1. What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), like barcode, magnetic stripe, voice data entry and other automatic identification technologies, is an information acquisition technology. RFID consists of a sensing device which transmits a radio-frequency signal to a specially designed transponder, which send another radio message back.

2. What are the advantages of RFID?

The primary benefits of RFID are the elimination of clerical errors in recording data, faster data collection, and a reduction in labour and paperwork required to process data.

The advantages of RFID over other ID technologies (such as barcode and magnetic stripe) include:

• More reliable operation in a harsh environment (in wet, dusty, dirty conditions; corrosive environments; applications where vibration and shocks are considerations).
• Non-contact operation.
• Freedom from line-of-sight constraints (transponders can be read irrespective of orientation; through paint, even through non-ferrous solids)

3. How does the TrovanŽ system work?

The system consists of two basic elements: the passive transponder (the ID tag) and the reader. The reader emits a low-frequency magnetic field via its antenna. When a transponder passes within range, it is excited, causing it to transmit its ID code back to the reader. Transmission and reception occurs simultaneously. This makes for a very short read time.

4. How can RFID benefit my company?

By implementing RFID, a company can:

• Realise major gains in labour efficiency and productivity
• Automate many manufacturing, assembly and quality control processes
• Reduce waste and keep inventory levels at a minimum
• Increase customer satisfaction
• Improve profitability

5. Does the transponder require maintenance?

No. The transponder contains no batteries and is hermetically sealed in a housing designed to tolerate harsh environmental conditions. The permanently programmed code is unique, counterfeit-proof and cannot be modified or deleted. Thus, each transponder is completely maintenance free and in principle has an unlimited life span.

6. What provisions have been made for code security?

Complex automatic test methods ensure that no code exists in duplicate in any of the transponder types, and that the codes are programmed correctly in a readable manner. In each transponder, 39 bits of memory are reserved for the code. That translates into 2**39 (or about 550 billion) possible unique codes. If one were to assign all 550 billion codes to transponders with the smallest dimensions known today, specifically the ID-100 Micro Transponders with their length of 12 mm, and then line these transponders up end-to-end, the resulting string would measure 6.5 million kilometers in length, which is about 160 times the circumference of the earth.