Durable Asset Tag Manufacturing Work-In-Progress Tests

Maximum Read Range with a Fixed Position RFID Reader Indoors

Test Overview and Configuration

The purpose of these tests is to determine the maximum distance an RFID tag can be read using a fixed position RFID reader in an indoor environment.  A single antenna connected to a stationary reader can be used for reading RFID tagged items on a conveyor, commissioning RFID tags, as well as work-in-progress applications such as system shown in the picture - right. The durable asset tag is mounted directly to a steel carrier used in the assembly process of durable goods product – in this specific case a vehicle.

For these tests our team used an Impinj Speedway® Revolution certified for US FCC.  The firmware was the latest available as of date of testing.  We attached one monostatic circular polarized antenna and cable (both provided by Impinj) and mounted on a tripod. 

We installed the MulitReader application (also provided by Impinj) on a laptop running Windows XP and connected via an Ethernet crossover cable.  MulitReader was used for the reader configuration and tag reading for these benchmarks.  The transmit power was set to the default value of 30 dBm.  We positioned our RFID tagged item at a distance outside the read zone at the same height as the antenna.  We then started the reader and slowly moved towards the tag.  Once three (3) seconds of continuous tag read was achieved, we recorded the distance.

At least three trials of every test were performed.  As with the other tests, different tags were used in order to account for production variances. This also eliminates having a really good tag or a really bad tag that skews the results. Although tags may read briefly at further distances, each tag must maintain a 3 second read before the distance results are recorded. In some cases a tag would be read very briefly at a greater distance than the recorded result demonstrates. Our team selected three (3) seconds because it helps to eliminate tags reads resulting from stray reflections that can occur indoors.  The results were captured and the averages are calculated and published below.

These tests were performed by our team of RFID experts.  During the tests the environmental conditions measured a temperature of 72.1°F (22°C) with a humidity of 29 percent. 

Manufacturing Work-In-Progress Test Results

Durable Asset Tag Benchmark Table of Contents
Introduction, Defining 'Durability' and the RFID Tags Evaluated
Vibration Survival Tests
Supply Chain Logistics Operations Tests: Mixed Pallets with an RFID Enabled Portal & Handheld RFID Reader
Asset Tracking Tests: Maximum Read Range Outdoors with a GPS enabled Handheld RFID Reader
Manufacturing Work-In-Progress Tests: Maximum Read Range Indoors with a Fixed Position RFID Reader
Overall Benchmark Test Analysis
Important Considerations When Selecting RFID Tags