RFID HANDBOOK
THIRD EDITION
RFID HANDBOOK
FUNDAMENTALS AND
APPLICATIONS IN CONTACTLESS SMART CARDS, RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION AND NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION, THIRD EDITION
Klaus Finkenzeller
Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Munich, Germany
Translated by D¨orte M ¨uller
Powerwording.com
A John Wiley and Sons, Ltd., Publication
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Finkenzeller, Klaus.
[RFID Handbuch. English]
Fundamentals and Applications in Contactless Smart Cards, Radio Frequency Identification and Near-Field Communication, Third Edition / Klaus Finkenzeller ; translated by D¨orte M¨uller. – 3rd ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-0-470-69506-7 (cloth)
1. Inventory control–Automation. 2. Radio frequency identification systems. 3. Smart cards. I. Title.
TS160.F5513 2010 658.787 – dc22
2010008338 A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN: 978-0-470-69506-7
Typeset in 9/11 Times by Laserwords Private Limited, Chennai, India
Printed and bound in Great Britain by CPI Antony Rowe, Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK
Preface to the Third Edition xi
List of Abbreviations xiii
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Automatic Identification Systems 2
1.1.1 Barcode Systems 2
1.1.2 Optical Character Recognition 3
1.1.3 Biometric Procedures 4
1.1.4 Smart Cards 4
1.1.5 RFID Systems 6
1.2 A Comparison of Different ID Systems 6
1.3 Components of an RFID System 6
2 Differentiation Features of RFID Systems 11
2.1 Fundamental Differentiation Features 11
2.2 Transponder Construction Formats 13
2.2.1 Disks and Coins 13
2.2.2 Glass Housing 13
2.2.3 Plastic Housing 13
2.2.4 Tool and Gas Bottle Identification 15
2.2.5 Keys and Key Fobs 15
2.2.6 Clocks 17
2.2.7 ID-1 Format, Contactless Smart Cards 18
2.2.8 Smart Label 19
2.2.9 Coil-on-Chip 20
2.2.10 Other Formats 21
2.3 Frequency, Range and Coupling 21
2.4 Active and Passive Transponders 22
2.5 Information Processing in the Transponder 24
2.6 Selection Criteria for RFID Systems 25
2.6.1 Operating Frequency 26
2.6.2 Range 26
2.6.3 Security Requirements 27
2.6.4 Memory Capacity 28
3.1 1-Bit Transponder 29
3.1.1 Radio Frequency 29
3.1.2 Microwaves 33
3.1.3 Frequency Divider 34
3.1.4 Electromagnetic Types 35
3.1.5 Acoustomagnetic 38
3.2 Full- and Half-Duplex Procedure 39
3.2.1 Inductive Coupling 40
3.2.2 Electromagnetic Backscatter Coupling 45
3.2.3 Close-Coupling 48
3.2.4 Data Transfer Reader→Transponder 49
3.2.5 Electrical Coupling 50
3.3 Sequential Procedures 52
3.3.1 Inductive Coupling 52
3.3.2 Surface Acoustic Wave Transponder 55
3.4 Near-Field Communication (NFC) 57
3.4.1 Active Mode 57
3.4.2 Passive Mode 59
4 Physical Principles of RFID Systems 61
4.1 Magnetic Field 61
4.1.1 Magnetic Field Strength H 61
4.1.2 Magnetic Flux and Magnetic Flux Density 66
4.1.3 InductanceL 66
4.1.4 Mutual InductanceM 67
4.1.5 Coupling Coefficientk 68
4.1.6 Faraday’s Law 70
4.1.7 Resonance 72
4.1.8 Practical Operation of the Transponder 76
4.1.9 Interrogation Field StrengthHmin 77
4.1.10 Total Transponder–Reader System 84
4.1.11 Measurement of System Parameters 100
4.1.12 Magnetic Materials 106
4.2 Electromagnetic Waves 110
4.2.1 The Generation of Electromagnetic Waves 110
4.2.2 Radiation DensityS 112
4.2.3 Characteristic Wave Impedance and Field StrengthE 112
4.2.4 Polarisation of Electromagnetic Waves 114
4.2.5 Antennas 116
4.2.6 Practical Operation of Microwave Transponders 127
4.3 Surface Waves 144
4.3.1 The Creation of a Surface Wave 144
4.3.2 Reflection of a Surface Wave 146
4.3.3 Functional Diagram of SAW Transponders 147
4.3.4 The Sensor Effect 149
4.3.5 Switched Sensors 154
5 Frequency Ranges and Radio Licensing Regulations 155
5.1 Frequency Ranges Used 155
5.1.1 Frequency Range 9–135 kHz 157
5.1.2 Frequency Range 6.78 MHz (ISM) 158
5.1.3 Frequency Range 13.56 MHz (ISM, SRD) 159
5.1.4 Frequency Range 27.125 MHz (ISM) 159
5.1.5 Frequency Range 40.680 MHz (ISM) 160
5.1.6 Frequency Range 433.920 MHz (ISM) 160
5.1.7 UHF Frequency Range 160
5.1.8 Frequency Range 2.45 GHz (ISM, SRD) 161
5.1.9 Frequency Range 5.8 GHz (ISM, SRD) 161
5.1.10 Frequency Range 24.125 GHz 161
5.1.11 Selection of a Suitable Frequency for Inductively Coupled RFID Systems 162
5.2 The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 164
5.3 European Licensing Regulations 165
5.3.1 CEPT/ERC REC 70-03 166
5.3.2 Standardised Measuring Procedures 170
5.4 National Licensing Regulations in Europe 172
5.4.1 Germany 172
5.5 National Licensing Regulations 175
5.5.1 USA 175
5.6 Comparison of National Regulations 176
5.6.1 Conversion at 13.56 MHz 176
5.6.2 Conversion on UHF 178
6 Coding and Modulation 179
6.1 Coding in the Baseband 179
6.2 Digital Modulation Procedures 180
6.2.1 Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) 182
6.2.2 2 FSK 185
6.2.3 2 PSK 185
6.2.4 Modulation Procedures with Subcarrier 187
7 Data Integrity 189
7.1 The Checksum Procedure 189
7.1.1 Parity Checking 189
7.1.2 LRC Procedure 190
7.1.3 CRC Procedure 191
7.2 Multi-Access Procedures – Anticollision 194
7.2.1 Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) 196
7.2.2 Frequency Domain Multiple Access (FDMA) 197
7.2.3 Time Domain Multiple Access (TDMA) 197
7.2.4 Examples of Anticollision Procedures 199
8 Security of RFID Systems 213
8.1 Attacks on RFID Systems 214
8.1.1 Attacks on the Transponder 215
8.1.2 Attacks on the RF Interface 216
8.2 Protection by Cryptographic Measures 226
8.2.1 Mutual Symmetrical Authentication 227
8.2.2 Authentication using Derived Keys 228
8.2.3 Encrypted Data Transfer 228
9.1 Animal Identification 233
9.1.1 ISO/IEC 11784 – Code Structure 233
9.1.2 ISO/IEC 11785 – Technical Concept 234
9.1.3 ISO/IEC 14223 – Advanced Transponders 236
9.2 Contactless Smart Cards 240
9.2.1 ISO/IEC 10536 – Close-Coupling Smart Cards 241
9.2.2 ISO/IEC 14443 – Proximity-Coupling Smart Cards 243
9.2.3 ISO/IEC 15693 – Vicinity-Coupling Smart Cards 258
9.2.4 ISO/IEC 10373 – Test Methods for Smart Cards 263
9.3 ISO/IEC 69873 – Data Carriers for Tools and Clamping Devices 267
