Embedded Fit Tags User Guide and FAQ

Transcription

1 Embedded Fit Tags User Guide and FAQ Omni ID office locations: US UK China India Germany

2 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 3 STANDARD EMBEDDABLE TAGS... 3 RECESS PREPARATION... 4 CARRIER / PLACEMENT JIG... 4 EPOXY OPTIONS... 5 CUSTOM EMBEDDABLE TAGS... 6 CUSTOM SOLUTIONS HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SERVICE I NEED?... 6 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES... 8 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS OPERATING TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE APPLICATION / EMBEDDING NOTES SERVICE BUREAU EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT OMNI ID S NEW EMBEDDABLE FIT TAGS

3 INTRODUCTION Our mission when developing the all new Embedded Fit Tag Range was an unparalleled choice of options to enable the widest possible number of applications for UHF RFID enabled devices. Embedded RFID tags are the key component to creating a connected environment and with enhanced benefits such as security, traceability, durability and functionality, your RFID enabled asset has the ability to provide analytic data to automate such manual tasks as inventory management and work in process tracking to provide visibility across a facility or supply chain. Whatever your application requires, Omni ID will help you select a tag from our standard embeddable tag range, or develop a customized solution for your specific asset type and application. STANDARD EMBEDDABLE TAGS Omni ID has a range of standard embeddable tags which have been optimally tuned for specific recess sizes; they are supplied unpainted and in a carrier to ensure accurate placement in the center of the recess which is imperative for a consistent and reliable RF performance. Details can be seen below: For further information about the standard embeddable Fit tags, please refer to the product datasheets found within the Products section at ID.com ¹Fit 400 EM Regional tag: when placing the carrier with tag in the recess it should be positioned carrier face up. ²Fit 400 EM Global tag: when placing the carrier with tag in the recess it should be positioned carrier face down. 3

4 RECESS PREPARATION To ensure that the performance of each embedded tag is consistent and as intended, the position and the dimensions of the recess on the asset must be controlled. In all cases, the recess should be circular with a flat bottom, and it must be prepared accurately and consistently. The placement of the tag in the recess should also be controlled with the tag positioned as centrally as possible within the recess; Omni ID has designed a carrier which is supplied with all embeddable tags to facilitate central placement of the tag within the recommend recess size. CARRIER / PLACEMENT JIG This carrier is made from durable polycarbonate and will assist with the correct placement of the tag in the recess. The correct placement of the tag, being equal spacing from each side and vertical on the flat bottom of the recess, is a very important factor to ensure the best performance is achieved. The carrier is designed with flow areas for the epoxy or potting compound to move freely between all sections thus assisting with the avoidance of air gaps. The carrier is provided free of charge and is supplied as part of the embedded tag solution. The tag is positioned in the carrier by Omni ID and secured with clips prior to shipping to the customer. example of tag secured in carrier example of carrier in the center of recess The illustrations above have been created using the Fit 200 EM standard carrier and recess dimensions 4

5 EPOXY OPTIONS The optimal tuning of a custom product depends heavily on what epoxy or potting compound is selected to pot the tag into the asset and as part of the tuning process for the custom tags the epoxy choice will be taken heavily into consideration. The following epoxy types have been qualified by Omni ID for their standard embeddable tags: Intertronics IRS2126, a fast cure flexible thixotropic black resin with a two part system (1:1 mix ratio) has been qualified for consistent performance with the Fit 100 EM standard tags. Plexus MA830, a methacrylate adhesive with a two part system (10:1 mix ratio) has been qualified for consistent performance with the Fit 200 EM and Fit 400 EM standard tags. Although these two types of epoxy have been fully validated by Omni ID on their assets in laboratory conditions, it is always recommended that the customer tests for suitability on their specific assets because there are so many variables such as the curing time, hardness and viscosity to factor in to the suitability of an epoxy type. 5

