Actuator: Types and

working

RFID: Technology and

Applications
 Actuator Definition
It is a mechanism that converts some type of
energy into motion in order to do work (move a
force over a distance)
 Actuator types
● Electrical
● Hydraulic
● Pneumatic
● Others
Actuator functional diagram
 RFID Outline
▪ Overview of RFID
– Reader-Tag; Potential applications
–
▪ RFID Technology Internals
– RF communications; Reader/Tag protocols
–

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What is RFID?
▪ RFID = Radio Frequency IDentification.
▪ An ADC (Automated Data Collection) technology that:
– uses radio-frequency waves to transfer data between
a reader and a movable item to identify, categorize,
track..
– Is fast and does not require physical sight or contact
between reader/scanner and the tagged item.
– Performs the operation using low cost components.
– Attempts to provide unique identification and backend
integration that allows for wide range of applications.
Other ADC technologies: Bar codes, OCR.

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 RFID system components

Et
h
er
n
et

RFID
Reader

RFID Tag RF Transreciev Netw Worksta

(Transponde Antenna er ork tion
r)
8
RFID systems: logical view
11 ONS
Product
Information
Server
(PML Format) 12
t
ne
t er Internet
In

Antenna
Items with
RF Tags Application
Reader Systems
RF
Write data Read
to RF tags Antenna Transaction Trading
Manager
Data Store Partner
Systems

EDI /
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 XML

7
Tag/Item 10
Relationship
Database 9

Other
Tag Interfaces RFID Middleware
Systems
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RFID tags: Smart labels
A paper label
with RFID inside

an antenna,
printed, etched
or stamped ...

… and a chip … on a substrate

attached to it e.g. a plastic
foil ...
Some RFID
tags
RFID tags

Tags can be attached to almost anything:
– Items, cases or pallets of products, high value goods
– vehicles, assets, livestock or personnel

Passive Tags
– Do not require power – Draws from Interrogator Field
– Lower storage capacities (few bits to 1 KB)
– Shorter read ranges (4 inches to 15 feet)
– Usually Write-Once-Read-Many/Read-Only tags
– Cost around 25 cents to few dollars

Active Tags
Battery powered
Higher storage capacities (512 KB)
– Longer read range (300 feet)
– Typically can be re-written by RF Interrogators
– Cost around 50 to 250 dollars

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 Tag block diagram

Antenna
Power Memory
Supply Control Logic
Cells
(Finite State
Tx machine)
Modulator

Rx
Demodulator

Tag Integrated Circuit

(IC)

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RFID tag memory

 Read-only tags
– Tag ID is assigned at the factory during manufacturing
• Can never be changed
• No additional data can be assigned to the tag
 Write once, read many (WORM) tags
– Data written once, e.g., during packing or manufacturing
• Tag is locked once data is written
• Similar to a compact disc or DVD
 Read/Write
– Tag data can be changed over time
• Part or all of the data section can be locked

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RFID
readers
 Reader functions:
– Remotely power tags
– Establish a bidirectional data link
– Inventory tags, filter results
– Communicate with networked server(s)
– Can read 100-300 tags per second
 Readers (interrogators) can be at a fixed point such as
– Entrance/exit
– Point of sale
 Readers can also be mobile/hand-held

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Some RFID
readers

RFID 2005
 Reader anatomy
Digital
Signal
Processor
(DSP)

Network
Processor Power
Supply

915MHz 13.56MH
z 16
Radio
RFID application
points

▪ Assembly Line
▪
▪
▪ Handheld Applications

at
▪ Shipping Portals 18
RFID applications
 Manufacturing and Processing
– Inventory and production process monitoring
– Warehouse order fulfillment
 Supply Chain Management
– Inventory tracking systems
– Logistics management
 Retail
– Inventory control and customer insight
– Auto checkout with reverse logistics
 Security
– Access control
– Counterfeiting and Theft control/prevention
 Location Tracking
– Traffic movement control and parking management
– Wildlife/Livestock monitoring and tracking
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 Smart groceries

 Add an RFID tag to all

items in the grocery.

 As the cart leaves the

store, it passes through
an RFID transceiver.

 The cart is rung up in

seconds.

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 Smart fridge

▪ Recognizes what’s been put in it

▪ Recognizes when things are removed
▪ Creates automatic shopping lists
▪ Notifies you when things are past their expiration
▪
▪ Shows you the recipes that most closely match
what is available

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Smart groceries enhanced

 Track products
through their entire
lifetime.

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Source: How Stuff Works
Some more smart applications
 “Smart” appliances:
– Closets that advice on style depending on clothes available.
– Ovens that know recipes to cook pre-packaged food.
 “Smart” products:
– Clothing, appliances, CDs, etc. tagged for store returns.
 “Smart” paper:
– Airline tickets that indicate your location in the airport.
 “Smart” currency:
– Anti-counterfeiting and tracking.

 “Smart” people ??

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 RFID advantages over bar-codes

 No line of sight required for reading

 Multiple items can be read with a single scan

 Each tag can carry a lot of data (read/write)

 Individual items identified and not just the category

 Passive tags have a virtually unlimited lifetime

 Active tags can be read from great distances

 Can be combined with barcode technology

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