RFID – a real talking point, at least since its introduction at the Metro Superstore – is now in SICK ’s product portfolio. Aimed at material flow and intra-logistics, SICK has launched its campaign with the RFI341 read/write device based on 13.56 MHz technology. It offers industry-oriented quality, long communication ranges of up to 1.2 m, and the anti-collision feature that allows detection in stacks of objects. Full compatibility in line with ISO 15963 and ISO 18000-3 “A” standards is assured.

>> The 13.56 MHz solution from SICK is the first product of a complete system family. In addition to the read/write device, a variety of antenna shapes and transponder types are available for different application requirements. The RDT400 evaluation and diagnostic software familiar from SICK code readers can also be used with the RFID system.

Ideal ID system for intra-logistics and closed circulations

RFID systems in industrial use survive because their transponders, despite being relatively expensive compared to barcodes, can be used almost infinitely often for object designation and identification. If the system also has the design and robustness necessary for comparatively harsh industrial use – as SICK’s system does – RFID is the ideal solution for container or pallet management in internal or closed circulations. The RFI341 interrogator permits objects to be reliably identified even at high transport speeds and with changing trading unit shapes and sizes. ISO 15963 compatibility means that the device can read any transponder complying with this standard, regardless of the transponder IC producer. Thus the SICK system can also be used in, for example, package or unit load identification tasks. The 13.56 MHz system from SICK is an industry-oriented RFID solution for numerous tasks in material flow and intra-logistics.

>> How RFID works

RFID systems consist of data carriers called transponders (for designating objects), antennae, and reading devices for detecting the transponder code. This code can be either an unalterable one-off or can be completely or partially overwritten by a read/write device. The data carrier may be active, i.e. built with an internal battery, or passive. Communication takes place within the reading field generated by the antenna.In the case of passive transponders, such as those of the 13.56 MHz system from SICK, the energy required for data transmission is generated via the reading field.

Typical applications, that have been solved with RFID for more than 20 years, are shell identification in automobile construction, tool identification in automated CNC machines, the identification of hangers on textile suspension conveyor plants, the designation of beer barrels and kegs (e.g. for Coca Cola), the identification of animals (as in electronic ear tags for cattle) or the designation of containers.

RFID solutions are available in a variety of frequencies: as inductive systems with 125 kHz, as radio systems with 868 MHz (915 MHz in the USA) or 13.56 MHz,up to microwave systems with 2.45 GHz. Selection of the system depends on the use.

SICK has deliberately chosen 13.56 MHz technology because it offers optimum benefits in an industry-oriented design.

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