Introduction: The RFID technology

The RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology allows identification of objects, animals or people by radio waves modulated with a specific code which makes the transponder's owner exclusively recognizable.

This technology is characterized by the absence of power sources internal to the transponders. The energy required is received from the reader, which emits the radio waves needed to information exchange.

Therefore RFID systems are based on two electronic devices: transponders and readers.

RFID transponders, also called TAG's, are basically made of a silicon integrated circuit and an antenna. They can have various shapes to adapt to the various uses of RFID technology: from tiny glass cylinders to credit cards, from plastic discs to paper-based stickers.

Conversely, RFID readers are more complex electronic equipment which connect to one or more antennas, even large ones. Stationary ones exist: tunnels or gates into which the transponders go along, or mobile ones – usually integrated in handheld terminals – when the operator is required to approach the transponder.

Reading distances range significantly, depending on operating frequency and antenna's size. RFID system operating at 125kHz and 13.56MHz range from few inches (short range) to more than four feet (long range); 868MHz (900MHz for USA, Australia and Israel) systems reach as far as 15 feet and farther.

RFID technology, as well as identification, also provide for upload and download of a small quantity of data to/from transponders, significantly widening the application possibilities of systems based on this technology and definitely distinguishing them from barcode and optical readout ones.

 

RFID&Sensing or ZeroPowerWireless technology

RFID&Sensing technology, which we call ZPW (Zero Power Wireless), is an extension of the standard RFID technology which allows, further to identification and data storing, for data acquisition from physical or chemical sensors connected to the transponder (which are not provided with any internal power source).

 

Unique to the ZPW technology developed by TERTIUM Technology is the use of a microcontroller in the transponder, a technical finding which grants a wide suitability of ZPW systems to specific application needs. Moreover, the sensors which can be connected to the transponder may have either analog and digital outputs. Finally, even though the platform is computationally restricted (even more so in the transponder), it is possible to implement the encryption of the data exchanged by radio.

ZPW transponders are minimal electronic devices provided with HF radio circuitry and an integrated antenna. Size and shape can change depending on the application, but usually they come in the size of a credit card or a little larger.

ZPW readers are much similar to ZPW transponders (because, differently from RFID systems, in ZPW systems – for some applications – a 1:1 use ratio is required between reader and transponder), actually they only differ in that the reader also has a power supply circuit and an interface to the host system.

The operative frequency is established at 6.78MHz (freely usable throughout the world). Operative reading range, with the antenna's size mentioned above, is up to 6 inches.

ZPW systems allow for or facilitate the readout of one or more parameters in difficult or unusual operative scenarios. Based on experiences and concepts by TERTIUM Technology some application examples are:

• readout of parameters coming from moving parts of machinery (e.g. utensils, , tanning drums, tires)
• parameters readout within the walls (e.g. thermal or acoustic insulation, permeability to water)
• readout of parameters from closed or insulated environments
• readout of parameters from test points scattered on the territory
• identification and readout of the integrity status of a product and/or its packaging
• identification and readout of a PIN code from keys provided with a numeric keypad
• identification and readout of key codes from a credit card keypad the user is provided with to interact with keyboardless equipment (equipment more robust against vandals' attacks or unauthorised accesses, more hygienic interaction)
• keys readout from a keyboard located on a door

In all these applications, the transponder is not fitted with a battery. Therefore no service limitation or interruption is expected, nor is maintenance required for the replacement of exhausted batteries.