BALLUFF BIS U UHF RFID System Basic Manual

BIS U Basic Manual
USA / Canada
Basic Information for Operating a
UHF RFID System
English
www.balluff.com
BIS U Basic Manual
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Introduction4
Safety distances to the antenna
5
Physical fundamentals
7
3.1 Physics of the transmitting antenna
3.2 Physics of the transponder
8
9
Reference antennas and antenna parameters
10
4.1 Reference or standard antennas
4.2 Antenna gain
4.3 Return loss and voltage standing wave ratio 4.4 Dispersion angle
4.5 Front-to-back ratio
4.6Impedance
4.7Polarization
4.8 Power rating
10
11
11
12
12
13
13
14
Antenna cable
15
Calculating the radiated power
16
Component properties and system characteristics
17
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
17
17
18
19
19
20
Memory topology of the data carrier
Structure of the EPC code
Data carrier antenna shapes
Directional characteristics of the data carrier dipole antenna
Responsiveness of the data carrier - response field intensities
Theoretical reading range
8
Reflection, dispersion and adsorption of electromagnetic waves
21
8.1 Changes in the polarizing axial ratio
8.2 Effect of different environmental conditions
8.3 Attenuation of electromagnetic radiation
22
22
23
9
Antenna and transponder mounting distances
24
9.1 Antennas on a processor
9.2 Distances to structures in the surrounding area
9.3 Mounting transponders
24
24
24
10 Operating several processors 10.1 Frequency hopping method
11 Measures for improving the operational reliability of UHF systems 11.1 Field reserve and working distance
11.2 Using several antennas
www.balluff.com
25
25
26
26
27
3
BIS U Basic Manual
1
Introduction
This document describes the physical method of operation of the RF identification system
BIS U and the specifications of individual components within the overall system.
The document focuses specifically on issues relating to the planning and optimization of identification
systems in the following application areas: goods receipt, warehousing, production logistics,
production control and distribution.
Furthermore, the propagation and characteristics of electromagnetic waves in the surrounding
environment and interaction with product carriers and building installations are explored in detail
from a practical perspective.
A separate section includes antenna safety distances for different antenna configurations, which
people must be maintain if they intend to remain within the wave range of antennas temporarily
or permanently.
Performance characteristics such as working frequencies and radiated power specified in this
documentation apply to countries within the USA / Canada. National regulations must be observed if system components are used outside of this region.
4
BIS U Basic Manual
2
Safety distances to the antenna
When using the BIS U identification system, it is possible that people will remain within the wave
range of the antennas briefly or for longer periods.
In addition to guidelines for protecting other radio services from the RFID system, which are outlined in Part 15 of the FCC (USA) and IC RSS-210 (Canada) standards, limit values for HF fields
were specified to prevent HF fields from causing damage to human tissue. These so-called basic
values represent the specific absorption SA J / kg or specific absorption rate SAR in W / kg and
describe the direct or indirect impact of radiation waves on human tissue.
Derived values that can be measured or calculated using simpler methods are adopted for
practical applications. These were defined in such a way that the basic values are never exceeded,
even under the most unfavorable exposure conditions.
Always observe the human exposure regulations applicable in the USA and Canada when
operating the device with a connected antenna. Refer to the following guidelines for the relevant
limit values:
–– FCC OET Bulletin 65 (USA),
–– IC RSS-102 Issue 2 (Canada).
For the working frequency of 915.25 MHz are for USA (general population), apply the following
limits:
Electric field intensity:
---
Magnetic field intensity:
---
HF power density => f[MHz] / 1500:
S = ExH = 0.61 mW / cm2
Table 1:
Limit values for USA
For the working frequency of 915.25 MHz are for Canada (general public), apply the following
limits:
Electric field intensity => 1.585 * √(f[MHz]):
E = 47.95 V / m
Magnetic field intensity => 0.0042 * √(f[MHz]):
H = 0.127 A / m
HF power density => f[MHz] / 150:
S = E x H = 6.1 W / m2 (0.61 mW / cm2)
Table 2:
Limit values for Canada
For a conventional long-range antenna with a radiated power of 4 wattEIRP in the main dispersion
direction, this lower limit value is usually exceeded if the distance is greater than 30 cm.
