Tricks and Tags for Hard-to-Read Products
Based on numerous studies, the University of Arkansas' RFID Research Center says companies can overcome the challenge of tagging products that include metal or water.
By Brad Adams and Maurizio Turri
June 1, 2008—One of the most common questions we get from companies looking to use Gen 2 ultrahigh-frequency passive tags in the supply chain is: "How do I read my tagged product if it has high water or metal content?"
The problem, simply stated, is that metal reflects RF energy, and water absorbs RF energy. RFID tags and interrogators communicate with each other through transmission of RF energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. When RF energy is reflected by metal, the waves interfere with themselves, decreasing efficiency. When this interference occurs, the interrogator cannot understand the message in the signal. And when RF energy is absorbed by water, its power is reduced to a level insufficient for communication.
It doesn't take a lot of metal or water to cause problems with read rates. Sometimes companies are surprised to learn that the packaging for their products is the culprit. For example, corrugated boxes of dishwashing powder are notoriously difficult to read because of the metal-foil lining in the box. Even the metallic ink on packaging for DVDs, toothpaste and many other products reduces read rates.
June 1, 2008—One of the most common questions we get from companies looking to use Gen 2 ultrahigh-frequency passive tags in the supply chain is: "How do I read my tagged product if it has high water or metal content?"
The problem, simply stated, is that metal reflects RF energy, and water absorbs RF energy. RFID tags and interrogators communicate with each other through transmission of RF energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. When RF energy is reflected by metal, the waves interfere with themselves, decreasing efficiency. When this interference occurs, the interrogator cannot understand the message in the signal. And when RF energy is absorbed by water, its power is reduced to a level insufficient for communication.
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It doesn't take a lot of metal or water to cause problems with read rates. Sometimes companies are surprised to learn that the packaging for their products is the culprit. For example, corrugated boxes of dishwashing powder are notoriously difficult to read because of the metal-foil lining in the box. Even the metallic ink on packaging for DVDs, toothpaste and many other products reduces read rates.
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