RFID systems operating in the UHF band are successfully implemented in logistics, material flow control, and increasingly in manufacturing, thanks to their range of several meters. Their use makes processes more transparent, enabling optimization in all types of
businesses. With new, robust components, Siemens is contributing to the proliferation of RFID technology both in sectors where it has already proven itself and in many new ones.
Two compact UHF antennas have been added to Siemens' Industry Automation division's extensive RFID product range. The Simatic RF640A antenna, measuring 185 x 185 x 45 millimeters, uses circular polarization, while the RF642A model, of the same size,
uses linear polarization. Depending on the reader used, the antenna has a maximum range of up to four meters. Both antennas offer a high degree of protection (IP67) and are designed for operating temperatures between -25 and +75 degrees Celsius, making them suitable for both indoor
and outdoor use.
Another new feature from Siemens is the Simatic RF680M mobile RFID reader. This reader/scanner includes a color display with VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels) and an ergonomic keypad. The user benefits from improved readability; thanks to the new key layout, the reader
can be operated with one hand. Compared to its predecessor, the RFID module's emission power has been increased to 500 mW ERP (Milliwatts; Effective Radiated Power), the CPU clock speed has been increased to 624 MHz, and the memory has been expanded to 1 GB flash and 256 MB RAM. The
RF600 software offers service and testing functions for reading and writing electronic tags and labels. Captured data can be saved in file structures. An API (Application Programming Interface) library is also included. These
programming interfaces allow users to create their own applications for this mobile RFID reader. Because the RF680M uses the standard Windows CE operating system, it is very easy to integrate into existing IT networks and process infrastructures. Thanks to its high
IP65 protection rating, the new reader is ideal for applications in harsh industrial environments such as production logistics and warehouse management.
In the field of RFID data carriers/tags, Siemens presents the heat-resistant Simatic RF680L electronic tag. It can withstand temperatures up to 220°C for one hour or up to 200°C for six hours, making it suitable for
industrial applications in harsh environments such as paint lines and other high-temperature applications. The new electronic tags enable durable product identification and tracking throughout the entire value chain for material flow control,
production, and logistics. The RF680L's large memory capacity further expands its application range, offering 240 bits for the EPC identification code and an additional 512 bits for user data.
Siemens has been developing RFID systems for production and logistics for 25 years and is the market leader in Europe with over 300,000 read/write devices installed.
Siemens supplies the right wireless data carriers for different sectors and a wide range of applications, as well as the appropriate software, from RFID middleware to application software.