The safety distance decreases accordingly for lower transmission powers.
This occupational safety regulation stipulates that people should not remain closer than 30 cm to
the antenna for longer periods.
www.balluff.com
5
BIS U Basic Manual
2
Safety distances to the antenna
The following measures can be taken to meet the occupational safety regulation:
–– Organizational measures that require the preparation of operating instructions containing relevant information to ensure safe operation and that draws attention to the possibility of exposure to electromagnetic fields.
–– Secure the antennas by mounting protective equipment or setting up cordons to make sure
people cannot remain too close to the antenna during operation.
An inspection should always be carried out at appropriate time intervals before and after the task
is performed.
According to what is currently known, a brief stay in the vicinity of antennas does not pose a
health risk. Under certain circumstances during operation, the reader and antenna may interfere
with pacemakers while the pacemaker wearer is within range of the antenna. If in any doubt, the
person involved should contact the pacemaker manufacturer or their doctor.
120
110
100
Exposure range 1 BGR B11
EU Directive 2004-40 Employ.
El. field intensity in V / m
90
80
70
Exposure range 2 BGR B11 26.
BlmSchV
EU Directive 1999-519 Pop.
60
50
40
30
20
Field intensity curve
10
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Distance to the antenna in cm
Fig. 1:
6
Electric field in the vicinity of the antenna for 4 wattEIRP. Both components of the circular polarized
antenna taken into consideration
BIS U Basic Manual
3
Physical fundamentals
The BIS U system belongs to the class of UHF identification systems.
Data carriers with air interface protocol structured according to ISO 18000-6C or the EPCglobalTM
Class 1 Generation 2 standard are supported.
Performance characteristics such as working frequencies and permitted radiated power are
defined by Normen FCC Part 15 und IC RS-210:
UHF band:
902.25 MHz … 927.75 MHz
Radiated antenna power:
max. 4 wattEIRP
Channel spacing
510 kHz
Channel configuration
52 Channels in the range of 902.25 MHz...927.75
MHz
Table 3:
Performance characteristics
The UHF technology used here facilitates a communication distance of several meters, even for
passive transponders.
www.balluff.com
7
BIS U Basic Manual
3
Physical fundamentals
3.1 Physics of the
transmitting
antenna
The UHF antenna is an open oscillating circuit with electric fields that extend into the surrounding
environment. The simplest form of UHF antenna is an electric dipole.
However, field displacement occurs in the vicinity of the antenna due to the high excitation
frequency. The energy accumulated in the field moves away from the antenna almost at the
speed of light.
Fig. 2:
Schematic diagram of the displacement process
The energy propagates over an ever-increasing area as it moves away from the antenna and as a
result, the field intensity decreases reciprocally in relation to the distance.
This process of attenuation is also known as "free space loss".
8
BIS U Basic Manual
3
Physical fundamentals
3.2 Physics of the
transponder
Due to their shape and size, the antennas on the data carriers are capable both of reflecting and
absorbing electromagnetic waves transmitted by the BIS U identification system.
The passive transponder (data carrier) does not have its own power supply (e.g. battery) and
must therefore draw the energy it needs to operate from the electromagnetic field. One small
portion of the HF voltage present at the antenna connections is commutated and used to supply
the IC.
However, the much larger portion of dispersed power is reflected. A time-controlled change in
the reflection characteristics of the dipole antenna generates a backscattered electromagnetic
wave with a modulated amplitude (intensity). The wave is detected by the antenna on the
processor and then demodulated.
This type of information exchange between the partners of an identification system is known as
electromagnetic backscatter.
