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ISRC Technology Briefing

September 25, 2003

Radio frequency Identification

(image from Aimglobal 2003)

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A New Revolution

(image fromTierney 2003)

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What is RFID

Bar codes vs. RFID

Low-frequency RFID

13.56 MHz standard

Inductive coupling

High-frequency RFID

UHF (300-1000 MHz)

Electromagnetic wavepropagation

(from Aimglobal 2000)

(from Aimglobal 2000)

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RFID in HoustonToll booths EZ Tag

Payment systems ExxonMobil Speedpass

Access control

Schlumberger

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Classification of TagsActive Contain a battery

Longer range possible (10-15 feet or more)

Expensive (e.g., Apple has one for over $25)

Semi-passive Contain a dormant battery

Intermediate range

Mid-range price (over $1)

Passive Draw energy from an electromagnetic field Limited range (up to 10 feet)

Cheapest to produce (30 to 50 cents)

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Frequency Bands

and Applications

(from Aimglobal 2003)

FrequencyBand

Characteristics Typical Applications

Low100-500 kHz

Short to medium readrange

Inexpensivelow reading speed

Access controlAnimal identification

Inventory controlCar immobilizer

Intermediate10-15 MHz

Short to medium readrangepotentially inexpensivemedium reading speed

Access controlSmart cards

High850-950 MHz2.4-5.8 GHz

Long read rangeHigh reading speedLine of sight requiredExpensive

Railroad car monitoringToll collection systems

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Other Applications of RFIDCorporate/campuscards

E.g., cafeteria vending,parking, etc.

Hazardous materials Avoids the need forphysical contact

Luggage tagging E.g., baggage taggingand boarding passes

Time and attendancemanagement

To identify in- and out-times

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Benefits of RFIDNo need for contactor line-of-sight

Can scan entire pallets

at onceGreater speed

Low error rates

Reduced counterfeiting(from RecordsAssociates 1999)

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Additional BenefitsSize a grain of rice

Ability to hold moredata than bar codes

Durability (Clinton 2002)

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Drawbacks

Cost Passive tags: 30-50 cents

Would be economically viable at 5 cents

Lack of standards Proliferation of multiple operating frequencies

Need for standard electronic product code (EPC)

Efforts by ISO and ANSI

Privacy Implications of staying active beyond checkout

Kill switches

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Adoption

Wal-Mart Leading the charge by requiring all suppliers to use

RFID on pallets by 2006.

Gillette Has ordered 500 million tags for razors.

Delta Testing RFID on passenger luggage this fall.

Ford

Testing use of RFID to track parts.DoD Tracking parts sent to the Persian Gulf.

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On the Horizon

Quadrillion units in the global supply chain

Estimated Market (VDC Corp.): $700 million (2003) $2 billion (2007)

Five cent target

Privacy issues paramount