Benchmarking aims to make RFID choice clearer

Related tags Rfid

In the US ODIN technologies has compiled a benchmarking report that
analyses 14 of the leading electronic tags for RFID - an initiative
that could simplify the complex choice, reports Simon
Pitman.

ODIN​, which is a leading player in the physics of RFID infrastructure testing and deployment, claims that the benchmark is the most comprehensive and scientific analysis available of EPC tags used to support the Wal-Mart, Target and DoD RFID programmes.

The expanded EPC Tag Benchmark 2005 report, was developed to provide end users with greater insight into how well tags actually work and what criteria should be considered when making tag selection decisions. The Benchmark also provides a scientific and objective comparison of how leading RFID tags work with various standard packaging materials such as paper, plastic, water and metal.

"ODIN technologies has broken new ground with the latest installment of the EPC Tag Benchmark. We routinely receive new tags and readers into our labs and the EPC Tag Benchmark reflects an evaluation of the newest technology available in EPC compliant tags,"​ said Patrick Sweeney, president and CEO.

"The analysis includes fourteen tags including both 64 and 96 bit versions as well as some tags that are just now coming available in the market such as the Impinj Propeller, Rafsec Butterfly and Symbol Trident. This benchmarking research provides end users with objective, scientific information to assist them in their tag selection efforts.

"Selecting an RFID tag is a tough task, but it can make or break your RFID program. If the tags don't work with your products in the field, your RFID system simply will not work. Fortunately, well established principles of physics were employed in the EPC Tag Benchmark and provide answers to the critical tag selection questions."

Chris Fennig, director of professional services for ODIN technologies, used his experimental physics background to oversee the analysis. He stressed the fact that choosing the appropriate tag for the job can lead to great confusion, particularly as individual requirements are so different.

"We designed performance benchmarking tests that take into account the typical use cases and product materials that RFID end users encounter every day,"​ Fennig said. This benchmark provides end users with unique insights and a comprehensive analysis of all of the major EPC compliant UHF RFID tags in the market today. It will help them quickly narrow their tag selection process based on scientific research. The EPC Tag Benchmark data saves end users time and investment dollars while helping them avoid common implementation mistakes."

The report evaluates 14 RFID tags from Alien Technologies, Avery Dennison, Impinj, Matrics (now owned by Symbol) and Rafsec - the leading EPC-compliant tag suppliers in the market today. Each of the tags underwent the same rigorous testing accumulating over 6,000 individual data sets with different cases of common product materials containing paper, plastic, metal and liquid.

The results presents a side-by-side comparison of the tags based on the materials and performance criteria required by end users. This helps end users focus in on the results for the materials that are most similar to their own products. ODIN technologies purchased all of the tags tested in the benchmark and said that it had no financial or other interest in any of the companies whose tags were tested.

The EPC Tag Benchmark includes analyses of communication link margins, distance performance, speed performance and orientation sensitivity.

The report can be purchased from the company as part of an individual or multi-licensing agreement.

Related topics Packaging & Design

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