Transmitting / receiving antenna
Data carrier
Processor
Emitted
wave
Dipole antenna transponder
Directional coupler
Emitter / receiver
Reflected wave
Load resistance
Free space wave Z0
Fig. 3:
www.balluff.com
Schematic diagram of backscatter
9
BIS U Basic Manual
4
Reference antennas and antenna parameters
Only passive antennas can be connected to the BIS U processor. The power of the antennas is
defined by a generally binding parameter set of measurable properties which include:
––
––
––
––
––
––
––
––
4.1 Reference or
standard antennas
Antenna gain,
Polarization,
Axial ratio,
Dispersion angle,
Front-to-back ratio
Return loss / VSWR,
Impedance,
Power rating.
The comparability of different antennas and the quantitative assessment of power radiated by
the antennas are achieved using reference or standard antennas.
The following antennas are used for reference purposes:
Isotropic radiator
The isotropic radiator is a hypothetical, lossless antenna that
disperses evenly in all directions and generates a power
density independent of the angle at distance r.
Half-wave dipole (λ / 2
dipole)
The maximum field intensities are vertical to the dipole level.
A power density is generated in the shape of a figure eight.
If the same high-frequency power is supplied to both antennas, the half-wave dipole has a higher
field intensity than the isotropic radiator in the main dispersion directions. There is a direct
correlation between the two values: the radiated power of a half-wave dipole in the main dispersion
direction is higher than that of the isotropic radiator by a factor of 1.64 (2.15 dB).
180
150
210
90
270
Half-wave dipole
120
240
Isotropic radiator
60
300
30
330
0
Fig. 4:
10
Vertical radiation diagram for reference antennas.
BIS U Basic Manual
4
Reference antennas and antenna parameters
4.2 Antenna gain
Real antennas bundle radiation and therefore generate maximum radiated power density in one
direction (main dispersion direction).
In order to make antennas with different designs or directional characteristics comparable and
define a dimension to indicate the intensity of radiated antenna power aimed in a preferred
direction, antenna gain must be used. The antenna gain represents the factor by which power
radiated in the main dispersion direction is higher than a reference antenna.
Indicating the gain of a real antenna in relation to the isotropic radiator is commonplace.
G[dBi]
Linear gain based on the isotropic radiator
Figure 3 shows that radiation is also bundled for the half-wave dipole. The antenna gain based
on the isotropic radiator is:
G[dBi] half-wave dipole = 2.15 dBi
4.3 Return loss and
voltage standing
wave ratio
The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and the return loss (RL) indicate how much of the
energy flowing through the cable to the antenna is reflected to the receiving antenna input on the
processor. A poor VSWR value can cause interference or noise.
A typical value < 1.2 to 1 is specified for the BIS U 300 antenna.
www.balluff.com
11
BIS U Basic Manual
4
Reference antennas and antenna parameters
4.4 Dispersion angle
A specified dispersion angle provides another parameter indicating the directional characteristics
of an antenna. The identified dispersion angle is the angle at which only half the power is radiated,
which represents a decrease in power of 3 dB. The reference variable is the maximum value in
the main dispersion direction. Since antennas are always passive components, the antenna gain
correlates directly with the dispersion angle: the higher the antenna gain, the smaller the dispersion
angle.
According to Part 15 of the FCC (USA) standard and IC RSS-210 (Canada) standard, the maximum
radiated power relating to the isotropic radiator may not exceed 4 wattsEIRP. which means that the
maximum input power supplied to an antenna with a gain of 6 dBi must not exceed 1 watt
(30 dBm).
If antennas with a higher gain are used, the input power of the antennas must be reduced
accordingly.
3 dB dispersion angle
0
30
0
-3
330
-6
-9
60
300
-12
-15
-18
-21
-24
90
270
120
240
150
210
180
Front-to-back ratio
Fig. 5:
Radiation diagram of a real antenna - horizontal section
Two dispersion angles are specified to provide a full description: the vertical dispersion angle
(elevation) and the horizontal dispersion angle (azimuth).
