RFID: Kit speeds RuBee use, praise for chip, more rugged tags

In three radio frequency identification (RFID) developments, a kit offers secure visibility and better performance over RFID harsh environment applications; Intel’s RFID Transceiver R1000 chip won an award; and Premo RFID broadens tag range with Harsh-Tag-150W.

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A new pilot kit from Visible Assets Inc . allows designers to create pilot projects quickly using RuBee (IEEE P1902.1) wireless asset visibility. The kit and licensing package includes an IEEE P1902.1 license plus RuBee hardware and software to support designers’ needs for a new industry application pilot.RuBee, a long-wavelength magnetic transceiver protocol, overcomes many problems seen with RFID and other wireless asset visibility solutions through its ability to work effectively near steel and liquids. Suited for a range of asset visibility applications, RuBee tags work from 1 to 100 ft and can be powered by a single battery for up to 10 years. RuBee systems combine with optional sensors, buttons, displays, and LEDs. The tags may be directly embedded into items such as weapons, mission critical tools, medical devices, cell phones, and products stored on shelving. RuBee Pilot Kit includes Visible’s Dot-Tag visibility engine software and server hardware, Sidewinders routers, RuBee wireless tags, RuBee antennas, and direct support from Visible to execute a single-focused RuBee pilot in a new application or industry area.”RFID loses much of its capabilities when it is near steel, liquids, people, and animals,” said John K. Stevens, chairman and CEO of Visible Assets. “This is just one reason so many industries are turning to RuBee wireless asset visibility. Moreover, RuBee has no eavesdropping or tempest risk seen with other wireless technologies, and we believe it has met the highest possible standard for wireless security in the U.S, RuBee has commercially proven itself in many real-time, real-world visibility applications with large partner companies.”RuBee wireless, which produces a near uniform volumetric signal in harsh environments, has no human safety issues since it produces radio signals many millions of times below the OSHA and IEEE C95.1 safety limits. The protocol was approved by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) for use in high security areas. Informational videos may be seen on RuBee at www.youtube.com/user/VisibleAssets . Intel Corp . received recognition for its UHF RFID transceiver R1000 chip, Frost & Sullivan . The research firm cited

Control Engineering lists other winners

.Intel’s technology enables integrating complex and discrete reader components on a single chip measuring approximately 8 x 8 mm. It opens up the possibility of using RFID technology in new applications with varied form factors and cost considerations. The company has a significant competitive edge due to its extensive presence across the RFID value chain.The R1000 transceiver chip is part of a panoptic product portfolio that includes architecture-based server platforms, network processors, collaborative desktop PCs (vPro technology), and mobile Intel Centrino PC technology. Intel’s technical stronghold across different points in a supply chain enables development of integrated solutions that ease consumer adoption with a disruptive technology such as RFID. The company’s RFID transceiver interface software ensures compatibility with host processors and enables configuration, remote access, and fault handling. The protocol firmware and programming support protects existing consumer investments and ensures faster upgradeability and reduced time-to-market.Intel’s transceiver chip success is corroborated by high market acceptance in less than one year. Intel expects more than 50 reader manufacturers to launch products based on the R1000 this year. The solution’s global operability enables penetration into North American, European, and Asia-Pacific markets.Frost & Sullivan said it sees the market potential of Intel’s transceiver chip technology because of the industry-wide impact of decreasing reader hardware costs and increasing RFID adoption rates across future application segments. Features include ease of deployment, integration with existing enterprise software applications, functionality in dense reader mode (DRM), and upgradeability via protocol firmware. Premo RFID has a wide range of RFID tags for industrial and outdoor environments, including tags for UHF and 13.56 MHz in different sizes, and a read range up to 5 m for the new Harsh-Tag-150W. New tags provide a solution in UHF band radio frequency identification for plastic containers (RPC), wood, metal cages, pallets, Unit Loading Devices (ULD), vehicles, tractors, and trailers.Plastic enclosures comply with IP68 (Polyamid PA6) and UL94 V-0 flame-resistant standards. Tags are fully EPC Gen 2-compatible, with 96 bits of free memory for user data. Frequency of operation is 866 MHz to 954 MHz (global); size is 148 x 33 x 15 mm, with a weight of 65 gr. It can be mounted with screws up to #4; standard rivets, and double-side adhesive strips. Read Range Performance on non-metal surfaces is up to 5 m (metal surfaces 2.5), with operation from -40Premo will show its newest products at electronica 2008, Stand 318, Hall B6, Nov. 11-14, 2008, in Munich, Germany. Premo RFID is based in Málaga, Spain.–  Control Engineering News Desk Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free .

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