Overmolded RFID withstands extreme processing
withstand extreme processing environments where line-of-sight
detection is unsuitable, the company claims.
RFID technology can be used to distinguish items by attaching tags and specific codes to them. Tag data is written or read using radio waves, thus allowing for the management of processing and distribution flows, however convential tags are susceptible to extreme conditions. Texas Instruments (TI) said its tags in overmolded (OM) cases are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high pressure and harsh chemicals. OM tags offer increased read performance compared with competitive products used in process industries such as perishable foods, the company claims. The OM tags have a 22mm circular dimension and operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. Two memory options are available for different uses. The 256 bit offers processors standard RFID features, while the 2K bit version offers the ability to add higher functionality and security features to the tags. Ulrich Denk, RFID product marketing manager at TI, said companies using the RFID tags can expect multiple benefits. "The durability of TI's new overmolded transponder, combined with the flexibility of two memory options and improved read performance, enables companies to select the best tag for their specific application and work environment," he said. The tags protective cover means that each tag can be reused hundreds of times in extreme conditions, the company claims. A milk producer is currently using OM tags to identify and track individual vials of samples throughout the complete chain of quality inspection. According to TI, the accuracy and safety of these checks increase, and the reusability of the OM tags make them a cost effective method of control. The OM tags are available in a read/write format and are compatible with the ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 global standards.