4.5Front-to-back
ratio
The electromagnetic waves are also radiated by directional antennas, not only in the main dispersion
direction, but also in other spatial directions, in particular a backwards spatial direction. These
minor lobes should be suppressed as efficiently as possible to allow the radio fields to be aligned
correctly towards the selected data carrier.
Attenuation in a backwards dispersion direction in relation to power radiated in the main dispersion direction is described as the front-to-back ratio (see figure 5).
A typical value > 18 dB is specified for the BIS U 300 antenna.
12
BIS U Basic Manual
4
Reference antennas and antenna parameters
4.6Impedance
All components must have the same real impedance to allow the transfer of power between the
processor and the antenna.
The BIS U system is designed for connecting system components (antenna and cable) with a
wave resistance or impedance of Z = 50 Ω.
Deviations in the impedance will result in maladjustment that may cause reflections or vertical
waves and significantly reduce the performance of the overall system.
4.7Polarization
The field vector of electromagnetic waves into the surrounding environment is directional. The
alignment of the field vector or the directing of vibrations is described as wave polarization.
A distinction is made between linear and circular polarization, whereby antennas with the latter
characteristic are more important because the field intensity value for circular polarized waves is
the same regardless of the spatial orientation.
The reception characteristics of most UHF data carriers are similar to those of a dipole antenna
due to their design. Transmitting antennas with circular polarization are used to ensure that the
data carriers function correctly whatever their position.
Fig. 6:
Circular polarized wave
With circular polarization, an additional distinction is made between circular polarization in a
counterclockwise and clockwise rotational direction. But these characteristics are irrelevant in
practical applications because transponders usually have the same properties as linear polarized
antennas.
www.balluff.com
13
BIS U Basic Manual
4
Reference antennas and antenna parameters
On real antennas, however, the displacement achieved along both spatial axes is never exactly
the same. The polarization ellipse that develops is illustrated by the axial ratio of the two components.
A typical value 1 dB is specified for the BIS U 300 antenna.
(V axis) / (H axis) = 2 or 3 dB
(V axis) / (H axis) = 1 or 0 dB
Vertical axis
(V axis)
Horizontal axis
(H axis)
Fig. 7:
4.8 Power rating
14
Axial ratio of a circular polarized antenna
Describes the maximum effective power with which the antenna can operate.
BIS U Basic Manual
5
Antenna cable
Only coaxial antenna cables with a wave resistance or impedance of Z = 50 Ω may be used to
prevent reflections and vertical waves (resonances) in the antenna line.
Losses resulting from the transfer of electric power to the antenna are known as cable attenuation.
The degree of the cable attenuation depends entirely on the length of the cable, which is
selected based on the cable diameter, cable configuration and frequency response. As a general
rule, the cable manufacturer specifies the cable attenuation in dB per meter (dB / m).
www.balluff.com
15
BIS U Basic Manual
6
Calculating the radiated power
The measurable value in the main dispersion direction always defines the radiated antenna
power. Within the jurisdiction of the USA / Canada, limit values relating to the power radiated
from antennas are calculated using a so-called Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP)
based on the isotropic radiator.
Therefore, the ERIP value describes the equivalent power that an antenna supplied with P0
radiates in the preferred direction. The ERIP value of an antenna whose gain is defined based on
the isotropic radiator is calculated according to the following equation:
EIRP = P0 + Gi
with P0[dBm] Antenna supply power
Gi[dBi] Antenna gain based on isotropic radiator
The equations for calculating the radiated power of antennas are logarithmic and the power data
is standardized to 1 mW because addition is simpler to perform. As a result, all required antenna
and power parameters can be specified in decibels and simply added to one another.