9.4 ISO/IEC 10374 – Container Identification 267
9.5 VDI 4470 – Anti-theft Systems for Goods 267
9.5.1 Part 1 – Detection Gates – Inspection Guidelines for Customers 267 9.5.2 Part 2 – Deactivation Devices – Inspection Guidelines for Customers 270
9.6 Item Management 270
9.6.1 ISO/IEC 18000 Series 270
9.6.2 GTAG Initiative 273
9.6.3 EPCglobal Network 274
10 The Architecture of Electronic Data Carriers 283
10.1 Transponder with Memory Function 283
10.1.1 RF Interface 283
10.1.2 Address and Security Logic 286
10.1.3 Memory Architecture 289
10.2 Microprocessors 300
10.2.1 Dual Interface Card 303
10.3 Memory Technology 307
10.3.1 RAM 307
10.3.2 EEPROM 308
10.3.3 FRAM 309
10.3.4 Performance Comparison FRAM – EEPROM 310
10.4 Measuring Physical Variables 311
10.4.1 Transponder with Sensor Functions 311
10.4.2 Measurements Using Microwave Transponders 312
10.4.3 Sensor Effect in Surface Wave Transponders 315
11 Readers 317
11.1 Data Flow in an Application 317
11.2 Components of a Reader 317
11.2.1 RF Interface 318
11.2.2 Control Unit 323
11.3 Integrated Reader ICs 324
11.3.1 Integrated RF Interface 325
11.3.2 Single-Chip Reader IC 327
11.4 Connection of Antennas for Inductive Systems 331
11.4.1 Connection Using Current Matching 333
11.4.2 Supply via Coaxial Cable 333
11.4.3 The Influence of theQFactor 338
11.5 Reader Designs 338
11.5.1 OEM Readers 338
11.5.2 Readers for Industrial Use 338
11.5.3 Portable Readers 338
11.6 Near-Field Communication 339
11.6.1 Secure NFC 341
12 The Manufacture of Transponders and Contactless Smart Cards 347
12.1 Glass and Plastic Transponders 347
12.1.1 Chip Manufacture 347
12.1.2 Glass Transponders 348
12.1.3 Plastic Transponders 351
12.2 Contactless Smart Cards 352
12.2.1 Coil Manufacture 352
12.2.2 Connection Technique 356
12.2.3 Lamination 359
13 Example Applications 361
13.1 Contactless Smart Cards 361
13.2 Public Transport 362
13.2.1 The Starting Point 362
13.2.2 Requirements 363
13.2.3 Benefits of RFID Systems 363
13.2.4 Fare Systems using Electronic Payment 365
13.2.5 Market Potential 366
13.2.6 Example Projects 366
13.3 Contactless Payment Systems 372
13.3.1 MasterCard 374
13.3.2 ExpressPay by American Express 374
13.3.3 VisaContactless 374
13.3.4 ExxonMobil Speedpass 375
13.4 NFC Applications 375
13.5 Electronic Passport 380
13.6 Ski Tickets 383
13.7 Access Control 385
13.7.1 Online Systems 385
13.7.2 Offline Systems 385
13.7.3 Transponders 387
13.8 Transport Systems 388
13.8.1 Eurobalise S21 388
13.8.2 International Container Transport 390
13.9 Animal Identification 391
13.9.1 Stock Keeping 391
13.9.2 Carrier Pigeon Races 395
13.10 Electronic Immobilisation 398
13.10.1 The Functionality of an Immobilisation System 399
13.10.2 Brief Success Story 401
13.10.3 Predictions 402
13.11 Container Identification 403
13.11.1 Gas Bottles and Chemical Containers 403
13.11.2 Waste Disposal 404
13.13 Industrial Automation 409
13.13.1 Tool Identification 409
13.13.2 Industrial Production 410
13.14 Medical Applications 417
14 Appendix 419
14.1 Contact Addresses, Associations and Technical Periodicals 419
14.1.1 Industrial Associations 419
14.1.2 Technical Journals 421
14.1.3 RFID on the Internet 422
14.2 Relevant Standards and Regulations 423
14.2.1 Standardisation Bodies 423
14.2.2 List of Standards 423
14.2.3 Sources for Standards and Regulations 428
14.3 Printed Circuit Board Layouts 429
14.3.1 Test Card in Accordance with ISO 14443 429
14.3.2 Field Generator Coil 435
14.3.3 Reader for 13.56 MHz 435
References 441
Index 449
This book is aimed at an extremely wide range of readers. First and foremost it is intended for engineers and students who find themselves confronted with RFID technology for the first time. A few basic chapters are provided for this audience describing the functionality of RFID technology and the physical and IT-related principles underlying this field. The book is also intended for practitioners who, as users, wish to or need to obtain as comprehensive and detailed an overview of the various technologies, the legal framework or the possible applications of RFID as possible.
Although a wide range of individual articles are now available on this subject, the task of gathering all this scattered information together when it is needed is a tiresome and time-consuming one – as researching each new edition of this book proves. This book therefore aims to fill a gap in the range of literature on the subject of RFID. The need for well-founded technical literature in this field is proven by the fortunate fact that this book has now already appeared in five languages.
Editions in two further languages are currently being prepared. Further information on the German version of the RFID handbook and the translations can be found on the homepage of this book, http://RFID-handbook.com.
This book uses numerous pictures and diagrams to attempt to give a graphic representation of RFID technology in the truest sense of the word. Particular emphasis is placed on the physical principles of RFID, which is why the chapter on this subject is by far the most comprehensive of the book. However, great importance is also assigned to providing an understanding of the basic concepts, data carrier and reader, as well as of the relevant standards and radio-technology regulations.
Technological developments in the field of RFID technology are proceeding at such a pace that although a book like this can explain the general scientific principles it is not dynamic enough to be able to explore the latest trends regarding the most recent products on the market and the latest standards and regulations. With the widespread use of RFID technology, it becomes also increasingly difficult not to lose track of applications. In ever-shorter intervals, the media provides information on new applications for RFID systems. I am therefore grateful for any suggestions and advice – particularly from the field of industry. The basic concepts and underlying physical princi- ples remain, however, and provide a good background for understanding the latest developments.
