Embedded RFID: Supercharging products with RFID

Embedded RFID: Supercharging
products with RFID
Moderator
Mark Roberti, Founder & Editor
Presenter
Martin Payne, VP Marketing & Strategy
Agenda
Introduction
Embedded RFID Definition
Evolution of RFID
Embedded RFID Overview
z System Components
z RFID 2.0
z Challenges
Applications
Case Studies
Benefits (Challenges Addressed)
Q&A
Introduction
z
z
Who is Martin Payne?
• Technology & marketing professional for 13+ years:
• SkyeTek
• Sun Microsystems
• Dell Computer
• USAF Satellite Control Network
Who is SkyTek?
• Premier provider of end-to-end Embedded RFID Solutions in
the Denver-CO metro area
• Embeddable RFID reader modules & accessories
• RFID & security firmware
• Multi-platform, common API
• Full turn-key Solutions: Integration, design, & services
Introduction – cont’d
What will we cover?
z Lay some groundwork, then explore the technical
implications of embedding RFID
Why bother?
z Embedded RFID expands the use cases of RFID beyond the
traditional areas dominated by supply chain
z Embedded RFID entails unique technical implementation
and usage considerations
z As a emerging technology, sometimes the best way to
understand an application is to see it in action
Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID)
RFID is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to
automatically identify people or objects.
Tag
Tag Silicon
Tag Antenna
Reader
Antenna
Reader
AutoID Technology Comparison
Bar Code
Passive RFID
Active / SemiPassive RFID
Applications
Asset Value
Visibility Req’d
Low
Monthly
Medium to High
Per Minute/Hour
Very High
Continuous
Line of Sight
Yes
No
No
Power Source
None
RF signal
Tag Battery
Range
Up to 6 in
Up to 15 ft
Up to 300 ft
Relative Tag Size
Medium
Small to Medium
Large
Data Storage
None
Up to 10Kbits
Up to 128Kbits
Cost
Cheap (2¢ - 5¢)
Inexpensive (10¢ - $5)
Expensive ($20 - $40)
How Passive RFID Works
Tag
1
The RFID Reader transmits
a radio signal via the
Antenna
Antenna
Source: Lowry Presentation, 2005
Reader
How Passive RFID Works
2
The radio signal from the
reader powers the RFID
Tag & requests the ID and
other data from the Tag
Tag
Antenna
Source: Lowry Presentation, 2005
Reader
How Passive RFID Works
Tag
Antenna
3
Source: Lowry Presentation, 2005
Reader
The Reader receives the ID
and data from the tag and
either stores it, sends it to
the another processor, or
sends it to the network.
How Passive RFID Works
2
The radio signal from the
reader powers the RFID
Tag & requests the ID and
other data from the Tag
1
Tag
The RFID Reader transmits
a radio signal via the
Antenna
Antenna
3
Source: Lowry Presentation, 2005
Reader
The Reader receives the ID
and data from the tag and
either stores it, sends it to
the another processor, or
sends it to the network.
