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CHAPTER 5:
RFID TAGS
5.1
RFID T
RFID tags, which are also referred to as transponders, smart labels, or inlays, come
in a variety of sizes, memory capacities, read ranges, frequencies, temperature
survivability ranges and physical embodiments.
C0405-Series Controllers are capable of reading Escort Memory Systems' HMS, LRP
and T-Series RFID tags as well as most tags made by other manufacturers.
5 . 1 . 1
RFID Standards
ISO 1 444 3A
RFID integrated circuits (ICs) designed to meet ISO 14443A standards were
originally intended for use in smart cards used in secure transactions such as credit
cards, passports, bus passes, ski lift tickets, etc. For this reason there are many
security authentication measures taken within the air protocol between the RFID
controller and the tag. Escort Memory Systems was the first company to adopt ISO
14443A RFID ICs with this technology for industrial automation applications. Because
these applications do not require the level of security monetary or passport
applications require, many of these features have not been implemented in current
controllers. It is important to understand the requirements of an ISO 14443A
application before assuming a C0405-Series controller is suitable.
ISO 14443A compliant tags and controllers incorporate security authentication and
use software "keys" during each transfer of data to and from the tag. Both the RFID
controller and the tag must use the same security keys to authenticate
communication. The C0405 Controller's operating system manages these security
features, making their existence transparent to the user. However, it is important to
understand the implications associated with ISO 14443 when using another
manufacturer's tags. Because of these security "features," an ISO 14443 tag made
by one manufacturer may not be readable by a C0405 Controller and an Escort
Memory Systems ISO 14443 compliant tag might not be readable by another
manufacturer's RFID controller. C0405-Series Controllers support EMS' security keys
for use on Mifare ISO 14443A tags.
ISO 1 569 3
ISO 15693 was established at a time when the RFID industry identified that the lack
of standards was preventing the market from growing. Philips Semiconductor and
Texas Instruments were the major manufacturers producing RFID ICs for the
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency of 13.56MHz, but each used a
unique protocol and modulation algorithm. Texas Instruments Tag-it™ and Philips
Semiconductor's I-CODE™ product lines were eventually standardized on the
mutually compatible ISO 15693 standard. After the decision was made to standardize,
the door opened for other silicon manufacturers to enter the RFID business, many of
which have since contributed to RFID ISO definitions. This healthy competition has
led to rapid growth in the industry and has pushed the development of other
standards, such as ISO 18000 for Electronic Product Code (EPC) applications.
C 0 4 0 5 - X X X - 0 1 O P E R A T O R ' S M A N U A L – R E V . 0 3
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VERVIEW
C H A P T E R 5 : R F I D T A G S
P A G E 4 3 O F 7 5
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