A new addition to this third edition is Near-Field Communication (NFC) which has been intro- duced to several different chapters. Chapter 3 now includes the fundamentals of NFC; and Chapter 13 presents NFC interface components and describes the extension from NFC to secure-NFC.
Another addition is a complete wiring diagram and proposed circuit for an RFID reader according to ISO/IEC 14443. A layout and complete component kit of this wiring diagram and circuit is also available on the Internet.
It was a very special occasion when the Fraunhofer Smart Card Prize 2008 – which annually honors special contributions to smart-card technology - was awarded to the known smart-card
giving ceremony took place on the occasion of the 18th Smart-Card Workshop of the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology (SIT) in Darmstadt on 5 February 2008.
In March 2008, we were able to look back on ten successful years of the RFID Handbook. The first German-language edition was published in March 1998 and comprised 280 pages. At that time, RFID was still a niche technology and hardly known to the public; this has completely changed.
Today, RFID has become an established term; and due to applications such as the electronic passport and electronic product code (EPC), a broad public has become aware of this technology.
At this point I would also like to express my thanks to all companies which were kind enough to contribute to the success of this project by providing numerous technical data sheets, lecture manuscripts, drawings and photographs.
Klaus Finkenzeller Munich, Autumn 2008
µP Microprocessor µs Microsecond (10−6s) ABS Acrylnitrilbutadienstyrol ACM Access configuration matrix AFC Automatic fare collection
AFI Application family identifier (see ISO 14443-3) AI Application identifier
AM Amplitude modulation APDU Application data unit
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange ASIC Application specific integrated circuit
ASK Amplitude shift keying
ATQ Answer to request (ATQA, ATQB: see ISO 14443-3) ATR Answer to reset
AVI Automatic vehicle identification (for railways) BAC Basic access control (ePassport)
BAPT Bundesamt f¨ur Post und Telekommunikation (now the Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway)
Bd Baud, transmission speed in bit/s BGT Block guard time
BKA Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office
BMBF Bundesministerium f¨ur Bildung und Forschung (Ministry for Education and Research, was BMFT)
BMI German Federal Ministry of the Interior
BP Bandpass filter
BSI German Federal Office for Information Security C Capacitance (of a capacitor)
CCG Centrale f¨ur Coorganisation GmbH (central allocation point for EAN codes in Germany)
CCITT Comit´e Consultatif International T´el´egraphique et T´el´ephonique CEN Comit´e Europ´een de Normalisation
CEPT Conf´erence Europ´eene des Postes et T´el´ecommunications CERP Comit´e Europ´een de R`eglementation Postale
CICC Close coupling integrated circuit chip card
CIU Contactless interface unit (transmission/receiving module for contactless microprocessor interfaces)
CLK Clock (timing signal) CRC Cyclic redundancy checksum
= 30 dBm=1 W)
DBP Differential bi-phase encoding
DIN Deutsche Industrienorm (German industrial standard) DoD Department of Defense (USA)
DS Discovery services (EPC) DWD German Weather Service
EAN European Article Number (barcode on groceries and goods) EAS Electronic article surveillance
EC Eurocheque or electronic cash ECC European Communications Committee
ECTRA European Committee for Regulatory Telecommunications Affairs EDI Electronic document interchange
EEPROM Electric erasable and programmable read-only memory EIRP Equivalent isotropic radiated power
EMC Electromagnetic compatibility
EOF End of frame
EPC Electronic product code EPCIS EPC Information Services
ERC European Radiocommunications Committee
ERM Electromagnetic compatibility and radio spectrum matters ERO European Radiocommunications Office
ERO European Radio Office
ERP Equivalent radiated power ETCS European Train Control System ETS European Telecommunication Standard
ETSI European Telecommunication Standards Institute EVC European Vital Computer (part of ETCS) FCC Federal Commission of Communication
FDX Full-duplex
FHSS Frequency hopping spread spectrum
FM Frequency modulation
FRAM Ferroelectric random access memory FSK Frequency shift keying
GIAI Global individual asset identifier (EPC) GID General identifier (EPC)
GRAI Global returnable asset identifier (EPC)
GSM Global System for Mobile Communication (was Groupe Sp´ecial Mobile) GTAG Global-tag (RFID Initiative of EAN and the UCC)
HDX Half-duplex
HF High frequency (3 – 30 MHz) I2C Inter-IC-bus
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization ICC Integrated chip card
ID Identification
ISM Industrial scientific medical (frequency range) ISO International Organization for Standardization ITU International Telecommunication Union L Loop (inductance of a coil)
LAN Local area network
LBT Listen before talk
LF Low frequency (30 –300 kHz)
LPD Low-power device (low-power radio system for the transmission of data or speech over a few hundred metres)
LRC Longitudinal redundancy check LSB Least significant bit
MAD MIFAREApplication Directory MRZ Machine readable zone (ePassport) MSB Most significant bit
NAD Node address
NFC Near field communication
nomL Nonpublic mobile land radio (industrial radio, transport companies, taxi radio, etc.) NRZ Non-return-to-zero encoding
NTC Negative temperature coefficient (thermal resistor) NTWC New Technologies Working Group (ICAO) NVB Number of valid bits (see ISO 14443-3) OCR Optical character recognition
OEM Original equipment manufacturer ONS Object naming server (EPC)
OTA Over the air (possibility to program a SIM card or a secure element via the GPRS/UMTS interface of a mobile phone)
OTP One time programmable
PC Personal computer
PCD Proximity card device (see ISO 14443)
PICC Proximity integrated contactless chip card (see ISO 14443) PIN Personal identification number
PKI Public key infrastructure PMU Power management unit POS Point of sale
PP Plastic package
PPS Polyphenylensulfide
PSK Phase shift keying
PUPI Pseudo-unique PICC identifier (see ISO 14443-3) PVC Polyvinylchloride
R&TTE Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (The Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (1999/5/EC))
RADAR Radio detecting and ranging
RAM Random access memory
RCS Radar cross-section
REQ Request
RFID Radio frequency identification RFU Reserved for future use RTI Returnable trade items
RTI Road transport information system RTTT Road transport and traffic telematics RWD Read – write device
SAM Security authentication module SAW Surface acoustic wave
SCL Serial clock (I2C bus interface)
SDA Serial data address input –output (I2C bus interface)
SGLN Serialised global location number (EPC) SMD Surface-mounted devices
SNR Serial number SOF Start of frame
SRAM Static random access memory
SRD Short-range devices (low-power radio systems for the transmission of data or voice over short distances, typically a few hundred metres)
SSCC Serial shipping container code (EPC) TR Technical Regulation
UART Universal asynchronous receiver– transmitter (transmission/receiving module for computer interfaces)
UCC Universal Code Council (American standard for barcodes on groceries and goods) UHF Ultra-high frequency (300 Mhz to 3 GHz)
UN United Nations
UPC Universal Product Code UPU Universal Postal Union
VCD Vicinity card device (see ISO 15693)
VDE Verein Deutscher Elektrotechniker (German Association of Electrical Engineers) VHE Very high frequency (30 MHz to 300 MHz)
VICC Vicinity integrated contactless chip card (see ISO 15693) VSWR Voltage standing wave ratio
XOR Exclusive OR
ZV Zulassungsvorschrift (Licensing Regulation)
Trademarks
HITAG,i·Codeand MIFARE are registered trademarks of Philips elektronics N.V.
