By attaching RFID transponders/tags to equipment, the unique identification can be read digital by using a suitable RFID reader. This is much faster and gives a more accurate result than typing numbers on a keyboard.
Onix applications such as Onix Pick and Pack, Onix Tool Store, Onix Worker and Onix Inspect support RFID as a quick way to identify unique equipment.
1. General
- Standard: RAIN with EPC Class 1 Gen 2 ISO 18000-6C.
- Operating frequency: Global 860–960 MHz, EU 860-865 MHz
| Read distance | Optimal size | Usage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-performance | >70 cm | 80-120 mm | Large stores |
| Medium-performance | >30 cm | 25-60 mm | Smaller stores/Inspection |
| Low-performance | >1 cm | 6-12 mm | Inspection |
2. Categories of RFID readers
Readers fall into five main categories:
- Gate reader
- Desktop reader
- Pocket reader
- Handheld readers
- Fixed readers
Onix makes use of the first 3 categories. The 4th category - handheld readers, is only supported by Onix Pick and Pack and Onix Tool Store (Windows version).
These are divided into two groups of antennas:
- Linear polarization
- Circular polarization
Gate reader
For the gate to perform optimally, both antenna and tags must be tuned to fit the environment.
- For the antenna/gate, we can adjust the power.
- For the tags, we must choose the optimal size for the purpose.
The main rule is that larger tags give a longer reading distance.
The gate’s antennas are powerful. They can easily pick up a high-performance tag at 5-15 meters.
To consider
We have a small store with 99 small tags and 1 large tag.
If we turn the gate’s effect to maximum to get a steady signal for the smaller tags, there is a high risk that the single large one will be picked up for every read if it is located closer than 10 meters.
We have a store with 99 large tags and 1 small tag.
If we lower the effect to prevent reading nearby tags unintentionally, it is a high risk that the single small one can never be read.
Therefore, we need all tags to have the approximately same effect.
Gate readers mainly use circular polarized antennas.
Left image - High antenna effect: High read efficiency in the gate area. Large tags in the field/store might be read unintentionally.
Right image - Low antenna effect: Minimal chance of unintentional reads. Small tags might not be picked up in the gate area.
Desktop reader
Desktop readers normally have a limited reading field, but are capable of reading everything from low-performance tags to high-performance tags. Since the antenna area/surface often is exposed, it is natural to place the tag near this field.
- Low-performance tags are suitable for desktop readers, even though smaller tags often require direct contact between the reader’s surface and the tag.
- Medium-performance tags can typically be read from 50-100 mm and high-performance tags up to 1 meter.
- Some high-performance tags will however be read from distances up to several meters.
Onix supports for linear polarized desktop readers.
Blue lines: antenna-field
Green lines: tag-field
The more lines that cross, the higher the possibility of a confirmed read.
Pocket reader
Pocket readers are designed to be small and therefore with a small antenna surface.
As for desktop readers, the antenna area/surface is exposed, and suitable for low-performance tags even though some might be difficult to read and require direct contact between the antenna and tag.
Pocket readers are often connected by Bluetooth (wireless connection). Since RFID consumes a relatively high amount of power, it is designed to power off after a given time. The reader must be reconnected with the application after turning it back on again. For handheld devices not supporting USB/wired connection, this is the preferred reader.
Most pocket readers are linear polarized.
Blue lines: antenna-field
Green lines: tag-field
The more lines that cross, the higher the possibility of a confirmed read.
Handheld reader
Handheld readers are normally divided into two groups:
- With operative system (E.g. Windows CE or Android)
- Connected to computer with wire, or wireless
Handheld readers can use both linear and circular polarized antennas. Onix has supported handheld readers in 2 applications: Onix Pick and Pack and Onix Tool Store (Windows version).
Fixed reader
Fixed readers can often be read as wall-mounted readers. If two or more readers are connected, they can have much the same function as a gate reader. Fixed readers often have circular polarized antennas.
Onix does per date not support this category of readers
Linear polarized antenna
For the linear polarized antenna to work, the tag must be held parallel to the reader’s antenna. Since the signal is directed in one level (horizontal or vertical), it can carry for a long distance.
Circular polarized antenna
Circular polarized antennas will consume more power to carry the signal. This is because it is designed to pick up a signal regardless if the tag is placed horizontally or vertical in the field. It is still important that the tag faces the reader.
3. RFID tags
Tags fall into 3 main categories:
- Metal tags use the connected surface as an antenna and can be smaller without losing effect. If they are connected to surfaces other than metal, they will also loose most of the effect.
- Standard tags. These often have a very strong signal due to size, but metal will absorb the signal and make them unreadable.
- Some tags can be mounted on all materials. They have a built-in shield against the surface. This shield will often make the tag a bit thicker than other tags. They also need to be larger, since the shield will have some negative effect on the signal.
Left: Metal tag on metal: Boosted directional performance
Right: Metal tag on e.g. plastic: Poor performance
Left: Standard tag on metal: Poor performance
Right: Standard tag on e.g. plastic: Good performance
Left: All surface tag on metal: Medium directional performance
Right: All surface on e.g. plastic: Medium performance
Unfortunately, all categories have their up- and down-sides. None of them are perfect for overall usage.
Our recommendations
- Use tags meant for metal whenever it can be connected to a clean metal surface.
- Use standard tags for other surfaces.
- If the size of the surface allows it, consider tags meant for all materials.
4. Recommended usage for Onix apps
Onix Tool Store
- Use desktop reader.
- Since the signal often is limited, the tagged equipment must be held close to the reader.
- Try to keep the reader in a fixed position. Move the tagged object into position, not the reader.
- Place the reader where it can be conveniently reached from all heights. Large objects might not be easy to place on a table.
Onix Pick and Pack
- Use desktop reader.
- Since the signal often is limited, the tagged equipment must be hold close to the reader.
- Try to keep the reader in a fixed position. Move the tagged object into position, not the reader.
- Place the reader where it can be conveniently reached from all heights. Large objects might not be easy to place on a table.
Onix Inspect
- Use pocket reader.
- For the Windows version, use a wired connection.
- For the Android/iOS version, use Bluetooth connection.
- Since the signal is relatively weak, locate the readers antenna position.
- Place the tag as close as possible to this point for best result.
5. Sample tags and readers
Sample tags, medium-performance
Sample tags, low-performance
