Applied Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jan. 2000 to present, Tenure Track Appointed Assistant Professor. Current research topics include; RFID, smart wireless SAW sensors, software radio architecture and implementation, GPS, and chaos-based communication system implementation and synchronization.Instructor for: ECE 357, Computer Architecture; ECE 371, Linear Systems; ECE 451 Microcontroller Applications, ECE 605 Advanced Microprocessor Applications, ECE 680, Design Factors in Distributed Systems, ECE 357, Computer Architecture; ECE 560 Time Varying Fields in Communications, and ECE 650, Advanced Computer Architecture; ECE 680, Design Factors in Distributed Systems and; ECE 695, Multirate Digital Signal Processing. . Faculty advisor for ECE481 and ECE482 Senior Projects.

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Dr. Bradley BazuinEmployment

Radix Technologies, Inc., 329 N. Bernardo Ave., Mountain View, California. Dec. 1991 to July 2000, full time permanent. Principal Engineer. Tasks, assignments and programs have included: system engineering for multiple advanced tactical COMINT systems, spatial adaptive signal processing for interference mitigation and cochannel signal processing systems; system engineering and simulations for anti-jam GPS processing and systems, and novel signal processing for arbitrary bandwidth beamforming communications transponders and; custom ASIC developments for filter bank analysis and synthesis and a dual complex multiply-accumulate VLIW digital signal processor. Proposal author and principal investigator for a number of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) programs. ARGOSystems, Inc., 310 North Mary, Sunnyvale, California. Sept. 1989 to Dec. 1991, full time permanent. Principal Engineer. (ARGOSystems was purchased by and became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company during my employment.) Assignments include System Engineer for an advanced tactical COMINT system, ASD ASIC Design Center manager, ASIC IR&D Program Manager, and ASIC/Digital Design section Functional Manager. System Engineering work involves a second generation COMINT system which involves digitally channelized receivers, instantaneous direction finding, signal detection, qualification, and feature extraction, tracking of emitters based on signal parameters, and digital demodulation. ARGOSystems, Inc. , 310 North Mary, Sunnyvale, California. June 1981 to Sept. 1989, part time permanent. Member of the technical staff, ASD ASIC Design Center manager and ASIC IR&D Program manager. Stanford University, Center for Integrated Electronics in Medicine (CIEM), Biomedical Telemetry. June 1980 to Dec. 1988. Research assistant.

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RFID Lab PortalVersatruss Box-Truss Portal

Modular construction for reconfigurablityFour columns for stabilitySufficient height and width to accommodate a single-wide garage doorhttp://www.versatruss.com/

Antennas and RFID readers will be mounted as desired on the structure

Two independent readers may mounted and active at the same time

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RFID Development KitsAlien Technology

Reader with four antennas

MatricsReader with four high-performance area antennas

Additional AntennasTwo Maxrad vertically polarized directional panel antennasTwo Cushcraft RH circularly polarized panel antennas

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RFID Interfaces, Command and ControlRFID Reader

RS-232 Serial InterfaceEthernet 10-base-T MAC for TCP/IP network connection

RFID System Host ComputerPC Com Port InterfaceTCP/IP network connection

RFID System Host SoftwareCommand and Control of RFID Reader OperationSend software application required setup commandsReceive message when RFID tags are readRead RFID Reader tag buffer and storeProvide visibility into RFID Reader operationProvide a User Interface

Alien Technology™ Hardware Setup GuideALR-9780, ALR-9750-A, v02.00.00, 2003

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RFID System ElementsRFID Reader

An RF Transmitter and ReceiverAmplitude Shift Keying (ASK) Communication SignalFrequency Hopping, Time-Division-Duplex (TDD)BackscatterEmbedded Microcontroller executes all operations

RF AntennaDirectional Panel AntennasOne to four antennas operated as time-division-multiplexed (TDM) elements

Alien Technology™ Hardware Setup GuideALR-9780, ALR-9750-A, v02.00.00, 2003

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RF Test EquipmentAgilent 4396B Spectrum/Network Analyzer

10Hz to 1.8 GHzOptional higher precision time base

Agilent 4395B Spectrum/Network Analyzer

10Hz to 500 MHz

Wavetek Signal Generator0.2 MHz to 2.2 GHz

HP Signal Generator0.1 MHz to 990 MHz

Miscellaneous EquipmentOscilloscopes, Power Supplies, Low Freq. Waveform Generators, etcRF Amplifiers, Filters, Attenuators, Switches, Splitters/Combiners, etc.

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System EngineeringDeal 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 RFIDExisting 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 tagsProvide Technical Advise on “RFID System” application and installation

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Research AreasLaboratory testing based on MBG field trial data

Evaluation of Network Access SoftwareEvaluation of embedded reader software/algorithm performanceEvaluation of propagation and environmental factors

Additional Field Trials and DemonstrationsDefined by RFID Action Group and RFID Technology Center

Research and Quantify Factors Effecting System PerformanceDefine System Engineering Approach for RFID implementations in Southwest Michigan

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Technical Challenges SummaryRF signal propagation

Losses, multipath fading, interference and noise, received signal strength and power transfer

Antenna PerformanceEM radiation patterns, backscatter, polarity, efficiency, materials conductivity and impedance, detuning

RF CommunicationsFormat/structure, detection thresholds and demodulationEmbedded control, messaging protocols, signal processing sequences and rates

PathLossesR

RTT

LPGGPcR

⋅⋅⋅

⋅=

π4

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RFID Signal Capture Configuration