Track and Trace with Radio Frequency Identification

Type of course:

Digital learning, Path

Language:

Duration:

1 hour, 15 minutes

Workload:

4 hours

Proficiency:

Beginner

Target:

Professionals, Students

This learning path is designed to provide professionals and students with an introduction to the concepts of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for use in track and trace applications.

Firstly, we explain the importance of asset tracking in industry through the use of different tagging technologies. Digital asset tracking provides greater transparency in the production process, allowing you to view progress and status data along your production line at any time. RFID is the right technology to implement this in production.

The basic concepts of RFID technology and the main components of RFID applications are explained. It also discusses the different radio frequencies and how they can be used in selected applications.

The most important terms and characteristics of RFID readers are also explained. The difference between mobile and fixed readers is also discussed. For practical use, the selection of suitable antennas and their installation for the planned industrial applications also plays an important role. RFID tags and their different forms and applications are also discussed. There are different tags for different environments (e.g. metal environment).

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and its potential use in industrial environments. The globally standardised frequency is 13.56 MHz. Transmission ranges of approximately five to ten centimetres are possible. NFC technology uses mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets and notebooks to exchange data. This opens up a wide range of new applications.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course the learner will be able to describe the main building blocks of an RFID application. The learner will be able to explain the differences between the relevant RFID technology and the most relevant frequencies (e.g. Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF)). In this way, the learner will be able to set up the main steps for building an RFID application.
At the end of this course the learner will be able to describe the different aspects and features of an RFID reader. The learner will be able to describe the difference between mobile and fixed readers. The learner will be able to describe the components of an RFID tag and understand the difference between passive and active tags. Finally, the learner will be able to choose the right reader and the right tags.
By the end of this course, the learner will be able to explain the key concepts behind NFC technology and know the key functions for implementing NFC applications. Finally, the learner will be able to describe the difference between NFC and RFID technology.