6 CUSTOM EMBEDDABLE TAGS Our work with embedded products has demonstrated that the performance of the tag can vary depending on the asset type and geometry versus the standard configuration. An off the shelf product, tuned specifically for an on metal application once embedded is susceptible to detuning, thus affecting the performance of the tag. Using our custom service, we will design a product appropriate for your specific asset type and recess size. CUSTOM SOLUTIONS HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SERVICE I NEED? A custom solution needs to be carefully considered by all parties and a full and accurate understanding of the project requirements is imperative. A questionnaire [Omni ID questionnaire Embedded Custom Fit tags.doc] designed to help Omni ID to capture this initial set of requirements is available from your sales rep, and this should be completed as part of the pre sale process. Using the flow charts below, see what service you need; if you are still unsure, please ask your sales rep to assist. 6

7 We have the following service options available to support you during the consideration of an RFID embedded application. These services are designed to assist with the optimal tuning of a custom product to ensure the best possible performance for a particular asset; the resulting custom tag is not interchangeable for other assets. ¹ FAE definition Field Applications Engineer 7

8 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Due to the level of customization required for these products, we need to ensure clarity on the application and asset type, and ask for full co operation from the customer to ensure precision through all phases of the design work. Please see the overview below of the anticipated roles and responsibilities throughout this phase. Standard Using Omni ID's recommended recess dimensions, produce recess accuratley and consistently, with a flat bottom surface Source appropriate epoxy and validate it does not have any detrimental impact on RF performance Potting tags correctly; centrally and in contact with the flat bottom surface, in a clean environment and avoiding air pockets Ensure the thickness of the epoxy on top of the tag does not exceed 1mm after curing Custom After consultation with Omni ID, use recommended recess dimensions to produce recess accurately and consistently, with a flat bottom surface Arrange shipping of asset with recess prepared, and an appropriate sample size of uncured epoxy or potting compound to Omni ID, at your own cost After receipt of the test report and custom tuned sample tags from Omni ID, validate the RF performance in the specific asset Ensure the thickness of the epoxy or potting compound on the top of the tag does not exceed 1mm after curing Custom Plus Arrange shipping of asset with no recess prepared, and an appropriate sample size of uncured epoxy or potting compound to Omni ID, at your own cost After confirmation from Omni ID that the recess has been prepared on your asset, arrange shipping back to your site, at your own cost After receipt of the test report and custom tuned sample tags from Omni ID, validate the RF performance in the specific asset Ensure the thickness of the epoxy or potting compound on the top of the tag does not exceed 1mm after curing Custom Premium After consultation with Omni ID, arrange a suitable time for the Omni ID FAE site visit Prior to Omni ID s onsite visit, arrange for an appropriate sample size of uncured epoxy or potting compound to be sent to Omni ID, at your own cost After receipt of the test report and custom tuned sample tags from Omni ID, validate the RF performance in the specific asset Ensure the thickness of the epoxy or potting compound on the top of the tag does not exceed 1mm after curing 8

9 Standard Communicate recommended recess dimensions using the medium of product datasheets and marketing materials Provide details of Omni ID's qualified epoxy and ensure customer understands that it is their responsibility to evaluate it for suitability with the specific asset type Custom After consultation advise recommended recess dimensions to enable the customer to produce recess accurately After receipt of the asset with recess prepared, and a sample of the customers epoxy or potting compound, determine correct tuning of the tag to achieve optimal RF performance Provide test report detailing the recess dimensions and expected performance of the tag if the validated epoxy or potting compound is used Provide samples of custom tuned tag with carriers to aid correct placement in the recess, for evaluation Custom Plus After receipt of the asset determine the recess dimensions and outsource the asset for the recess to be prepared After receipt of the asset with recess prepared, and using a sample of the customers epoxy or potting compound, determine correct tuning to achieve optimal RF performance Provide test report detailing the recess dimensions and expected performance of the tag if the validated epoxy or potting compound is used Provide samples of custom tuned tag with carriers to aid correct placement in the recess, for evaluation Custom Premium After consultation, agree to a suitable time for an Omni ID FAE site visit Prior to the agreed onsite visit, and after receipt of a sample of the customers epoxy or potting compound, validate it for RF frequency shift Once on site, and using the customers epoxy or potting compound, determine the specification required for a custom tuned tag Provide test report detailing the recess dimensions and expected performance of the tag if the validated epoxy or potting compound is used Provide samples of custom tuned tag with carriers to aid correct placement in the recess, for evaluation 9