LEGIC is a registered trademark of Kaba Security Locking
Systems AG
MICROLOG is a registered trademark of Idesco
TagItand TIRIS are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments
TROVAN is a registered trademark of AEG ID systems
1
Introduction
In recent years automatic identification procedures (Auto-ID) have become very popular in many service industries, purchasing and distribution logistics, industry, manufacturing companies and material flow systems. Automatic identification procedures exist to provide information about people, animals, goods and products in transit.
The omnipresent barcode labels that triggered a revolution in identification systems some con- siderable time ago, are being found to be inadequate in an increasing number of cases. Barcodes may be extremely cheap, but their stumbling block is their low storage capacity and the fact that they cannot be reprogrammed.
The technically optimal solution would be the storage of data in a silicon chip. The most common form of electronic data-carrying devices in use in everyday life is the smart card based upon a contact field (telephone smart card, bank cards). However, the mechanical contact used in the smart card is often impractical. A contactless transfer of data between the data-carrying device and its reader is far more flexible. In the ideal case, the power required to operate the electronic data-carrying device would also be transferred from the reader using contactless technology. Because of the procedures used for the transfer of power and data, contactless ID systems are called RFID systems (radio frequency identification).
The number of companies actively involved in the development and sale of RFID systems indicates that this is a market that should be taken seriously. Whereas global sales of RFID sys- tems were approximately 900 million $US in the year 2000 it is estimated that this figure will reach 2650 million $US in 2005 (Krebs, n.d.). The RFID market therefore belongs to the fastest growing sector of the radio technology industry, including mobile phones and cordless telephones (Figure 1.1).
Furthermore, in recent years contactless identification has been developing into an independent interdisciplinary field, which no longer fits into any of the conventional pigeonholes. It brings together elements from extremely varied fields: RF technology and EMC, semiconductor technol- ogy, data protection and cryptography, telecommunications, manufacturing technology and many related areas.
As an introduction, the following section gives a brief overview of different automatic ID systems that perform similar functions to RFID (Figure 1.2).
RFID Handbook: Fundamentals and Applications in Contactless Smart Cards, Radio Frequency Identification and Near-Field Communication, Third Edition. Klaus Finkenzeller
2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Year
400
300
200
100
0
Global market ($US m)
Security/access control Asset management Transportation
Supply chain management Point of sale
Rental item tracking Toll collection
Automobile immobilisers Baggage handling Animal tracking
Other
Real time location systems
Figure 1.1 The estimated growth of the global market for RFID systems between 2000 and 2005 in million
$US, classified by application (Krebs, n.d.)
Auto- ID Barcode
system
Biometric MM Optical
character recognition
(OCR)
Smart
cards RFID
Fingerprint procedure
Voice identific-
ation
Figure 1.2 Overview of the most important auto-ID procedures
1.1 Automatic Identification Systems 1.1.1 Barcode Systems
Barcodes have successfully held their own against other identification systems over the past 20 years. According to experts, the turnover volume for barcode systems totalled around 3 billion DM in Western Europe at the beginning of the 1990s (Virnich and Posten, 1992).
Chocolate Rabbit 100 g
FRG Company Name
1 Road Name 80001 Munich
CD Company identifier
4 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 8 1 5 0 9
Country identifier
Manufacturer’s item number
Figure 1.3 Example of the structure of a barcode in EAN coding
Table 1.1 Common barcodes with typical applications
Code Typical application
Code Codabar Medical/clinical applications, fields with high safety requirements
Code 2/5 interleaved Automotive industry, goods storage, pallets, shipping containers and heavy industry
Code 39 Processing industry, logistics, universities and libraries
The barcode is a binary code comprising a field of bars and gaps arranged in a parallel config- uration. They are arranged according to a predetermined pattern and represent data elements that refer to an associated symbol. The sequence, made up of wide and narrow bars and gaps, can be interpreted numerically and alphanumerically. It is read by optical laser scanning, i.e. by the different reflection of a laser beam from the black bars and white gaps (ident, 1996). However, despite being identical in their physical design, there are considerable differences between the code layouts in the approximately ten different barcode types currently in use.
The most popular barcode by some margin is theEAN code (European Article Number), which was designed specifically to fulfil the requirements of the grocery industry in 1976. The EAN code represents a development of the UPC (Universal Product Code) from the USA, which was introduced in the USA as early as 1973. Today, the UPC represents a subset of the EAN code, and is therefore compatible with it (Virnich and Posten, 1992).
The EAN code is made up of 13 digits: the country identifier, the company identifier, the manufacturer’s item number and a check digit.
In addition to the EAN code, the barcodes shown in Table 1.1 are popular in other industrial fields.
1.1.2 Optical Character Recognition
Optical character recognition (OCR) was first used in the 1960s. Special fonts were developed for this application that stylised characters so that they could be read both in the normal way by people and automatically by machines. The most important advantage of OCR systems is the high density of information and the possibility of reading data visually in an emergency, or simply for checking (Virnich and Posten, 1992). Today, OCR is used in production, service and administrative fields, and also in banks for the registration of cheques (personal data, such as name and account number, is printed on the bottom line of a cheque in OCR type). However, OCR systems have failed to become universally applicable because of their high price and the complicated readers that they require in comparison with other ID procedures.
Biometrics is defined as the science of counting and (body) measurement procedures involving living beings. In the context of identification systems, biometry is the general term for all procedures that identify people by comparing unmistakable and individual physical characteristics. In practice, these are fingerprinting and handprinting procedures, voice identification and, less commonly, retina (or iris) identification.
1.1.3.1 Voice Identification
Recently, specialised systems have become available to identify individuals using speaker verifica- tion (speaker recognition). In such systems, the user talks into a microphone linked to a computer.
This equipment converts the spoken words into digital signals, which are evaluated by the identi- fication software.
The objective of speaker verification is to check the supposed identity of the person based upon their voice. This is achieved by checking the speech characteristics of the speaker against an existing reference pattern. If they correspond, then a reaction can be initiated (e.g. ‘open door’).
