Environmental Conditions For Transponders; The Response Of Electromagnetic Waves In The Uhf Band; The Effect Of Reflections And Interference - Siemens SIMATIC RF600 System Manual

RF600 system planning

4.5 Environmental conditions for transponders

4.5 Environmental conditions for transponders
Basic rules
The transponder must not be placed directly on metal surfaces or on containers of liquid.
The on-metal transponders designed specifically for use in metallic environments are an
exception to this. For physical reasons, a minimum distance must be maintained between
the transponder antenna and conductive material. A minimum distance of 5 cm is
recommended. The transponder operates better when the distance is greater (between 5
and 20 cm).
● Transponder assembly on non-conductive material (plastic, wood) has a tendency to be
less critical than assembly on poorly conductive material.
● The best results are achieved on the materials specified by the transponder
manufacturer.
● For more information, refer to the section "Transponder (Page 359)" or ask the relevant
transponder manufacturer.
4.6

The response of electromagnetic waves in the UHF band

4.6.1

The effect of reflections and interference

Reflections and interference
Electromagnetic waves in the UHF band behave and propagate in a similar manner to light
waves, that is they are reflected from large objects such as ceilings, floors, walls and
windows and interfere with each other. Due to the nature of electromagnetic waves,
interference can lead to wave amplification which can produce an increased reading range.
In the worst case scenario, interference can also result in waves being extinguished which
causes gaps in reader coverage.
In some circumstances, reflections can also be beneficial when they cause electromagnetic
waves to be routed around objects, in a sense (deflection). This can increase the reading
probability.
Due to these electromagnetic characteristics, it is extremely difficult in the multiple-reflection
environment that is usually found in real environments on site to determine propagation
paths and field strengths for a particular location.
66
System Manual, 06/2019, J31069-D0171-U001-A22-7618
SIMATIC RF600