#236 Introduction into UHF RFID (How-to)

UHF RFID chips promise a lot and should overcome the two main shortcomings of standard RFID tags: A reader should be able to read a lot of tags in parallel, and it should be able to read them over long distances. Where do you think this technology would be useful for you?

Links:

My Bitcoin address: 19FSmqbBzb5zsYB1d8Bq4KbxVmezToDNTV
If you want to support the channel, please use the links below to start your shopping. No additional charges for you, but I get a commission (of your purchases the next 24 hours) to buy new stuff for the channel

Please do not try to Email me or invite me on LinkedIn. These communication channels are reserved for my primary job

[puriap]

Thank you. I was researching RFID scanners and the moment I saw your video I was happy and knew I would find my answer. Your tests are always very practical and informative.

[dennis]

Where I was a contractor last we used RFID stickers for item and asset tracking. Everything was tagged and logged so whenever each case (containing as many as 300+ items) was sent to a customer we knew precisely what components, assets and equipment was going out at any one time, the RFID's contained loads of information as well as the sticker number, this included item, lot and serial numbers of each part, asset and case, a load of delivery numbers and customer details was added too. As soon as each case was ready to be shipped out it was slipped through a RFID reader/writer tunnel and that showed that batch had left the building. All this was 1-2 seconds at most. It allowed us to identify all parts, confirm each kit was complete, and that nothing had been removed. Left a nice paper trail for tracking should anything be returned or was a load item, it was returned and read using the same tools allowing complete tracking all over the world.


I cannot imagine the cost but it was an awesome piece of kit was but it did save so much time and money in lost hardware, especially as this was for medical equipment and implants.

[daShare]

I would say the range of the desktop reader is intentionally low. You would use a reader like that to scan cards into a PC based access control or sports timing system. If it had a long range it would be useless, as it would pick up every (unwanted) card in the room!

[mo_diya]

I just stumbled upon this piece about introduction to UHF RIFD, and it really opened my eyes. The insights shared are thought-provoking and genuinely refreshing. If you're curious about introduction to UHF RIFD, this is a must-read in GAO RFID Inc —there's a wealth of information here that could reshape your understanding.

[AttilaSVK]

We have a reader with a big antenna lent to us (at work) by a local company specialising in garages for office buildings, etc. It really works from a couple of meters away, very impressive. Maybe the cards are special as well, they supplied them with the reader.

[graealex]

The short range of NFC isn't really a shortcoming, but allows for a much higher power budget and stable operation. This allows strong cryptography to be implemented, like it's done with Smart Cards and ePassports. Storing a public-private key pair is only feasible with NFC. Also Sparkfun has a new breakout for the M6E-NANO. It's expensive but very hackable, in contrast to the Chinese Wiegand compatible UHF readers.

[voltlog]

Cool! I wasn't aware of the uhf rfid technology. I really like the feature of being able to read multiple tags, especially like you showed it for finding stuff in storage easily.

[DougHanchard]

It is very important to note, almost all early RFID standards were never designed to be a long range interrogation platforms or devices.

Today, the needs are very different. Vehicles that can unlock / start when the key fob is within 15' was never a requirement until now.

Transportation container tracking at high speed is now the norm.

All of these examples essentially use the same RFID architecture. Some have internal power supply, others have none.

The issue of power, frequency and pulse length must be fully integrated with precision many take for granted with "standards". Quality Control is almost non-existent with many Chinese suppliers.

Many of the vendors are reselling tier 1 components that have been rejected.

This is not to say all Chinese based suppliers are bad. Many are very good. This is particularly true of those based in Shenzhen. Even so, it's buyer beware unless you establish a relationship with your vendor.

The Gap is closing but is still a few years away from achieving consistent QC given the number of suppliers of components that exist.

Using a Yagi-Uda antenna should work, if designed / tuned properly and matched to an appropriately sized connector. I'm not sure if yours is. Something isn't right.

[AnthonyWebb]

I was hoping you would have a follow up to this unit with the more powerful one you showed at the end of the video.. none the less, thank you for your great content, one of my favorite channels on YouTube.

[MogensBeltoft]

I work with the Rolls Royce of RFID readers daily, the Impinj Speedway R420, which is extremely good at both reading a lot of tags and reading at range. But it requires specialized antennas and quality RFID tags.
The success of the RFID projects depend mostly on the choice of tag, tag placement and choice of antenna to achieve the desired read range.
We have detected RFID tags over 10 m from the antenna, so it is possible, but it requires a specific tag and antenna.

[Livefreeman]

nicely explained. investing in a high end antenna with a signal booster is not a bad idea. I own a high end antenna as I use them on my wifi router to get free wifi. good antennas should have vast applications for diy projects, not just for RFID. maybe you could use them on your lora gateway to extend the range even further. I want to use this technology to make a key tag, so when I loose my keys again, I can find them, only if I point in the right direction and have better antenna, lol

[dgmg]

Es hätte natürlich gereizt, zu wissen, was genau an der China-Antenne so schlecht ist. Gabs keine Chance, den Schleifendipol zu korrigieren? Oder den Schleifendipol alleine zu verwenden? Was ist denn unter dem Schrumpfschlauch?
Wenn ich das Display des VNA bei 10:42 so anschaue, scheint die Antenne bei 1 GHz zu liegen, der Dipol ist also erstmal zu klein. Vielleicht war die Yagi auch ursprünglich als GSM-Antenne gebaut worden?

[ashfaqahmad]

Please make a video on yagii antenna proper installation and work as you people explain things very clear.

[Cragst]

Record when people are home, control lights to turn on when Ur near the light, record when people on site at work loads on uses, record if a car or truck is at base, open remote gates when I get close :) endless use

[zabloing]

Thank you Andreas. You have aided my research into this technology with your comprehensive, informative videos once again. I wish I had some extra cash on hand to spend on a high power UHF reader haha

[planker]

Excellent. You mentioned IFF on the last video, the Yagi is my choice for that. Too bad the enemy doesn't use Tags. Usually, the Yagi is placed just forward of the planar array to challenge while track, after which the GTWT adjust frequencies in pulse doppler awaiting a computer solution for a missile launch. Anyway I should stick to the class. Thanks.

[francistai]

You may at the end produce a good DIY UHF reader, but it is another story when it comes to applying the UHF tags on different objects, especially metal parts.

[NicholasIbarra]

This was amazing. Exactly what we were looking for. Thank you!

[nertia]

3:35 is exactly what I'm researching to do except I want the reader to be attached to the tote (box) lid and be able to wirelessly connected to a phone or computer and have some sort of management interface available for searching, editing, metadata, etc.

[ThunderWolfTech]

Amazing!!! Thank you for taking your time to inform this awesome technology!!