The following parameters are required or used to calculate the radiated antenna power:
P0[dBm]
Socket output power of the processor based on 1 mW
G[dBic]
Antenna gain based on the isotropic radiator
Ak[dB]
Cable attenuation per meter
L[m]
Cable length in meters
The following formula can therefore be used to calculate the equivalent radiated power of an
antenna based on the isotropic radiator:
(1) EIRP[dBm] = P0[dBm] – Ak[dB] • L[m] + G[dBic]
The formula can be rearranged to calculate the permitted socket output of the processor:
(2)P0[dBm] = EIRP[dBm] + Ak[dB] • L[m] - G[dBic]
POWER
Table 4:
16
Watts
dBm
4.000
36
2.000
33
1.000
30
0.500
27
0.250
24
0.125
21
Correlation table
BIS U Basic Manual
7
Component properties and system characteristics
In order to make the selection of system components easier and ensure that they perform the
relevant tasks in the application correctly, this section discusses some of the basic properties
and characteristics of UHF components.
7.1 Memory topology
of the data carrier
7.2 Structure of the
EPC code
The memory of a UHF data carrier is divided up as follows:
96 bit
EPC read / write memory (option of extending to 256 bit)
512 bit
Freely accessible read / write memory area for customer-specific
applications
32bit+64 bit
TID - Fixed unique product and serial number
32 bit
Access password
32 bit
Kill password for destroying the transponder (not supported)
EPC codes were introduced to provide a migration path for the transition from the barcode to
RFID technology.
ELECTRONIC PRODUCT CODE
0 1 . 0 0 0 0 A 8 9 . 0 0 0 1 6 F. 0 0 0 1 6 9 D C 0
Header
0-7 bits
Fig. 8:
www.balluff.com
EPC Manager
8-35 bits
Object Class
36-59 bits
Serial Number
60-95 bits
EPC code
Header bit positions
(0 .. 7)
represents the length of the EPC code, possible
lengths from 64 to 256 bits, 01 length 96 bit
EPC manager bit positions
(8 .. 35)
describes the product manufacturer
Object class bit positions
(36 .. 59)
describes the product (stockkeeping unit)
Serial number bit positions
(60 .. 96)
used to make a distinction between 2 37 individuals
17
BIS U Basic Manual
7
Component properties and system characteristics
7.3 Data carrier
antenna shapes
Antenna designs are predominantly limited to shapes that are very similar to a dipole because
the power is drawn exclusively from the electric field in the far field. Data carriers that incorporate
slot, patch or microstrip resonator antennas are exceptions to the rule because they can be
mounted directly onto metal surfaces. This document does not explore these data carriers in
further detail.
Data carriers with antennas similar to a dipole are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes,
for example:
Source: Alien Technologies
Source: UPM Raflatac
Source: Alien Technologies
Fig. 9:
Data carriers with different antenna designs
The use of RF loop antennas with additional radiating elements (wave trap dipoles) achieve a
reduction in the overall size and make data carriers suitable for use in the near field.
18
BIS U Basic Manual
7
Component properties and system characteristics
7.4Directional
characteristics of
the data carrier
dipole antenna
The data carrier is sensitive to orientation because of the dipole antenna principle.
Antenna
0
330
30
60
300
90
270
v
240
x
φ
120
210
150
180
0° position represents the flat position on
the x-y plane.
α
z
Fig. 10:
Directional sensitivity of the data carrier dipole antenna
The following qualitative statements apply:
–– If a circular polarized transmitting antenna is used, no directional sensitivity is observed when
the antenna is rotated around the z-axis.
–– When the antenna is rotated around the x-axis, a reduction in sensitivity is observed at
rotation angles 90° and 270°.
–– When the antenna is rotated around the y-axis, read capability is absent at rotation angles
90° and 270°.
7.5Responsiveness
of the data
carrier - response
field intensities
In order to supply power to the ICs, passive RFID data carriers are instructed to draw the
required energy from electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna on the processor.
