Packaging
RFID antennas go into production
Monday 16. June 2008 - Kurz antennas in the RFID system
Background RFID technology
RFID – Radio Frequency Identification – is the name of a method by which data is transferred using radio waves without the need for contact or line of sight. This process uses a transponder, comprising a microchip and an antenna, that acts as a data medium and data transmitter. It also requires a reader/writer and an IT system to process the received data. As soon as the reader comes within range of the transponder it can activate the data communication, retrieve the data from the chip and, in the case of rewriteable transponders, even transmit new data. There are active transponders that have their own energy source, and passive transponders that are supplied with energy via the electromagnetic field of the reader.
Kurz antennas in the RFID system
There are several government defined radio frequency ranges for radio transmission of RFID signals. Kurz antennas transmit in the high frequency range of 3.56 MHz which offers a higher data transfer rate than low-frequency systems.
The antennas are a component of passive transponders and can be activated within a distance of about a half a meter from the reader. A higher range of up to one meter is technically possible but unnecessary for card applications. In the event that several cards are within range of the reader at the same time, the transponders are equipped with an anti-collision function. This enables several so called tags to be read without interference and within a short period of time.
RFID for the card sector
Plastic cards that can be read via radio signals offer many advantages. The cards are wear-free, insensitive to dirt and moisture and therefore less prone to faults, user-friendly and convenient, and above all, they enable fast data transfer. These
advantages can be employed in many applications. Whether it be cards for access control, time recording or loan systems, bonus or rebate cards, money cards, health insurance cards, membership or customer cards, or as paper tickets, RFID systems are conceivable, or already successfully deployed in all these areas. For example, they are being used as single or multi-travel tickets in the local public transport network of various large cities. The cards are read while getting on or off a bus or train, and the amount payable is either invoiced at the end of the month or deducted from a rechargeable money card. Contact-free cards can be particularly recommended for locations where queues can form very quickly and speedy, problem-free transactions are required, like for example subway entrances or admission gates at major entertainment events.