Mikoh Develops Reusable Container With RFID Security Seal

In the first case, the device includes a passive RFID chip and antenna connected to the tamper sensor. If a person attempts to remove the seal or damages the sensor, a release coating—a layer within the tag construction—allows the RFID chip and antenna to continue functioning. A single bit in the data represents the tag's tamper status, Atherton says. "Once this bit has been changed from its original 'untampered' status to 'tampered' status, it cannot be changed back." When an RFID interrogator reads a tag in a damaged sensor, the tag transmits that tampered status, indicating it has been damaged.

The second case involves a more basic device, which Atherton says may be more desirable for the commercial market,. If someone were to attempt to remove or tear the tag, its antenna would be damaged and its connection to the RFID chip would be broken. In such a situation, an RFID interrogator would not be able to read that container's tag. The cost of the first option would be about 50 percent higher than that of a regular RFID container tag, he notes, while the cost of the basic option would be 10 to 20 percent greater.

The SecureContainer is a reusable plastic container typically measuring 15 by 12 by 5.5 inches, though other sizes are available. The container includes one point of entry, in the form of two doors at the top of the container, which are closed and secured with an adhesive seal integrated with a Smart&Secure passive RFID tag. The SecureContainer has been developed for testing by government agencies using 13.56 MHz or 915 MHz RFID chips, but the tags are available in a range of frequencies and air-interface standards to meet the needs of each end user. Although the seals use passive tags, Atherton notes, Mikoh is also testing the system with semi-active tags.

The seals can leave behind a residue after use, making it difficult to apply a new seal over it. Therefore, Mikoh designed the SecureContainer such that the seal attaches to disposable plastic inserts that slide into the container's doors. The inserts can be removed at the end of the shipment, leaving a clean surface for the next shipment.

According to Atherton, Mikoh's SecureContainer, consisting of the container and seal, is commercially available now, with no special software required.