RFID 1.0 = Wireless Barcode
Enterprise
Apps
Enterprise Network
RFID
Middleware
RFID as Data
Capture System
• Visualization
•Expensive HW
•Duplicative
•Monolithic
•Unsecure
•Synchronous
•Static
Applications:
z Supply chain visibility (eg,
Walmart, DoD)
z Barcode replacement
Benefits:
z Decreased labor versus manual
bar code reading
z Decreased shrinkage / more
accurate case / pallet counts
Architecture:
z 5 – 10m read range
z Up to 250 tags / sec
z 3-tier architecture
z Policies in middleware & legacy
apps, not at edge
z Unidirectional flow (ID & location)
RFID 2.0 = Enterprise Networking
Enterprise
Apps
Enterprise Network
• Utilization
• Authentication
• Visualization2
•Inexpensive HW
•Open Standards
•Secure
•Asynchronous
•Event-Policy
•Web Services
Applications:
• Managing / controlling point-ofuse
• Extend network edge to devices /
containers / rooms
Benefits:
• Revenue growth
• Process reliability
• Enhanced user experience
• Billing accuracy / speed
• Sales rep productivity
Architecture:
• < 5m read range
• < 50 tags / sec
• 2- or 3-tier architecture
• Policies at each tier, incl edge
• Bi-directional data flow
19X
Addressable
Market
RFID Applications
Potential Reader POPs (M)
RFID 1.0
RFID 2.0
2,500
2,000
1,500
2,358.1
1,000
500
0
121.9
Examples:
• Dock Doors
• Conveyors
• Forklifts
Examples:
• Appliances
• Cabinets
• Containers
• Counters
• Devices
• Machines
• Portals
• Shelves
Source: US Census, DOE, AHLA, Hoovers, Yankee, VDC, Gartner, Google, SkyeTek Bottoms Up Analysis
Embedded RFID Interaction
Person (Optional)
Tagged Item
RFID reader-enabled device
Components of an Embedded RFID
System
Components of an Embedded RFID
System
Optional: based on
closed- or open-loop
requirements
Cached Metadata / Policies
Tagged Item
Type / Serial Number
Digital signature
Origin
Owner
Chain of custody
Usage counter
Expiration date
Service history
Dimensions
Weight
Tagged Person
Identity
Digital signature
Height
Weight
Age
Allergies
Blood type
Home address
Rank / grade
Status
Access counter
Challenges of Embedded RFID
RFID performance – solution tuned to application
Tag selection
z frequency (LF vs HF vs UHF vs iUHF)
z cost / quantity
z memory
z Security and advanced features
Reader module selection
z size / cost / power
z interfaces (HW & SW)
Antenna selection
z position / integration
z environment (inductive vs radiative)
Certification & support
z certification (FCC, ETSI, etc)
z regulatory (HIPPA, FDA, etc)
RFID Frequencies & Considerations
Frequency
Read Range
Standards
Tags Characteristics
™
High
Frequency
(HF)
13.56 MHz
Short
(~10cm)
™
™
™
ISO15693
ISO14443-A
ISO14443-B
™
™
™
™
™
™
Ultra High
Frequency
(UHF)
860 - 950
MHz
Long
(3m+)
™
™
Source: Lowry Presentation, 2005
EPC Class1
Gen1
EPC Class1
Gen2
(ISO180006C)
ISO18000-6B
Cost: ~$0.50+
Shorter range
Insensitive to Liquids
Typically Higher Data Rates
Few Tags Read Simultaneously
More Memory
Cost: ~$0.15
™ Longer Range
™ Sensitive to Liquids
™ (unless using inductive
coupling)
™ Many Tags Read
Simultaneously
™ Less Memory
Specific Applications
Disposables Management
Inventory Management
Patron Management
Configuration Management
Medical and Industrial devices,
machines, and analyzers
rely on reagents of the right
type, freshness and
authenticity to deliver highquality results.
9 Improved test reliability
9 Reduction in support costs
9 Reduction of liability
9 Revenue preservation through
reduced cloning
9 Visibility into how reagents are
used
Customer: Authentication / Configuration
Industrial Water
Testing Manufacturer
Application
Device
Authentication /
Configuration
TOC Water
Analyzer
TOC Analyzer
Tag
Reader
Antenna
Reagent
Requirements
• Authenticate reagent
• Implement security techniques
• Update security in the field
• Embed into existing machine
• Ensure proper reagent configuration
• Minimize cost of tags
• Enforce expiration dates
• Implement product usage counters
• Operate in high-moisture environment
Solution
• SkyeModule M2 Reader - HF
• SkyeSecurity software with encryption,
hashing, and digital fingerprint
• Generic tag utilizing resident memory for
encryption
Benefits
9 Ensure reliable test results
9 Preventing counterfeits
9 Preserve recurring revenue
9 Enhanced user experience
Vendor-managed inventory on
site with smart-cabinet:
Control access to supplies &
consumables; provide
real-time visibility to
manufacturer & restock
on-demand.
