FAQ
RFID technology
RFID is the abbreviation for Radio Frequency Identification and stands for contactless data exchange via radio technology. You can find detailed information about RFID readers here.
Near Field Communication (NFC) is an RFID technology that describes the use of mobile devices for wireless data exchange. Information is stored on passive RFID tags (usually ISO 14443, ISO 15693 also possible) in NDEF format, which the mobile device evaluates and performs actions when it is touched. NFC applications can usually be created cost-effectively, as expensive RFID reading systems can be replaced with inexpensive smartphones or tablets. The reading range here is limited to a few centimetres.
Complex reading systems and software environments are usually required for classic RFID applications, but these ensure a high level of scalability. This technology is often used for warehouse logistics, as it allows a large number of items to be scanned quickly and easily - the reading range is significantly higher than with NFC applications.
Detailed information on RFID and NFC technology can be found here.
Detailed information on RFID technology can be found here.
An RFID system consists of three components:
- RFID reader
- RFID transponder
- RFID antenna
The term RFID reader refers to a reading device that can read data from or write data to an information carrier without contact. The devices are available as stationary or mobile versions and differ in their read and write ranges. You can find detailed information on RFID technology here.
The RFID trag is the core component of an RFID system and is also known as a data carrier or tag. The design and functionality of RFID tags vary depending on the frequency range used. You can find detailed information on RFID technology here.
Inlays are the electronic components of a transponder, consisting of an antenna and RFID chip. Depending on the technology, a wound coil (LF) or conductor tracks printed in copper or aluminum (HF and UHF) and the chip are contacted and applied to a carrier track. Because this arrangement is initially very susceptible to mechanical damage, it must be protected in a suitable structure, e.g. as a layer in a label or within a potting compound. You can find detailed information on RFID technology here.
An RFID antenna can consist of a coil with either one or more windings. The antenna has two functions. It can emit the electromagnetic waves from the reader or receive them from the transponder. Antennas are available in different sizes, designs and with different functions. Their shape and size depend heavily on the environment in which the system is integrated. Common designs are rod or frame antennas.
In order to enable contactless data exchange via an RFID system, radio waves are used for communication. Depending on the requirements, RFID systems can work with different frequency ranges. RFID applications are generally equipped with ISM frequency bands (from the fields of industry, science and medicine) in order to avoid mutual interference between radio systems. This guarantees undisturbed data exchange. In the area of passive applications, a distinction can be made between three frequency ranges:
- Low frequency (LF)
- High frequency (HF)
- Ultra-High Frequency (UHF)
Detailed information on RFID and NFC technology can be found here. You can find the right physical and electrotechnical parameters and influencing factors with our RFID / NFC laboratory services.
As RFID transponders are used across national and company borders and networked communication is becoming increasingly important, uniformly defined global standards play an important role. The most important global standardization companies are ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and EPC Global (Electronic Product Code), which are represented in Germany by GS1.
For detailed information on RFID and NFC technology, see our current certificates and here.
LF (125 kHz and 134 khz): They have a short read range, but work perfectly and fast enough for many applications. Longer transmission times are required for larger data volumes. LF systems cope very well with moisture and metal and are available in a variety of designs. They are therefore suitable for use in harsh industrial environments as well as for access control, immobilizers and warehouse management, for example.
HF (13.56 MHz): Short (see NFC) to medium range with a medium to high transmission speed. Limited areas of application in metallic environments and insensitivity to moisture/water. A particular advantage is that mobile devices with an NFC interface can be used as readers, which is why expensive RFID handhelds are usually replaced by low-cost mobile devices.
UHF (850 - 950 MHz): Particularly long ranges (2 - 6 meters for passive transponders) and reading speeds. Very cost-effective transponder prices in the label sector with limited functionality in metallic and damp environments. Special transponders enable very good read ranges - even on metallic surfaces.
Detailed information on NFC technology can be found here.
You can find out which physical and electrotechnical parameters and influencing factors you should consider when introducing an RFID system here.
The read range of an RFID system depends on numerous factors:
- Active RFID systems offer a greater read range (up to 100 meters) than passive RFID systems (up to 10 meters).
- UHF technology enables a read range of up to 10 meters; HF technology up to approx. 1 meter.
