Infineon looks for RFID excellence in Austria
Infineon is developing a range of RFIDs including smart label technology, where an RFID chip and antenna are integrated into paper or plastic. The company is also developing system platform technology for smart label readers to integrate RFID-supported logistics applications into a company’s operations, and accompanying services for development, roll-out and maintenance of logistics systems. Applications in the automotive and textile industries are foreseen among others.
Developers in Graz have already developed an integrated RFID system platform called the You-R OPEN (OPerating ENvironment). This is an operating system environment that links a company’s existing logistics IT infrastructure to RFID applications. You-R OPEN supports the entire RFID universe - from smart labels to readers, PC and severs, and links to IT networks. It makes it possible to integrate RFID systems into a company’s internal IT system using J2EE, Microsoft .net, http, C++, XML or PML programming. This allows existing corporate logistics systems to be converted to RFID-supported processes using standard development tools. You-R OPEN also makes it possible to perform maintenance, diagnose faults and update the software for the RFID hardware via a remote connection.
The RFID system lab performs four separate tasks - application demonstrations, development and verification, technology evaluation and training. Evaluation includes determining the performance and limits of RFID technologies in order to ensure the proper functioning of the RFID infrastructure.
Depending on the sector and task, a variety of different RFID technologies can be employed in logistics processes. A distinction is made between ultra high frequency (UHF), in the frequency band around 900MHz, and high frequency (HF) systems at 13.56MHz. UHF systems allow ranges of 3-4m and are thus able to identify paletted goods on a loading ramp. Technologies operating at 13.56MHz have a shorter read range. Infineon’s 13.56MHz-based systems implement a technique known as PJM (phase jitter modulation) that supports reading of labelled objects as they pass a reader unit at high speed on conveyor belts. This high data rate recording is required for recognition of tightly packed medicines or documents.