9 Right product / time / place
9 Real-time billing
9 Reduce stock-outs / overstocks
9 Reduced shrinkage
9 Efficiently execute recalls
Customer: Inventory Management
Medical Supplies Mfg
Application
Medical Device
Medical Supplies Tracking
Smart Cabinet
Multiplexer
Solution – Turn-Key solution involving
• End-to-end SkyeTek design services
• SkyeModule M9 Reader
• SkyeTek 8-port Multiplexer
• Custom Antenna design
• Integration and testing services
• SkyeAPI
Reader
Antennas
LAN/WAN
LAN/WAN
Host
Requirements
• Inventory medical devices
• 100% read reliability
• Pinpoint location of products by shelf
• Allow secure access to cabinet
• Real-time, automatic re-ordering
Tags
Benefits
9 Low cost inventory tracking
9 Reduced “out of stocks”
9 Reduced shrink
9 Vendor Managed Inventory / Consignment
Inventory Management - Retail
Vendor-managed inventory on
site with mobile handheld
RFID reader: Sales reps
quickly take inventory and
automatically assess stocking
needs.
9 Increase sales productivity /
Reduce stocking time
9 Real-time billing
9 Reduce stock-outs / overstock
9 Reduce shrinkage
9 Increase customer loyalty
RFID embedded in multiple
points-of-interaction to offer
an enhanced customer
experience. From effortless
check-in to recommendations
based on patron history.
9 Reduced administration costs
9 Simplify customer
management
9 Drive repeat business /
loyalty
9 Up-sell services and increase
consumption
Customer: Patron Management
Application
Device
Patron Management
Tablet PC
Enabled Tablet
Reader
LAN/WAN
LAN/WAN
Loyalty Card
CRM System
check-in
dining
gift shop
survey
Requirements
• Track interaction of employees w/
customers: Right customer, Right service
• Integrate with existing PC infrastructure
• Work with barcode & magstripe inputs
• Inexpensive, cost-effective solution
• 1 – 2 in read range for proximity ops
• Support for existing and new badges and
payment cards
• Investment protection as technology
improves and costs decrease
Solution
• SkyeModule M4 Reader – HF
• API for application development
• Field-upgradeable firmware
• Tagnostic® support for generic HF badges
Benefits
9 Increased satisfaction via streamlined
interaction
9 Instant feedback from field reps
9 Lower cost of administration
9 Recommender system
Embedded RFID Benefits Summary
Demand & Product Visibility
• Demand & behavior prediction
• Remote inventory
• Dynamic pricing
• Restocking/placement controls
• Remote product management
Enhanced Customer /
User Experiences
• Tailored interactions
• Automated device / service
configuration
• Multi-dimensional loyalty
programs
Security & Access Control
• Anti-counterfeiting
• Contactless payment
• Product tamper protection
• Authorized product
access/usage
Technical Considerations in
Summary
Know your use case
z Read/write: distance, # tags, beam shape
z Environment: reflectivity, moisture, emitters
z Security: password, encryption, signature
Take systems approach to designing solution
z Regulatory determines frequency band
z Reader & Tags Antennas
• Size & brand matter, in general
• Linear vs. circular polarization
z Not all Readers & Tags are created equally – know the
differentiators
Test & tune in target environment early-on
z If first time with RFID, get hands-on training or outsource effort
(to learn by watching an expert)
SkyeTek Portfolio
Technical Solutions
Professional Services
SkyeAPI Software
SkyeSecurity Firmware
SkyeOS™ Firmware
Developer Kits
SkyeModules
ReaderDNA
Toolkits for development
RFID reader modules
Reference designs
UHF
HF
Questions
For further information contact SkyeTek:
www.skyetek.com
phyllis.stewart@skyetek.com
720.565.0441