VAC TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 1 TagMaster AB TagMaster Training 2013 GEN GHz System

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 2 TagMaster AB Content 1. TagMaster RFID-system technical overview 2. Reader TagID and User-data acquisition techniques 3. Tag products, Tag operating modes and timing 4. Read-range definitions and data-acquisition probability 5. Reader frequency options and spectral environment 6. Impact of the physical Tag and Reader installation 7. About multiple reader installations 8. Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) ID-tag endurance

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 3 TagMaster AB 1. TagMaster RFID-system technical overview The TagMaster RFID system is operating within the world-wide license- free 2450 MHz ISM band. The Long-range RFID system provides firm readings up to 14 meters and a max-range in excess of 20 meters. Different Reader-models emits RF output power in the range 1 – 75 mW (EIRP). The standard Reader-model is set for 10mW (EIRP) which is very low and harmless compared to 900MHz systems using several W. The Reader unit is integrated in a single IP65 package including antennas, a Radio Frequency (RF)-unit and a controller board. Antennas are circular-polarized to allow ID-tags to be read at any rotational angle.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 4 TagMaster AB 2. Reader TagID and User-data acquisition techniques (a) The ID-tag will supply the tag information to any interrogating TagMaster Reader set to any frequency (channel) within the frequency band. If different Readers are set for different channels and simultaneously illuminate the tag, the tag will be safely read by all of these without interference. The Reader signal processing block interprets the digitized phase- modulated signal provided by the ID-tag. There are two different Tag-types available: ReadOnly ID-tags Read/Write ID-tags. Can be programmed by the Reader for different modes including: Memory size, Interval type (Constant or Random), (silent) Interval length and High or Low speed. The Mark is the unique ID-tag identity defining the TagID. The TagID is set at the semiconductor manufacturing level. The TagID is unique and never repeated.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 5 TagMaster AB 2. Reader TagID and User-data acquisition techniques (b) MarkStatus ID frame Interval Message time CRC The ReadOnly ID-tag message Mark Status ID frame Interval Message time CRCUser-DataCRC The Read/Write ID-tag message 32 bit CRC checksum The ID-frame (see fig above) includes a 32 bit CRC programmed checksum to support the TagID acquisition process. The User-data is also protected by a separate 32 bit CRC checksum to make sure that only correct TagID (Mark) and User-data is delivered by the Reader processing block to the interrogating system. Status bits The status bits include the actual battery status and the application software can initiate a low battery alarm.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 6 TagMaster AB 3. Tag products, Tag operating modes and timing (a) Different ID-tag models TagMaster offers various ID-tag models to fit the actual application requirement. Differences in the basic electric design, including the RF antennas, may give different read-range properties (see section 4). Some applications require programmable ID-tags providing distributed information storage whereas on-line systems only requires a unique TagID to associate information stored in a host computer. MarkTag and ScriptTag families The TagID frame for the MarkTag is only 10ms long. If a ScriptTag (ReadWrite) is used the time required for a complete reading (i.e. ID- frame) will increase to 17 – 56 ms.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 7 TagMaster AB 3. Tag products, Tag operating modes and timing (b) Interval Length There are different Interval Length settings available. During the Interval the ID-tag is silent. The Interval Length can vary from 0 (continuous) to 4, 8 and 16 times the ID frame time-length. One ID-frame includes all necessary information to read the ID-tag if acquired correctly. In case the ID-tag passes very fast through the firm read-range the advice is to allow enough time for three consecutive ID- frames and the use of an ID-tag with Interval Length = 0 (continuous). A 400km/h 83.3m/s passage through a 4m wide Read-lobe allows for 4.8 complete 10ms MarkTag ID-frames

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 8 TagMaster AB 3. Tag products, Tag operating modes and timing (c) Single or multiple tag readings Standard ReadOnly MarkTag products are hard-programmed for either Interval Length 0 (continuous) or 8. The Interval Length = 8 standard product is programmed for Random Interval Length (R8H) causing the ID-tag to be silent for a randomly varying interval between 0 and 16 ID- frames. The silent interval allows other ID-tags of the same type, present within the read-range-lobe, to talk and to be registered by the Reader. Multiple readings If the application requires that several ID-tags (R4/R8/R16) are identified simultaneously, the time required for identifying all tags will vary vs. the number of tags present. The graph valid for Random Interval length 8 (R8H-mode)