10 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS Omni ID is the global leader in designing innovative custom RFID solutions. Our manufacturing and R&D facilities enable our experts to conduct extensive testing ensuring each application works as promised upon implementation. We have already manufactured and sold millions of embedded tags globally across a wide range of industries and applications, such as: Golf balls Radio control knobs Hose pipes Hand tools Medical device trays Bolts OPERATING TEMPERATURE The Omni ID Embedded Fit Tags have been designed to complement the existing Fit tag portfolio and utilizing the approved bill of materials, the operating temperature ranges are: 20 c to +70 c Fit 100 EM Regional 20 c to +85 c Fit 200 EM Regional 20 c to +85 c Fit 400 EM Regional 20 c to +65 c Fit 400 EM Global If you require a custom solution for a high temperature embedded application, this can be considered as part of Omni ID s custom tuning service, for an additional premium. If you require a surface mount high temperature tag for applications such as automotive paint booths, medical autoclave sterilization, manufacturing, rubber vulcanization or similar heat exposure type operations, then please see id.com/hightemp/ 10

11 PERFORMANCE A consistent performance will be achieved using Omni ID s standard recess sizes with 1mm of cured epoxy or potting compound on top of the tag for an off the shelf solution. If the off the shelf solution is not suitable for your application, and after utilizing the custom tuning service and Omni ID s recommended recess size for your specific asset, a consistent performance will be achieved. Below is some data that we gathered from our own tests when embedding the tag in a recess in bare aluminum. The recess depth in these tests is the total depth of the recess which allows for the tag, the carrier, and 1mm of cured epoxy on top of the tag. The on metal result was achieved with the tag placed centrally on a 300mm² unpainted aluminum test plate The before potting result was achieved with the tag placed centrally in the specified recess The after potting result was achieved with the tag placed centrally in the specified recess and potted with epoxy, and allowed to cure for 24 hrs. % Relative to Maximum read Range FIT 100 EM On metal Before potting After potting 10Ø 4.5mm 12Ø 4.5mm 14.5Ø 4.5mm Fit 100 EM CIRCULAR RECESS SIZE 11

12 % Relative to Maximum read Range FIT 200 EM On metal Before potting After potting 16Ø 5.0mm 20Ø 5.0mm 22Ø 5.0mm CIRCULAR RECESS SIZE % Relative to Maximum read Range FIT 400 EM On metal Before potting After potting 22Ø 5.5mm 26Ø 5.5mm 28Ø 5.5mm 30Ø 5.5mm CIRCULAR RECESS SIZE 12

13 APPLICATION / EMBEDDING NOTES The Omni ID Embedded Fit Tags are extremely small form factor RFID tags optimized for embedding into a recess and as such they are sensitive to the position, location and placement within the asset to which it is being embedded. The tags are polarized along the longer sides of the product so with linear reader antennas the optimal read distance is achieved by aligning the polarization of the reader antenna with the longer side of the tag. These tags can be embedded pre or post production of the asset and if you opt for the Omni ID standard embedded tag solution, the following application notes should be observed; after the preparation of the recommended recess size: Ensure the area is clean, dry and dust free o a cleaning solution such as isopropyl alcohol is generally recommended as it evaporates quickly leaving nearly zero oil traces Place the tag (leaving it in the carrier) in the center of the recess and flat on the bottom of the recess Fill the recess with the recommended epoxy or potting compound ensuring to fill all gaps between the tag and the recess wall Apply in ambient (room) temperature o exact conditions are dependent on epoxy or potting compound curing conditions Working time, ultimate strength and full strength are unique to the epoxy and conditions After the epoxy or potting compound has cured, the RFID enabled asset will be ready for use 13

14 SERVICE BUREAU Need your RFID tags deployment ready? Omni ID s Service Bureau is available to encode the tag and print a visual representation of the EPC code via a data matrix barcode on a temporary synthetic label with a peelable tab for ease of use prior to shipping so they arrive at your facility with inventory and associated information already on the tag. With such a dynamic service on offer, full requirements should be discussed with your sales rep. during the sales consultation period, and the summary below is designed to provide an overview of options available. H3 IC EPC memory (bits)¹ 96, extendable to 480 USER memory (bits)¹ 512 TID (bits)¹ 64 Passwords Full range of temporary lock and permalock on banks of memory Air interface protocol EPC Class 1Gen 2 / ISO C Frequency range (MHz) (EU) (US) Standard label material finish Thermal transfer polyester, white Service Bureau standard option EPC encoding and barcode printing EPC locking option standard No locking EPC locking option custom Password protected EPC locking option custom Permalocking MOQ standard Service Bureau 100 pcs ¹ EPC and USER memory are reprogrammable. TID is locked at point of manufacture by IC provider 14