1.1.3.2 Fingerprinting Procedures (Dactyloscopy)
Criminology has been using fingerprinting procedures for the identification of criminals since the early twentieth century. This process is based upon the comparison of papillae and dermal ridges of the fingertips, which can be obtained not only from the finger itself, but also from objects that the individual in question has touched.
When fingerprinting procedures are used for personal identification, usually for entrance proce- dures, the fingertip is placed upon a special reader. The system calculates a data record from the pattern it has read and compares this with a stored reference pattern. Modern fingerprint ID systems require less than half a second to recognise and check a fingerprint. In order to prevent violent frauds, fingerprint ID systems have even been developed that can detect whether the finger placed on the reader is that of a living person (Schmidh¨ausler, 1995).
1.1.4 Smart Cards
A smart card is an electronic data storage system, possibly with additional computing capacity (microprocessor card), which – for convenience – is incorporated into a plastic card the size of a credit card. The first smart cards in the form of prepaid telephone smart cards were launched in 1984. Smart cards are placed in a reader, which makes a galvanic connection to the contact surfaces of the smart card using contact springs. The smart card is supplied with energy and a clock pulse from the reader via the contact surfaces. Data transfer between the reader and the card takes place using a bidirectional serial interface (I/O port). It is possible to differentiate between two basic types of smart card based upon their internal functionality: the memory card and the microprocessor card.
One of the primary advantages of the smart card is the fact that the data stored on it can be protected against undesired (read) access and manipulation. Smart cards make all services that relate to information or financial transactions simpler, safer and cheaper. For this reason, 200 million smart cards were issued worldwide in 1992. In 1995 this figure had risen to 600 million, of which 500 million were memory cards and 100 million were microprocessor cards. Thesmart card market therefore represents one of the fastest growing subsectors of the microelectronics industry.
Vcc GND RST Vpp
CLK I/O EEPROM ROM
Address and Security Logic
Figure 1.4 Typical architecture of a memory card with security logic
One disadvantage of contact-based smart cards is the vulnerability of the contacts to wear, corrosion and dirt. Readers that are used frequently are expensive to maintain due to their tendency to malfunction. In addition, readers that are accessible to the public (telephone boxes) cannot be protected against vandalism.
1.1.4.1 Memory Cards
Inmemory cards the memory – usually an EEPROM – is accessed using a sequential logic (state machine) (Figure 1.5). It is also possible to incorporate simple security algorithms, e.g. stream ciphering, using this system. The functionality of the memory card in question is usually optimised for a specific application. Flexibility of application is highly limited but, on the positive side, memory cards are very cost effective. For this reason, memory cards are predominantly used in price-sensitive, large-scale applications (Rankl and Effing, 1996). One example of this is the national insurance card used by the state pension system in Germany (Lemme, 1993).
Vcc GND RST Vpp CLK I/O
CPU ROM
(operating system)
RAM
EEPROM (application
data)
Figure 1.5 Typical architecture of a microprocessor card
As the name suggests, microprocessor cards contain a microprocessor, which is connected to a segmented memory (ROM, RAM and EEPROM segments).
The mask programmed ROM incorporates an operating system (higher program code) for the microprocessor and is inserted during chip manufacture. The contents of the ROM are determined during manufacturing, are identical for all microchips from the same production batch, and cannot be overwritten.
The chip’s EEPROM contains application data and application-related program code. Reading from or writing to this memory area is controlled by the operating system.
The RAM is the microprocessor’s temporary working memory. Data stored in the RAM are lost when the supply voltage is disconnected.
Microprocessor cards are very flexible. In modern smart card systems it is also possible to integrate different applications in a single card (multi-application). The application-specific parts of the program are not loaded into the EEPROM until after manufacture and can be initiated via the operating system.
Microprocessor cards are primarily used in security-sensitive applications. Examples are smart cards for GSM mobile phones and the new EC (electronic cash) cards. The option of program- ming the microprocessor cards also facilitates rapid adaptation to new applications (Rankl and Effing, 1996).
1.1.5 RFID Systems
RFID systems are closely related to the smart cards described above. Like smart card systems, data is stored on an electronic data-carrying device – the transponder. However, unlike the smart card, the power supply to the data-carrying device and the data exchange between the data-carrying device and the reader are achieved without the use of galvanic contacts, using instead magnetic or electromagnetic fields. The underlying technical procedure is drawn from the fields of radio and radar engineering. The abbreviation RFID stands for radio frequency identification, i.e. information carried by radio waves.
Due to the numerous advantages of RFID systems compared with other identification systems, RFID systems are now beginning to conquer new mass markets. One example is the use of con- tactless smart cards as tickets for short-distance public transport.
1.2 A Comparison of Different ID Systems
A comparison between the identification systems described above highlights the strengths and weak- ness of RFID in relation to other systems (Table 1.2). Here too, there is a close relationship between contact-based smart cards and RFID systems; however, the latter circumvent all the disadvantages related to faulty contacting (sabotage, dirt, unidirectional insertion, time-consuming insertion, etc.).
1.3 Components of an RFID System
AnRFID system is always made up of two components (Figure 1.6):
• thetransponder, which is located on the object to be identified;
• the interrogator orreader, which, depending upon the design and the technology used, may be a read or write/read device (in this book – in accordance with normal colloquial usage – the data capture device is always referred to as thereader, regardless of whether it can only read data or is also capable of writing).
Table1.2ComparisonofdifferentRFIDsystemsshowingtheiradvantagesanddisadvantages SystemparametersBarcodeOCRVoicerecognitionBiometrySmartcardRFIDsystems Typicaldataquantity (bytes)1–1001–100––16–64k16–64k DatadensityLowLowHighHighVeryhighVeryhigh MachinereadabilityGoodGoodExpensiveExpensiveGoodGood ReadabilitybypeopleLimitedSimpleSimpleDifficultImpossibleImpossible Influenceofdirt/dampVeryhighVeryhigh––Possible(contacts)Noinfluence Influenceof(optical) coveringTotalfailureTotalfailure–Possible–Noinfluence Influenceofdirection andpositionLowLow––UnidirectionalNoinfluence Degradation/wearLimitedLimited––ContactsNoinfluence Purchasecost/reading electronicsVerylowMediumVeryhighVeryhighLowMedium Operatingcosts (e.g.printer)LowLowNoneNoneMedium(contacts)None Unauthorised copying/modificationSlightSlightPossible∗(audiotape)ImpossibleImpossibleImpossible Readingspeed (includinghandling ofdatacarrier) Low∼4sLow∼3sVerylow>5sVerylow>5–10sLow∼4sVeryfast∼0.5s Maximumdistance betweendatacarrier andreader
0–50cm<1cmScanner0–50cmDirectcontact∗∗Directcontact0–5m,microwave ∗Thedangerof‘replay’canbereducedbyselectingthetexttobespokenusingarandomgenerator,becausethetextthatmustbespokenisnotknowninadvance. ∗∗ThisonlyappliesforfingerprintID.Inthecaseofretinaoririsevaluationdirectcontactisnotnecessaryorpossible.