- The smaller the RFID transponder, the shorter the read range
- The read range is usually lower on metallic surfaces than on plastic, glass or paper, for example.
- A greater reading range can be achieved with stationary RFID readers than with handheld readers.
- Within HF technology, ISO 15963 compliant transponders offer a greater read range than ISO 14443 compliant transponders.
Find the right physical and electrotechnical parameters and influencing factors with our RFID/NFC laboratory services.
In passive RFID systems, the RFID tag itself does not have its own power supply, e.g. from batteries. The passive RFID tag is supplied with energy via the electromagnetic field of the RFID reader. Active RFID tags have an integrated battery. This results in the following main differences:
- The design of the active RFID tag is larger than that of a passive RFID tag.
- Reading ranges of up to 100 meters are possible with active systems. For passive systems up to max. 5 - 8 meters.
- Active RFID tags are considerably more expensive than passive RFID tags.
Detailed information on RFID technology can be found here.
The different frequencies in RFID technology react differently to their environment or the surface to which they are applied. Metals in particular can have a major impact on functionality, as the reading range is reduced if used incorrectly or, in the worst case, transponders can no longer be read at all.
In the LF (Low Frequency;125 kHz) frequency range, the impairment is minimal.
In the HF (High Frequency; 13.56 MHz) frequency range, negative effects can be prevented using spacers or special foils. At smart-TEC, these products are referred to as "MoM" - Mount on Metal.
In the UHF frequency range, a strong reflection of the electromagnetic field can even occur in a metallic environment. The transponder is then unreadable. It is therefore necessary to use special MoM data carriers here too.
Please indicate in your inquiry that you are planning to use RFID in a metallic environment.
When it comes to the memory of an RFID chip, a general distinction is made between non-writable and writable memory. An RFID chip with non-writable memory only carries a unique serial number, the so-called UID. No further data can be stored here. The capacity of the writable memory of an RFID chip ranges from a few bits to several KBytes. With these RFID chips, the data can also be changed or written with additional data at a later date.
Detailed information on RFID and NFC technology can be found here.
RFID technology supports communication protocols of different standards. In this way, transponders with different chip types and properties can be created that can still be read or written to with the same type of reader. The most commonly used standards are ISO 14443 A and B and ISO 15693. ISO 14443 regulates the so-called proximity range, i.e. a reading distance of a few cm, while ISO 15693 describes the vicinity range with a reading distance of up to 1 m.
NFC technology
Near Field Communication (NFC) is an international transmission standard (ISO 18092) for contactless data exchange at 13.56 MHz. The reading distance is up to 10 cm with a maximum data transfer rate of 424 kbit/s and a connection establishment time of 0.1 seconds. NFC-enabled devices can be used with near-field technology. Almost all smartphones, tablets and notebooks are now equipped with this wireless interface. You can find detailed information on NFC technology here.
The so-called "N-Mark" logo is a universal symbol and serves as a touch point display. It shows the user the location of the NFC service where they can trigger an action with their NFC-enabled device (e.g. smartphone).
Detailed information on NFC technology can be found here.
Yes, the NFC Forum was founded in 2004 by NXP Semiconductors, Sony and Nokia and serves to ensure implementation and standardization as well as compatibility between devices and services. It is an internationally recognized institution with many members (over 150).
For detailed information on NFC technology, please refer to our current certificates and here.
Digital solutions
The Internet of Things, or IoT as it is known in German, refers to the networking of objects with each other and with the internet. In both the private and industrial sectors, IoT involves physical and virtual objects being networked with each other. These objects work together independently using different communication and information technologies. Objects interact with each other independently using different communication and information technologies. You can find more information on IoT here.
The first major technological revolution began in the 18th century with the discovery of water and steam power. The second revolution began with the assembly line and mass production. The digital age began in the 1970s, which also brought the breakthrough. Industry 4.0, the fourth revolution, makes it possible to merge the real and digital worlds by networking cross-sector and cross-process processes and systems. You can find more information on Industry 4.0 here.
Unencrypted optical machine-readable symbols are known as barcodes. Barcodes can be found on many objects in everyday life.
Learn here all about barcodes, how they are created and where they are used.