The response field intensity is the minimum field intensity required to operate the integrated
circuit that is present at the location of a data carrier. Use of the external electric field, which
generates a sufficiently high HF voltage at the antenna connections, is largely influenced by the
antenna design and capacity to adjust to the working frequency.
The power consumption of the data carrier ICs varies for each individual semiconductor manufacturer and design generation, and has an influence on the responsiveness of the data carrier.
Responsiveness is a particularly important aspect because the processor can usually detect a
data carrier located in a HF field of sufficient intensity.
www.balluff.com
19
BIS U Basic Manual
7
Component properties and system characteristics
7.6Theoretical
reading range
Under ideal conditions, the electric field intensity in the near field (approximately > 70 cm) decreases
reciprocally in relation to the distance (free space loss). Varying the antenna power generates an
array of curves that allocates a unique field intensity to every point within the surrounding
environment.
The theoretical reading range for the different levels of power radiated from the antenna can be
determined by dissecting the response field intensity with the relevant field intensity curve. Under
ideal boundary conditions, this type of reading range value is calculated in a free field or a large
absorber chamber.
Antenna power in watts
4.0
2.0
1.0
Transponder I
150 cm
220 cm
310 cm
Transponder II
275 cm
385 cm
550 cm
Table 5:
Theoretical reading ranges as a function of the antenna power
14,00
4 WEIRP
13,00
12,00
11,00
El. field intensity in V / m
10,00
2 WEIRP
9,00
8,00
7,00
1 WEIRP
6,00
5,00
4,00
3,00
2,00
1,00
0,00
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
Distance to the antenna in cm
Fig. 11:
Determining the theoretical reading range
Electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna propagate almost at the speed of light and
meet objects with different consistencies. The wave can be absorbed and reflected or scattered
in all directions at different intensities.
20
BIS U Basic Manual
8
Reflection, dispersion and adsorption of electromagnetic waves
Apart from the consistency of the material, which may be similar to metal or polar liquids, the
size of the obstacles has a decisive influence on the backscattering characteristics:
Rayleigh range
The reflections are negligible if their dimensions are much smaller
than the wave length.
Resonance range
The object size is comparable with the wave length. Resonant
absorption and radiation from sharp objects, slots and points
are observed and may cause changes in the polarization direction
or result in the magnification or obliteration of fields.
Optical range
The object dimensions are large compared to the wave length.
The geometry and position of the object (incidence angle of the
wave) have an influence on the backscattering result.
Experiences gained from the field of geometrical optics can be
used in an approximate capacity.
Parts of the primary wave that overlap with stray partial waves generated by reflections, scattering
or diffraction on metallic structures in the actual surrounding area can result in local magnification
or reduction in the electric field intensity. If the field intensity decreases so much that it falls below
the response field intensity value for the data carrier, communication between the processor and
data carrier is interrupted.
However if interaction in the surrounding area at a point situated further in front of the antenna
causes the field intensity to increase, communication between the data carrier and processor
remains stable. Field magnification can result in superrefraction as a result.
For this reason, it is not possible to specify a reading range for a specific UHF identification
system consisting of a data carrier and antenna / processor that is valid for all applications
or boundary conditions.
9
8
Anticipated field intensity
curve according to
theoretical free space loss
El. field intensity in V / m
7
6
Field intensity curve
measured
5
4
3
Data carrier response
field intensity
2
1
Area without
communication
0
0
Fig. 12:
50
100
150
200
250
300
Distance to the antenna in cm
350
400
450
500
Appearance of areas without communication (blind spots)
As already highlighted, interaction between electromagnetic waves and objects in the actual
surrounding area as well as between the waves themselves results in changes in the anticipated
electric field distribution or free space loss. Selected examples should be used to demonstrate
the effect of this interaction on the performance of UHF technology.
www.balluff.com
21
BIS U Basic Manual
8
Reflection, dispersion and adsorption of electromagnetic waves
8.1 Changes in the
polarizing axial
ratio
Interaction with structures in the surrounding area changes the axis components of a circular
polarized wave, which are originally almost identical in size.
