Radio Frequency Identification

1
Radio Frequency Identification

• In Agricultural Applications

• An Introduction
• By
• Murray Greenman
• ZL1BPU
• zl1bpu_at_nzart.org.nz

2
RFID What is it?

• Radio Frequency IDentification
• A technique for electronic ID
• Non-contact technique
• Absolutely accurate
• Very robust and reliable

3
RFID Overview

• Similar to bar codes in application
• RFID has many advantages
• Line of sight not required
• ID and holder are tamper proof
• Different frequencies to suit application
• Read/Write tags with data possible

4
RFID Overview

• Do not confuse RFID with radio interrogation
  techniques which radiate signals -
• Garage door openers, remote controls use
  radiation
• RFID uses magnetic induction

5
RFID Overview

• RFID Technology involvesMagnetic Induction
• No radiation of signals is involved
• Similar to a transformer in concept
• Power can be transmitted to tag

Transmitting Loop
Tag on animal
Data
Tiny current induced in tag
Power
Magnetic Field
6
RFID Overview

• Operating Frequencies
• 134kHz (LF)
• Animal and industrial applications
• 13.58MHz (HF)
• Retail security, library books
• 900MHz, 1.2GHz and 2.4GHz
• Manufacturing asset management

7
RFID Overview

• Typical 134 kHz applications
• Electronic keys (cards, tags, watches)
• Car immobilizers and electronic locks
• Agricultural and pet animal ID
• Fish and wildlife tagging
• Industrial ID systems
• Inventory control

8
RFID Terminology

• Tag or Transponder
• Passive device containing ID or data
• Reader or Transceiver
• Device which reads the tags
• Terminal
• Intelligent device with reader and database
• Long Range Reader
• Reader with range in excess of 100mm

9
RFID Overview

• Typical farming applications
• Statutory ID and movement control (TB)
• Dairy cattle
• Supplimentary feeding
• Milking(diseased or dry cows)
• Beef cattle
• Drafting
• ID tied to weighing and treatment

10
RFID Overview

• Other animal applications
• Thoroughbred horse ID, pet ID
• Racing Pigeons (automatic race timing)
• Wildlife tagging
• Migration and fish stock research
• Animal breeding programs
• Sheep, deer (treatment, automatic drafting)

11
RFID Overview

• 134 kHz properties
• Reads through non-metallic objects
• Animal and human bodies transparent
• Short range - noise sensitive
• Low power - inexpensive
• Low data rate (type 2-4 kbits/sec)

12
RFID Overview

• Two types of tag active and passive
• Active tags battery powered
• Passive tags use reader transmitter power
• Passive tags more convenient
• Cheaper, but signal is much weaker

13
RFID Overview

• Two types of passive tag FDX and HDX
• Full Duplex (FDX) tag uses field modulation to
  respond to reader
• Half Duplex (HDX) tag transmits FSK after reader
  stops transmitting

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RFID Tag Detail