RFID reader
Application
Data
Energy Clock
Contactless data carrier =
transponder
Coupling element (coil, microwave antenna)
Figure 1.6 The reader and transponder are the main components of every RFID system
Figure 1.7 RFID reader and contactless smart card in practical use (reproduced by permission of Kaba Benzing GmbH)
Chip
Coupling element (coil, antenna)
Housing
Figure 1.8 Basic layout of the RFID data-carrying device, the transponder. Left, inductively coupled transpon- der with antenna coil; right, microwave transponder with dipolar antenna
A reader typically contains a radio frequency module (transmitter and receiver), a control unit and a coupling element to the transponder. In addition, many readers are fitted with an additional interface (RS 232, RS 485, etc.) to enable them to forward the data received to another system (PC, robot control system, etc.).
The transponder, which represents the actualdata-carrying deviceof an RFID system, normally consists of acoupling element and an electronicmicrochip. When the transponder, which does not usually possess its own voltage supply (battery), is not within the interrogation zone of a reader it is totally passive. The transponder is only activated when it is within the interrogation zone of a reader. The power required to activate the transponder is supplied to the transponder through the coupling unit (contactless), as are the timing pulse and data.
2
Differentiation Features of RFID Systems
2.1 Fundamental Differentiation Features
RFID systems exist in countless variants, produced by an almost equally high number of manufac- turers. If we are to maintain an overview of RFID systems we must seek out features that can be used to differentiate one RFID system from another (Figure 2.1).
RFID systems operate according to one of two basic procedures: full-duplex (FDX)/half-duplex (HDX) systems, and sequential systems (SEQ).
Infull-duplexandhalf-duplexsystems the transponder’s response is broadcast when the reader’s RF field is switched on. Because the transponder’s signal to the receiver antenna can be extremely weak in comparison with the signal from the reader itself, appropriate transmission procedures must be employed to differentiate the transponder’s signal from that of the reader. In practice, data transfer from transponder to reader takes place using load modulation, load modulation using a subcarrier, and also (sub)harmonics of the reader’s transmission frequency.
In contrast,sequential proceduresemploy a system whereby the field from the reader is switched off briefly at regular intervals. These gaps are recognised by the transponder and used for sending data from the transponder to the reader. The disadvantage of the sequential procedure is the loss of power to the transponder during the break in transmission, which must be smoothed out by the provision of sufficient auxiliary capacitors or batteries.
The data capacities of RFID transponders normally range from a few bytes to several kilobytes.
So-called 1-bit transponders represent the exception to this rule. A data quantity of exactly 1-bit is just enough to signal two states to the reader: ‘transponder in the field’ or ‘no transponder in the field’. However, this is perfectly adequate to fulfil simple monitoring or signalling functions.
Because a 1-bit transponder does not need an electronic chip, these transponders can be manufac- tured for a fraction of a penny. For this reason, vast numbers of 1-bit transponders are used in electronic article surveillance(EAS) to protect goods in shops and businesses. If someone attempts to leave the shop with goods that have not been paid for the reader installed in the exit recognises the state ‘transponder in the field’ and initiates the appropriate reaction. The 1-bit transponder is removed or deactivated at the till when the goods are paid for.
The possibility of writing data to the transponder provides us with another way of classifying RFID systems. In very simple systems the transponder’s data record, usually a simple (serial) RFID Handbook: Fundamentals and Applications in Contactless Smart Cards, Radio Frequency Identification and Near-Field Communication, Third Edition. Klaus Finkenzeller
2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
FDX SEQ
Back-scatter/load modulation Operation type:
Data quantity:
Power supply:
Programmable:
Data carrier’s operating principle:
Frequency range:
Response frequency:
>1 Bit 1 Bit EAS
Yes No
IC
LF RF
Battery Passive
1/n-fold
SAW
State
machine mP
Microwave
Sub
harmonics Other
1:1 Various
Physical Yes/No
Sequence:
Data transfer
transponder→ reader:
Figure 2.1 The various features of RFID systems (reproduced by permission of Integrated Silicon Design Pty, Ltd)
number, is incorporated when the chip is manufactured and cannot be altered thereafter. In writable transponders, on the other hand, the reader can write data to the transponder. Three main procedures are used to store the data: in inductively coupled RFID systems EEPROMs (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) are dominant. However, these have the disadvantages of high power consumption during the writing operation and a limited number of write cycles (typically of the order of 100 000 –1000 000). FRAMs (ferromagnetic random access memory) have recently been used in isolated cases. The read power consumption of FRAMs is lower than that of EEPROMs by a factor of 100 and the writing time is 1000 times lower. Manufacturing problems have hindered its widespread introduction onto the market as yet.
Particularly common in microwave systems, SRAMs (static random access memory) are also used for data storage, and facilitate very rapid write cycles. However, data retention requires an uninterruptible power supply from an auxiliary battery.
In programmable systems, write and read access to the memory and any requests for write and read authorisation must be controlled by the data carrier’s internal logic. In the simplest case these functions can be realised by a state machine (see Chapter 10 for further information). Very complex sequences can be realised using state machines. However, the disadvantage of state machines is their inflexibility regarding changes to the programmed functions, because such changes necessitate changes to the circuitry of the silicon chip. In practice, this means redesigning the chip layout, with all the associated expense.
The use of a microprocessor improves upon this situation considerably. An operating system for the management of application data is incorporated into the processor during manufacture using a mask. Changes are thus cheaper to implement and, in addition, the software can be specifically adapted to perform very different applications.
In the context of contactless smart cards, writable data carriers with a state machine are also known as ‘memory cards’, to distinguish them from ‘processor cards’.
In this context, we should also mention transponders that can store data by utilising physical effects. This includes the read-only surface wave transponder and 1-bit transponders that can usually be deactivated (set to 0), but can rarely be reactivated (set to 1).
One very important feature of RFID systems is thepower supply to the transponder.Passive transponders do not have their own power supply, and therefore all power required for the oper- ation of a passive transponder must be drawn from the (electrical/magnetic) field of the reader.
Conversely, active transponders incorporate a battery, which supplies all or part of the power for the operation of a microchip.
One of the most important characteristics of RFID systems is the operating frequency and the resulting range of the system. The operating frequency of an RFID system is the frequency at which the reader transmits. The transmission frequency of the transponder is disregarded. In most cases it is the same as thetransmission frequencyof the reader (load modulation, backscatter). However, the transponder’s ‘transmitting power’ may be set several powers of ten lower than that of the reader.
