Tracking and tracing with UHF
26/01/2011 ifm electronic ltd
New RFID systems from ifm electronic LtdProduct tracking has never been a bigger issue for manufacturers, logicisticians and retailers, so the introduction of the new UHF RFID system from sensor market leader ifm electronic Ltd is a welcome step.
Marked out by the use of the 865-870 MHz band (there is also a 902-928 MHz variant for the North American market) this new system offers flexibility on a standard platform.
Flexibility comes from the selection of antennae on offer from ifm electronic; for the European range there are five different antennae. The more compact ultra-low and low range will read tags in close proximity without seeing adjacent tags, making them the most selective. A mid-range antenna will pick up data from a tag up to 2m away, while the long range options can even read a tag at 7m.
Bulk reading of the standard tags is also well within the capability of the new system, which is based around the worldwide ISO 18000-6C, EPC, Global Class 1 Gen 2. The information read from the tag is presented to the outside world through a simple ethernet TCP/IP standard interface. The software for configuring the system of reader with up to four antennae attached comes supplied with ifm's robust DTE800 reader unit.
Further integration into an automated system is made possible with coordinating input and output signals on the reader. So a read sequence can be triggered by an external event, and sorting carried out directly via the DTE read unit. All units, reader and antennae, naturally come housed in industrial designs featuring IP65 and standard industrial connectors. A selection of co-axial leads for the antennae, ethernet patchcords and M12 power and I/O connectors form part of the overall offering.
ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.
For further information, contact Mel Lewis, ifm electronic Ltd., Efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2HD. Telephone: 020 8213-0000. Fax: 020 8213-2228. E-mail - marketing_gb@ifm.com or visit our website www.ifm.com/uk
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