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 9 TagMaster AB 4. Read-range definitions & data-acquisition probability (a) Fundamentals A strong received RF-signal from an ID-tag provides a high data- acquisition probability and a weak received RF-signal from an ID-tag provides low probability. The RF-signal strength will depend on several factors including: Reader output power level Reader- and Tag-model Distance between Reader and Tag Frequency setting Physical environment for the Reader and the Tag Read-range definitions Firm Read-range: Where the acquisition probability is almost 100%. Max Read-range: Where the ID-tag no longer can be read. [ meter ] Max read-range Firm read-range Different output power

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 10 TagMaster AB 4. Read-range definitions & data-acquisition probability (b) Read-range The read-range graphs represent the average performance over the available frequency range (ideal environment). A graph can be plotted for each Tag-model and Reader model, at a certain power level (EIRP) The diagram below shows the read-ranges for two different ID-tags at different positions (Reader and ID-tags in parallel.) Max (B) Max (A) Firm (A) Firm (B) Reader ID-tag A ID-tag B

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 11 TagMaster AB 5. Reader frequency options and spectral environment (a) Basic frequency range The allowed frequency range for the 2450 MHz ISM band is usually 2400 – MHz. Some countries apply special frequency and/or RF output power restrictions. Special options for Motion-detection within this frequency range may also apply. If necessary, a TagMaster Reader can be classified as a field- disturbance sensor since the Doppler-shift motion and speed detection is a built-in feature. The default frequency range setting for the TagMaster readers is 2435MHz – 2465 MHz. The minimum frequency step interval is 100kHz. Read-range vs. frequency Read-range properties for ID-tags may be slightly different for different frequencies. The longest read-range is usually obtained in the middle of the frequency range 2435 – 2465 MHz. Some ID-tag models support the entire MHz range. Some individual performance variation can be observed for ID-tags and Readers, this is a natural variation due to component and manufacturing tolerances

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 12 TagMaster AB 5. Reader frequency options and spectral environment (b) Fixed frequency Reader settings If the Reader is set for a fixed frequency the system may become sensitive for the physical Reader installation at the actual site. Direct reflections, multi-path superimposed signals and jamming originating from other installations using the same frequency can affect system performance. The actual environment may also vary from one day to another. FHSS frequency hopping Reader settings FHSS is a preferred frequency setting option. The 2400 – frequency range is divided into 16 sub-bands each providing 50 channels. One or several of these sub-bands can be activated and the frequency will hop between channels, in a random sequence, using 300ms dwell time at each frequency. The FHSS frequency setting option is the best alternative for most applications since every part of the system will always provide its best performance and possible impact from the RFID installation site and jamming is reduced to a minimum

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 13 TagMaster AB 5. Reader frequency options and spectral environment (c)

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 14 TagMaster AB 6. Impact of the physical Tag and Reader installation (a) Tag vs. Reader geometries Read-Range properties are usually specified for a Reader and an ID-tag positioned in parallel (ID-tag angle 0°). See Read-Range characteristics below for ID-tags MarkTag Classic (green) and MarkTag MeM (red) for different ID-tag angels 0º/45º/60º.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 15 TagMaster AB 6. Impact of the physical Tag and Reader installation (b) Radio reflections in front of the Reader The Reader transmits the RF signal continuously. If the RF transmit signal is reflected back to the Reader by metal surfaces (just like a mirror), close to the reader, the sensitivity of the receiving part of the Reader will be degraded causing a reduced Read-Range. Also reflecting sheets of glass or plastic material etc. in parallel with the reader within 1 meter can reduce the reader sensitivity. FHSS, frequency hopping, may reduce or eliminate such problems. Isolation measurement figures showing impact of sheets of glass and metal in front of the reader.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 16 TagMaster AB 6. Impact of the physical Tag and Reader installation (c) Multiple path interference If a Reader is set for fixed frequency operation certain ID-tag positions can appear to be very bad. The reason can be caused by multiple reflections for the RF signal via different surfaces between the ID-tag and the Reader. Multiple reflections will be added at the receiver and/or at the ID-tag. For some positions (phase) or frequencies the result can worst case cause cancellation causing a no-read. FHSS, frequency hopping, always eliminates such problems. Reader Tag

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 17 TagMaster AB 6. Impact of the physical Tag and Reader installation (d) Material between the ID-tag and the Reader The RF signal can not pass through metal or metalized glass or metalized plastic (like solar films). Even if the RF-signal is not completely reflected the metallization will attenuate the RF signal to an extent that ID-tags can not be read. The same problem applies for all radio devices like mobile phones, GPS and 900 MHz RFID systems. Most non-lossy dielectric materials can be placed between the ID-tag and the Reader without problems. Some non-metallic materials can cause small reflections that can be observed as a slight read-range reduction