The different transmission frequencies are classified into the three basic ranges, LF (low fre- quency, 30 –300 kHz), HF (high frequency)/RF radio frequency (3 – 30 MHz) and UHF (ultra-high frequency, 300 MHz–3 GHz)/microwave (>3 GHz). A further subdivision of RFID systems accord- ing to range allows us to differentiate between close-coupling (0 –1 cm), remote-coupling (0 – 1 m), and long-range (>1 m) systems.
The different procedures for sending data from the transponder back to the reader can be classified into three groups: (i) the use of reflection or backscatter (the frequency of the reflected wave corresponds with the transmission frequency of the reader → frequency ratio 1:1); or (ii) load modulation (the reader’s field is influenced by the transponder→frequency ratio 1:1); and (iii) the use of subharmonics (1/n-fold) and the generation of harmonic waves (n-fold) in the transponder.
2.2 Transponder Construction Formats 2.2.1 Disks and Coins
The most common construction format is the so-calleddisk (coin), a transponder in a round (ABS) injection moulded housing, with a diameter ranging from a few millimetres to 10 cm (Figure 2.2).
There is usually a hole for a fastening screw in the centre. As an alternative to (ABS) injection moulding, polystyrol or even epoxy resin may be used to achieve a wider operating tempera- ture range.
2.2.2 Glass Housing
Glass transponders have been developed that can be injected under the skin of an animal for identification purposes (see Chapter 13).
Glass tubes of length just 12 –32 mm contain a microchip mounted upon a carrier (PCB) and a chip capacitor to smooth the supply current obtained. The transponder coil incorporates wire of just 0.03 mm thickness wound onto a ferrite core. The internal components are embedded in a soft adhesive to achieve mechanical stability.
2.2.3 Plastic Housing
The plastic housing (plastic package, PP) was developed for applications involving particularly high mechanical demands. This housing can easily be integrated into other products, for example intocar keys forelectronic immobilisation systems.
Figure 2.2 Different construction formats of disk transponders. Right, transponder coil and chip prior to fitting in housing; left, different construction formats of reader antennas (reproduced by permission of Deister Electronic, Barsinghausen)
Figure 2.3 Close-up of a 32 mm glass transponder for the identification of animals or further processing into other construction formats (reproduced by permission of Texas Instruments)
Ferrite rod Coil Chip
Glass housing
PCB Chip capacitor
Moulded mass
Soft adhesive 12.0× 2.12 mm
Figure 2.4 Mechanical layout of a glass transponder
Figure 2.5 Transponder in a plastic housing (reproduced by permission of Philips Electronics B.V) The wedge made of moulding substance (IC casting compound) contains almost the same com- ponents as the glass transponder, but its longer coil gives it a greater functional range (Figure 2.6).
Further advantages are its ability to accept larger microchips and its greater tolerance to mechan- ical vibrations, which is required by the automotive industry, for example. The PP transponder has proved completely satisfactory with regard to other quality requirements, such as temperature cycles or fall tests (Bruhnke, 1996).
2.2.4 Tool and Gas Bottle Identification
Special construction formats have been developed to install inductively coupled transponders into metal surfaces. The transponder coil is wound in a ferrite pot core. The transponder chip is mounted on the reverse of theferrite pot coreand contacted with the transponder coil.
In order to obtain sufficient mechanical stability, vibration and heat tolerance, transponder chip and ferrite pot core are cast into a PPS shell using epoxy resin (Link, 1996, 1997).
The external dimensions of the transponder and their fitting area have been standardised in DIN/ISO 69873 for incorporation into a retention knob or quick-release taper for tool identification.
Different designs are used for the identification of gas bottles.
2.2.5 Keys and Key Fobs
Transponders are also integrated into mechanical keys for immobilisers or door locking applications with particularly high security requirements. These are generally based upon a transponder in a plastic housing, which is cast or injected into the key fob.
The keyring transponder design has proved very popular for systems providing access to office and work areas.
Ferrite rod Coil
Chip Chip capacitor
12.05× 5.90 mm
Figure 2.6 Mechanical layout of a transponder in a plastic housing. The housing is just 3 mm thick
Figure 2.7 Transponder in a standardised construction format in accordance with DIN/ISO 69873, for fitting into one of the retention knobs of a CNC tool (reproduced by permission of Leitz GmbH & Co., Oberkochen)
Transponder coil Ferrite pot core
Microchip Plastic shell with casting compound
Metal surface Installation space
Figure 2.8 Mechanical layout of a transponder for fitting into metal surfaces. The transponder coil is wound around a U-shaped ferrite core and then cast into a plastic shell. It is installed with the opening of the U-shaped core uppermost
Figure 2.9 Keyring transponder for an access system (reproduced by permission of Intermarketing)
2.2.6 Clocks
This construction format was developed at the beginning of the 1990s by the Austrian company Ski-Data and was first used in ski passes. Thesecontactless clocks were also able to gain ground in access control systems (Figure 2.10). The clock contains a frame antenna with a small number
Figure 2.10 Watch with integral transponder in use in a contactless access authorisation system (reproduced by permission of Junghans Uhren GmbH, Schramberg)
as possible to maximise the area enclosed by the antenna coil – and thus the range.
2.2.7 ID-1 Format, Contactless Smart Cards
The ID-1 format familiar from credit cards and telephone cards (85.72×54.03×0.76 mm± tolerances) is becoming increasingly important for contactless smart cards in RFID systems (Figure 2.11). One advantage of this format for inductively coupled RFID systems is the large coil area, which increases the range of the smart cards.
Contactless smart cards are produced by the lamination of a transponder between four PVC foils. The individual foils are baked at high pressure and temperatures above 100◦C to produce a permanent bond (the manufacture of contactless smart cards is described in detail in Chapter 12).
Contactless smart cards of the design ID-1 are excellently suited for carrying adverts and often have artistic overprints, like those on telephone cards, for example (Figure 2.12).
However, it is not always possible to adhere to the maximum thickness of 0.8 mm specified for ID-1 cards in ISO 7810. Microwave transponders in particular require a thicker design, because in
Front view
Figure 2.11 Layout of a contactless smart card: card body with transponder module and antenna
Figure 2.12 Semitransparent contactless smart card. The transponder antenna can be clearly seen along the edge of the card (reproduced by permission of Giesecke & Devrient, Munich)
Figure 2.13 Microwave transponders in plastic shell housings (reproduced by permission of Pepperl &
Fuchs GmbH)
this design the transponder is usually inserted between two PVC shells or packed using an (ABS) injection moulding procedure.
2.2.8 Smart Label
The termsmart label refers to a paper-thin transponder format. In transponders of this format the transponder coil is applied to a plastic foil of just 0.1 mm thickness byscreen printing oretching.
