Siemens develops bulk RFID reader
Industry benchmark high frequency (HF) read accuracy results have been achieved by the collaborators, according to NXP, that have created a system capable of quickly bulk reading hundreds of labels.
The labels used in the project contained NXP’s ICODE HF radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. ICODE was developed by NXP as a low cost, reprogrammable and disposable method of tracking millions of items per year.
NXP, a semiconductor company founded by Phillips 50 years ago, allows companies to develop its ICODE technology. Siemens did this using NXP’s application and system centre (ASC), which is a test facility designed to provide real-life conditions for testing RFID.
The ASC allowed Siemens to refine the technology using an advanced high speed anti-collision concept, which Matthias Bruckschen, principal consultant SCM / RFID, Siemens IT solutions and services, found beneficial.
He explained: “The facility supported our engineers, enabling them to evaluate and tune the design of the HF RFID labels. By simulating the interactions between the readers and samples, we were able to obtain first qualitative results and calibrate the solution accordingly.”
This system saved Siemens “a lot of development time”, according to Bruckschen, who envisages the companies continuing to cooperate in the future.
At the ASC
The ASC, formerly known as the RFID reference design center, covers 800 sq m and houses infrastructure including laboratories, testing tools and pallet moving equipment.
This set up is designed to ensure that the development of the RFID system is tailored to real-life supply chain management (SCM) applications. By using the ASC NXP believes companies can create a system that improves the performance and reliability of RFID when used in the field.
NXP also has the capacity to assist with ultra high frequency (UHF) label antenna design and performance tests.