15 EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT OMNI ID S NEW EMBEDDABLE FIT TAGS 15

16 FAQ Q. What was the rationale for developing these new tags? A. To maintain our position in the market as the #1 Manufacturer and Supplier of Industrial RFID Tags and Solutions Globally, and responding to customer demand, we are enhancing our line of small ceramic tags to include an embeddable solution. Q. Do these new tags enhance the security features of my asset? A. The tag is permanently incorporated into the structure of the device itself; either at point of manufacture or retrospectively, and in such a way that can be invisible to the end user making it virtually impossible to remove the tag without at least damaging the asset itself. Q. Do these new tags enhance the durability of my asset? A. Once the epoxy has cured, the tag is protected from external influences such as impact, abrasion, chemical exposure and other hazardous handling. There is no risk of the tag becoming detached and you can rest assured that your asset will be permanently RFID enabled. Q. Can Omni ID tags be used with any RFID reader? A. Omni ID tags use the Class 1 Gen2 UHF air interface protocol for transmitting and receiving information. Therefore, Omni ID tags can be used with any Class 1 Gen2 UHF reader provided it is calibrated to operate in the correct geographical region. Omni ID tags are currently in use in deployments with both handheld and fixed portal reader setups. Q. What are the competitive advantages of these new tags against similar competitive products? Highest size to performance ratio in the industry Compliments an existing surface mount ceramic portfolio Compliments an existing high temperature ceramic portfolio Multiple form factors to meet the demands of varying applications A tailor made tag that is application and asset specific Highly consistent manufacturing methods A carrier jig to aid correct placement first time, every time Q. Does tag position or embedding affect tag performance? If so, how? A. Yes, both can affect the performance of the tag which is why we take a consultative approach with our customers and have the ability to tune, adjust or customize as necessary for your applications based on our expertise Q. Are the standard embeddable tags tuned for a specific type of metal, or can they be embedded in all types of metals, or other materials such as plastic or wood? A. We have qualified test results using specific recess sizes within a bare aluminum substrate. If your application uses another type of metal structure and the off the shelf solution is not suitable please consider our custom tuning service to ensure the best possible performance for a particular asset type Q. Does Omni ID recommend a specific potting compound? A. Omni ID s standard embeddable tags have been optimized for consistent performance with 2 types of epoxy; Intertronics IRS2126 for the Fit 100 EM standard tags and Plexus MA830 for the Fit 200 EM and Fit 400 EM standard tags. Omni ID understands that due to specific application types and geographies other types may be sourced but we always recommend full technical validation to ensure no detrimental effect on RF performance is caused. 16

17 Q. What are the typical applications targeted for these new tags? A. Typical applications include (but not limited to): Any high value asset that requires enhanced security features and tracking Small hand tools Medical equipment High value IT assets Q. Can Omni ID s embedded Fit tags be customized? A1. Barcodes are often applied to Omni ID tags to allow integration with systems in which RFID is only partly used, or to integrate into an existing barcode system. Omni ID offers a value added service which provides barcode and human readable information associated with the tag prior to shipping to ensure the tag is deployment ready when it reaches its destination. Compliance with EPC standards should be considered by the customer before advising Omni ID of the data string to use. The Omni ID tag commissioning service programs data into the EPC section of the memory. The memory capacity is according to the IC manufacturers standards. Typical sequencing is done in Hexadecimal form which utilizes an extension (A F) of the regular 0 9 numbering so that more data can be stored on a chip using less characters. Omni ID also allows decimal sequencing if required. Q. What are the key differentiators between the surface mount Fit tags and the new embeddable tags? A. The surface mount tags are painted with an oxygen polyester paint for durability and an aesthetically pleasing finish while the embeddable tags are unpainted and untuned to allow for the detuning that embedding causes. PAG