Programming a Passive Tag

Passive tags are usually pre-programmed with a unique ID from the manufacturer. However many of the newer tags still contain some additional memory that is user-writable. This space can be used to store an electronic record of the item or object being tagged, which can lead to the creation of “self-aware” systems, which recognize objects by reading the tag.

In a number of the tags available in the market now, it is possible to write details of the item/object to which the tag is attached. Tags can be “written” by a reader, by a special “command set” that involves a higher power transmission level by the reader to function as a “writer” also. The data broadcast in a certain, pre-specified format at the higher power level, causes the information to be written to the tag.

Passive tags may be reused, although (in the case of large supply chains), they may become effectively unavailable as they travel outside your “control boundary”, which comprises your factory/production unit, or warehouse. In such cases, important internal information may be deleted from the tag, or the tag destroyed through a special control/command sequence from the RFID writer, that renders it unusable thereafter.

Deployment

Read range for Passive Tags are generally between 2 cm to 1 meter, depending upon the technology of the tag. The lower frequency tags (125Khz) have the shortest range, but are also the cheapest. The higher frequency passive tags (13.56Mhz and higher) have larger read ranges and are more suitable for supply-chain automation, but are also more expensive.

Thus the 125Khz tags may be used in order to minimally automate existing bar-code processes, to achieve better efficiency, as well as better control over automated processes like inventory checking, tracking, and maintenance of material in a facility. The higher frequency tags may be used for complete supply-chain or production/assembly line automation, but require the proper back-end systems to enable you to really achieve the production and process efficiencies to take the best advantage of the RFID infrastructure.

Analytica usually carries out a 2-3 week on-site study to determine the optimum configuration and technology for each deployment.