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 18 TagMaster AB 6. Impact of the physical Tag and Reader installation (e) Material in front of and behind the ID-tag Metal behind the TagMaster ID-tags is no problem except for MarkTag MeM where there is a restriction for the distance between the ID-tag and the metal surface. Dielectric material in front of the tag is usually no problem but consult the ID-tag Data Sheet to be sure. Water and snow can sometimes be a problem, in particular if the ID-tag is completely drowned in water since the dielectric properties of water will detune the ID-tag antennas and cause RF attenuation.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 19 TagMaster AB 7. About multiple reader installations (a) Multiple reader installation examples Entrance and exit gates sharing the same lane Multiple lane entrances (and exits) Multiple lane toll-gates Readers for different purposes installed at the same site Readers installed in truck and train depots

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 20 TagMaster AB 7. About multiple reader installations (b) Frequency interference between readers There is a basic rule not to use the same frequency for more than one reader in a multiple reader installation. This rule also include frequencies and channels within ±500 kHz from that frequency. The reason is that the jamming Reader continuously emits RF signals that make the other Reader almost blind for the information provided by the ID-tag. (If the jamming Reader is far from the Reader, ±300 kHz offset is sufficient.) FHSS, frequency hopping is usually recommended and since the random frequency hopping scheme is individual for each Reader, interference is usually no problem. In case of interference, the duration will be short. At least 10 Readers can be used set for FHSS within MHz. It is also possible to use different sub-bands for a limited number of readers to avoid interference. If necessary the Reader can also be set for Carrier off (RF turned off) at any time by the application software.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 21 TagMaster AB 7. About multiple reader installations (c) Identifying the right ID-tag in the right position Choice of ID-tag and Reader model for a particular application is very important. The placement of Reader and the ID-tag vs. the Reader is also very important. The Readlevel function can be set to provide a very accurate read-range-lobe employing a threshold function that reduces the read-range and also equalizes the difference between the Firm and Max read-range. The Readlevel can be set in 100 steps ( ).

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 22 TagMaster AB 8. Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) ID-tag endurance (a) The ID-tag battery The ID-tag is basically passive since the RF-signal is reflected back to the Reader (i.e. backscatter). The battery only keeps the digital circuit (ASIC) running. The TagMaster proprietary ID-tag ASICs are designed to consume an absolute minimum of power. It allows the ID-tag to operate continuously and provide an immediate response without any wake-up delay, RF-energy conversion or initial Reader/ID-tag conversation.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 23 TagMaster AB 8. Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) ID-tag endurance (b) Different ID-tag models and modes of operation ID-tags set for longer Interval Length (see Section 4) have a lower power-consumption. The power-consumption is low during the silent Interval and higher when the ID-tag talks. MarkTag models have a slightly lower power-consumption than ScriptTag models. MarkTag models for continuous operation (Interval Length=0) and ScriptTag models are equipped with an extra battery to compensate for the slightly higher power consumption. ID-tag and battery temperature Lithium Manganese Dioxide Batteries have a very low self-discharge rate. Even if the self-discharge is low the rate is temperature dependent. The internal self-discharge increases with the temperature. At lower temperature the self-discharge is almost negligible. To predict the ID-tag life (battery life) accurately the ambient temperatures for the ID-tag has to be known. A thorough analysis must include different time-periods for different temperatures - an average temperature model is not sufficient. (See ID-tag Data Sheets for detailed information.) Note that batteries are not specified by battery manufacturers beyond 10 years of operation.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 24 TagMaster AB 8. Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) ID-tag endurance (c) A predictable ID-tag life Since the ID-tag has a fairly constant power-consumption throughout its entire life the ID-tag life is predictable. Low battery indication When the long life Lithium Manganese Dioxide Battery voltage reaches a certain level after several years of operation the ASIC will set the Status-bits to Low Battery. The Low Battery indication can be registered by the Application software in the Reader and provide a user-alarm. The ID-tag will continue to operate for about 6 months after the first Low Battery indication.

TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 25 TagMaster AB 1-8. Further Reading TagMaster RFID read reliability white paper can be downloaded from

VAC TagMaster Training Module T2, Page 26 TagMaster AB End