Standing out from the competition and offering your customers a special service is not always easy. Thanks to IDconnect, analogue products can now be linked to the digital world. Read all about digital customer loyalty here.
Optimized processes and documentation that are fast, cost-effective and traceable can be implemented with IDconnect and automatically transferred to internal databases
Read here how to take your processes to the next level with IDconnect.
A digital twin is the digital representation of a physically existing object in the digital world. The identification of machines, devices and systems in demanding environmental conditions using digital type plates is the prerequisite for this. All information relating to a machine, such as maintenance plans, maintenance histories, operating instructions, installation and commissioning instructions, is stored in the central company software
Further information can be found here.
A digital name plate is a metal rating plate with integrated RFID/NFC technology. It can be used, engraved, printed and finished in the same way as classic metal name plates. It also offers digital flexibility with data storage, contactless reading and perfect integration into new IoT processes.
More information can be found here.
VDI 2770 is a technical committee that created the VDI guideline 2770. This guideline is an international ISO/IEC standard for the further development of cloud-based information exchange platforms for the provision of digital manufacturer information.
Further information can be found here:
ISO/IEC is an international standard for the further development of cloud-based information exchange platforms for the provision of digital manufacturer information.
The DIN SPEC consortium, consisting of the largest players in the process industry, focused on the automated and standardized identification of physical objects along the process and value chain. On October 1, 2021, 43 companies, including smart-TEC and other members of the DIN SPEC 91406 consortium, the VDI Technical Committee 2770 and the Digital Platforms for Asset Management and Maintenance in the Process Industry working group founded the Digital Data Chain Consortium (DDCC).
Further information can be found here.
MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair and Operations and refers to the maintenance, servicing, equipment, tools and activities associated with the day-to-day running of a business. You can find more information here:
Wayside monitoring is a term from the rail sector. It means something like "wayside monitoring."
You can find more information here:
The wheel mark from smart-TEC is a product that is primarily used in the railroad sector for marking trains, wagons and components.
Further information can be found here.
The rail clamp is a smart-TEC product and is used in the railroad sector and can be used in combination with the smart-PLATE to be attached to rail feet.
Further information can be found here.
A warehouse management system is a software-controlled optimization, management and control of warehouse and distribution processes. It includes classic functions such as the management of storage locations, goods and transport systems as well as methodical and strategic approaches.
Further information can be found here.
Dual frequency refers to the ability of an RFID/NFC tag to communicate both frequencies, i.e. the RFID and NFC frequencies, with just one chip. The data is read either with an NFC-enabled smartphone or with a UHF RFID reader. The combination of the best of the RFID and NFC worlds makes a dual frequency RFID tag universally applicable.
Further information can be found here.
The term smart building refers to networking and automation in functional buildings - such as office buildings, airports and shopping centers. The aim of networking is the same as in smart homes: To increase convenience and reduce energy consumption. The optimized management of devices, tools, machines and raw materials also saves an enormous amount of time and resources. You can find more information here:
NFT is the abbreviation for Non Fungible T tokens. NFTs are classic digital objects that are unique and cannot be changed or replaced in any way. They can be digital paintings, images, trading cards, videos, animated GIFs, music, domain names or entire digital worlds. To ensure the uniqueness of NFTs, they are stored on a blockchain, i.e. a decentralized database, and linked to a specific digital asset. Owners of NFT's receive a certificate of ownership for the digital object. The ownership relationships are mapped digitally and can therefore only be traded digitally. Further information can be found here.
The individual blocks represent individual data records that are stored one after the other, creating a kind of data record chain whose blocks are linked to each other. This means that individual blocks cannot be changed unnoticed, making a trusted authority unnecessary. This reduces fraud and abuse.
Further information can be found here.
Tokens are cryptocurrencies that do not have their own blockchain but are based on another existing blockchain, such as Ether, which exists on the Ethereum blockchain.
Further information can be found here.
There are various methods for attaching further data blocks to the blockchain. One of these is Proof of Work, in which the miner tries to check and solve the transaction in the block as quickly as possible. Only the first miner to solve this task receives the transaction fee.
A popular method is Proof of Stake, in which only one person is selected to verify the transaction. If this person has found the solution, they are credited a predetermined transaction fee.
Do you have any further questions? Our experts will be happy to help you: