Ex-protection-certified RFID tags from smart-TEC increase safety in hazardous areas

RFID technology is used in numerous industries as durable and reliable identification. However, particularly strict requirements apply in Ex zones. Despite their passive functional principle, RFID tags can be potential sources of ignition there. smart-TEC therefore analyzed the safety-relevant factors at an early stage and had its RFID/NFC tags comprehensively certified in accordance with ATEX, IECEx and UKEx.

Two safety-critical factors in focus:

Heating of the RFID chip

When an RFID tag is read, the semiconductor chip heats up slightly. In potentially explosive atmospheres, this can be enough to trigger ignition. For this reason, RFID tags that are to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres must demonstrate the following points as part of the certification process:

• the maximum surface temperature is defined and tested,
• there are no hotspots due to energy absorption,
• the PU potting ensures safe heat dissipation

Electrostatic charging of the PU potting

Polyurethane offers excellent protective and insulating properties, but can become electrostatically charged. A possible discharge could generate sparks. For this reason, the electrostatic effect of RFID tags with PU encapsulation must be comprehensively tested and evaluated as part of the Ex certification process.

Explosion protection for RFID tags is much more than a formal process. Both the heating of the semiconductor chip and the electrostatic charging of the PU encapsulation are ignition sources that must be actively prevented.

Safety along the entire value chain

Not only the tags themselves, but also the production at the Mindelheim site has been fully explosion-proof certified. In this way, smart-TEC ensures that all processes - from goods receipt to delivery - meet the high requirements for explosion protection

The robust, durable and temperature-resistant explosion protection tags from smart-TEC are suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Models such as the smart-DOME Industrial can be securely attached to systems thanks to the cable connection - especially in harsh environments.

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