These changes result in noticeable differences in the reading performance or reading range
depending on the degree of response field intensity and on whether the data carrier is mounted
in a vertical or horizontal position.
8
7
El. field intensity in V / m
6
5
Vertical component
4
3
2
Horizontal component
1
0
0
50
Fig. 13:
8.2 Effect of different
environmental
conditions
100
150
200
250
Distance to the antenna in cm
300
350
400
450
Changes in the axial ratio of polarization components
The positioning, materials and geometry of the obstacles in the surrounding environment can
vary from application to application and can therefore be expected to have a direct effect on the
appearance of the electric field distribution. In diagram 13, the vertical component of the electrical
field intensity curve has been measured comparatively for three different spaces in the main
propagation direction using a circular polarized antenna.
8,00
Free space loss - vertical component
7,00
______ Space I
El. field intensity in V / m
6,00
______ Space II
______ Space III
5,00
4,00
3,00
2,00
1,00
0,00
0
100
200
300
400
500
Distance to the antenna in cm
Fig. 14:
22
Free space loss curve for three different spaces in main dispersion direction
600
700
BIS U Basic Manual
8
Reflection, dispersion and adsorption of electromagnetic waves
8.3 Attenuation of
electromagnetic
radiation
It is well-known from low-frequency RFID systems that waves permeate all electrically nonconductive materials virtually without loss. On UHF systems, a different approach must be
adopted when assessing the behavior of waves penetrating materials.
–– Solids or liquids that are comprised of polar molecules and contain water or carbonic
substances, for example, present a high degree of HF attenuation and weaken the radiation
emitted by the antenna significantly. This information confirms that the human body represents
an insurmountable obstacle for the propagation of electromagnetic waves.
–– Mineral oils on the other hand only weaken electromagnetic waves to an extremely limited
extent because they consist of non-polar molecules. As a result, SmartLabels can be affixed
directly to plastic mineral oil containers, for example.
–– UHF waves cannot penetrate metallic surfaces or grid structures consisting of metallic rods
or mesh. This group also includes metal reinforced concrete walls.
–– Electrically non-conductive, dry materials such as plastic, paper and wood are penetrated
virtually without loss.
www.balluff.com
23
BIS U Basic Manual
9
Antenna and transponder mounting distances
9.1 Antennas on a
processor
Even if the antennas are connected to a processor, the minimum distances for the following
configurations should be respected to prevent unwanted interaction:
–– Two antennas installed beside one another
–– Two antennas installed back to back
9.2 Distances to
structures in the
surrounding area
9.3 Mounting transponders
> 50 cm
> 50 cm
A minimum distance of 50 cm from metallic components or polar liquids must be maintained to
prevent the antenna from detuning and avoid backscatter from strong electromagnetic fields.
Mounting data carriers directly to metal surfaces can drastically reduce the reading range.
Distances of a minimum of 15 mm from the metal surface can improve the reading performance
considerably, depending on the antenna design.
To prevent the data carriers from detuning, the minimum distance between two data carriers
must not exceed 50 mm.
24
BIS U Basic Manual
10 Operating several processors
Due to the large range available for UHF fields, it is possible that processors will have a negative
influence on one another if they are operated simultaneously and randomly select the same
working frequency.
10.1Frequency
hopping method
One way of avoiding interference is to change the transmitting channels of the processors in a
random sequence (frequency hopping).
The UHF-RFID system BIS U-602x-11_-.. uses 52 channels across a frequency range of
902.25 MHz...927.25 MHz. The channels are selected in a random sequence and retained for
about 0.4 seconds. Each channel is therefore selected once within a period of about 20
seconds.