This foil is often laminated using a layer of paper and its back coated with adhesive. The transpon- ders are supplied in the form of self-adhesive stickers on an endless roll and are thin and flexible enough to be stuck to luggage, packages and goods of all types (Figures 2.14, 2.15). Since the
Figure 2.14 Smart label transponders are thin and flexible enough to be attached to luggage in the form of a self-adhesive label (reproduced by permission of i-code-Transponder, Philips Semiconductors, A-Gratkorn)
Figure 2.15 A smart label primarily consists of a thin paper or plastic foil onto which the transponder coil and transponder chip can be applied (Tag-It Transponder, reproduced by permission of Texas Instruments, Friesing)
sticky labels can easily be overprinted, it is a simple matter to link the stored data to an additional barcode on the front of the label.
2.2.9 Coil-on-Chip
In the construction formats mentioned previously the transponders consist of a separate transponder coil that functions as an antenna and a transponder chip (hybrid technology). The transponder coil is bonded to the transponder chip in the conventional manner.
An obvious step down the route of miniaturisation is the integration of the coil onto the chip (coil-on-chip, Figure 2.16). This is made possible by a special microgalvanic process that can take place on a normal CMOS wafer. The coil is placed directly onto the isolator of the silicon chip in the form of a planar (single layer) spiral arrangement and contacted to the circuit below by means of conventional openings in the passivation layer (Jurisch, 1995, 1998). The conductor track widths achieved lie in the range of 5 –10µm with a layer thickness of 15 –30µm. A final passivation onto a polyamide base is performed to guarantee the mechanical loading capacity of the contactless memory module based upon coil-on-chip technology.
The size of the silicon chip, and thus the entire transponder, is just 3×3 mm. The transponders are frequently embedded in a plastic shell for convenience and at 6×1.5 mm are among the smallest RFID transponders available on the market.
Figure 2.16 Extreme miniaturisation of transponders is possible using coil-on-chip technology (reproduced by permission of Micro Sensys, Erfurt)
2.2.10 Other Formats
In addition to these main designs, several application-specific special designs are also manufactured.
Examples are the ‘racing pigeon transponder’ or the ‘champion chip’ for sports timing. Transponders can be incorporated into any design required by the customer. The preferred options are glass or PP transponders, which are then processed further to obtain the ultimate form.
2.3 Frequency, Range and Coupling
The most important differentiation criteria for RFID systems are the operating frequency of the reader, the physical coupling method and the range of the system. RFID systems are operated at widely differing frequencies, ranging from 135 kHz longwave to 5.8 GHz in the microwave range.Electric, magneticandelectromagnetic fieldsare used for the physical coupling. Finally, the achievable range of the system varies from a few millimetres to above 15 m.
RFID systems with a very small range, typically in the region of up to 1 cm, are known asclose- coupling systems. For operation the transponder must either be inserted into the reader or positioned upon a surface provided for this purpose. Close-coupling systems are coupled using both electric and magnetic fields and can theoretically be operated at any desired frequency between DC and 30 MHz because the operation of the transponder does not rely upon the radiation of fields. The close coupling between data carrier and reader also facilitates the provision of greater amounts of power and so even a microprocessor with nonoptimal power consumption, for example, can be operated. Close-coupling systems are primarily used in applications that are subject to strict security requirements, but do not require a large range. Examples are electronic door locking systems or contactless smart card systems with payment functions. Close coupling transponders are currently used exclusively as ID-1 format contactless smart cards (ISO 10536). However, the role of close coupling systems on the market is becoming less important.
coupling systems. Almost allremote coupled systems are based upon aninductive (magnetic) cou- plingbetween reader and transponder. These systems are therefore also known asinductive radio systems. In addition there are also a few systems withcapacitive (electric) coupling(Baddeley and Ruiz, 1998). At least 90% of all RFID systems currently sold are inductively coupled systems. For this reason there is now an enormous number of such systems on the market. There is also a series of standards that specify the technical parameters of transponder and reader for various standard applications, such as contactless smart cards, animal identification or industrial automation. These also includeproximity coupling (ISO 14443,contactless smart cards) andvicinity coupling systems (ISO 15693,smart label and contactless smart cards). Frequencies below 135 kHz or 13.56 MHz are used as transmission frequencies. Some special applications (e.g. Eurobalise) are also operated at 27.125 MHz.
RFID systems with ranges significantly above 1 m are known aslong-range systems. All long- range systems operate using electromagnetic waves in theUHF andmicrowave range. The vast majority of such systems are also known as backscatter systems due to their physical operating principle. In addition, there are also long-range systems usingsurface acoustic wave transpondersin the microwave range. All these systems are operated at the UHF frequencies of 868 MHz (Europe) and 915 MHz (USA) and at the microwave frequencies of 2.5 GHz and 5.8 GHz. Typical ranges of 3 m can now be achieved using passive (battery-free) backscatter transponders, while ranges of 15 m and above can even be achieved using active (battery-supported) backscatter transponders. The battery of an active transponder, however, never provides the power for data transmission between transponder and reader, but serves exclusively to supply the microchip and for the retention of stored data. The power of the electromagnetic field received from the reader is the only power used for the data transmission between transponder and reader.
In order to avoid reference to a possibly erroneous range figure, this book uses only the termsinductivelyorcapacitively coupled system andmicrowave system orbackscatter system for classification.
2.4 Active and Passive Transponders
An important distinction criterion of different RFID systems is how the energy supply of the transponder works. Here we distinguish between passive and active transponders. Passive transponders do not have any power supply. Through the transponder antenna, the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the reader provides all the energy required for operating the transponder.
In order to transmit data from the transponder to the reader, the field of the reader can be modulated (e.g. by load modulation or modulated backscatter; see Section 3.2) or the transponder can intermediately store, for a short time, energy from the field of the reader (see Section 3.3).
That means that the energy emitted by the reader is used for data transmission both from the reader to the transponder and back to the reader. If the transponder is located outside the reader’s range, the transponder has no power supply at all and, therefore, will not be able to send signals.
Active transponders have their own energy supply, e.g. in form of a battery or a solar cell.
Here the power supply is used to provide voltage to the chip. The magnetic or electromagnetic field received by the reader is therefore no longer necessary for the power supply of the chip. That means that the field may be much weaker than the field required for operating a passive transponder.
This condition can substantially increase thecommunication range if the transponder is capable of detecting the weaker reader signal. But even an active RFID transponder is not able to generate a high-frequency signal of its own, but can only modulate the reader field in order to transmit data between transponder and reader, similar to the procedure in passive transponders. Thus, the energy from the transponder’s own power supply does not contribute to data transmission from the transponder to the reader! In the literature, this type of transponder is often called‘semi-passive’