The advantage of the frequency hopping method is that the probability of several adjacent
processors transmitting to the same channel at the same time is reduced considerably.
www.balluff.com
25
BIS U Basic Manual
11 Measures for improving the operational reliability of UHF systems
In a real environment, the primary wave emitted by the antenna reflects against large objects
such as walls, floors, deposited transport containers etc. and causes independent, uncontrollable propagation in the form of a stray secondary wave.
In the worst case scenario, interference between the primary wave and the secondary waves
can cause field attenuation. In a multi-reflective environment, it is virtually impossible to predict
the field intensity at a specific location. It should also be noted that a change in the surrounding
area caused by moving transportation equipment, for example, may cause the field intensity to
change over time.
11.1Field reserve and
working distance
Local or temporary decreases in the field intensity have the same effect as a deliberate reduction
in the transmission power during reading operations. If the transmission power of the antenna is
then reduced to a point where the data carrier can just about be detected, a decrease in the field
intensity within the multi-reflective environment is followed by an interruption in communication.
Figures 12, 13 and 14 clearly show that the fluctuations increase in line with the distance to the
transmitting antenna. In order to ensure that the electric field never falls below the excitation field
intensity of the data carrier in a multi-reflective environment, even when the field intensity fluctuates,
field reserves within range of the fluctuation amplitude must be taken into consideration. This
results in a calculative increase in the response field intensity and definition of the so-called
working distance at the intersection point with the power curve.
9
2 watts
8
El. field intensity in V / m
7
6
5
0.5 watts
4
Theoretical reading range
700 cm
Working distance
350 cm
Field reserve
6 dB
3
2
Field reserve
1
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
Distance to the antenna in cm
Fig. 15:
Graphic derivation of the working distance for a data carrier
When designing a UHF system, it is recommended that the following rules are observed:
–– The values for the working distance of a data carrier specified by the manufacturer or system
supplier should not be exceeded.
–– For a data carrier positioned at the point of operation, the response field intensity must be
calculated by reducing the transmission power. The transmission power must then be increased
by the field reserve prior to operation. A field reserve of 50% to 100% is usually considered
sufficient for most applications.
26
BIS U Basic Manual
11 Measures for improving the operational reliability of UHF systems
11.2Using several
antennas
Each antenna generates a different spatial field distribution pattern because the obstacles in a
multi-reflective environment are positioned differently for each antenna.
It can therefore be expected that the value for the local field intensity at the transponder position
will change as soon as an antenna in a different spatial position starts transmitting.
Antenna 3
Antenna 2
Antenna 4
Antenna 1
Fig. 16:
Arrangement of several antennas
Randomly positioned data carriers can also be detected in this kind of antenna configuration.
These antenna configurations can be used in the following scenarios:
www.balluff.com
Incoming / outgoing goods
Pallets containing goods are transported through the doors of a warehouse, trading house or industrial entEIRPrise. In the
corresponding stationary antenna configuration (gantry
arrangement), individual UHF data carriers affixed to pallets or even
goods can be detected automatically. The scanned data may contain
information about the origin and nature of the
products.
Internal company
commodity flows
Gantries with antennas are installed at selected points within the industrial company. Containers bearing data carriers are detected when they
pass through the gantries. An overall picture of the flow of products
throughout the production sequence can be obtained by analyzing the
scanned data.
Non-orientated
data carriers
Affixing several data carriers to rotationally symmetrical goods or containers, for example, is not viable because of data consistency issues and
the costs involved. The only way to reliably detect unclearly aligned data
carriers is through the use of antennas aligned towards the unidentified
product from different angular positions.
27
Balluff GmbH
Schurwaldstraße 9
73765 Neuhausen a.d.F.
Germany
Phone. +49 7158 173-0
Fax +49 7158 5010
balluff @ balluff.com
www.balluff.com
No. 886691 E · Edition 1111 · Subject to modification.
www.balluff.com