User's Manual

RFID Specific Terms
1-2 Introduction
RFID Specific Terms
Transponder Transponders are devices that receive an excitation signal, and respond by transmitting back a
message. Transponders that are used in identification systems are sometimes referred to as
electronic tags or tags.
Excitation Signal The excitation signal is a form of electromagnetic energy and can operate anywhere in the RF
spectrum from a low-radio frequency to infra-red light. It can also have a special signature (pattern,
coding, etc.) to avoid false or unwanted excitations. When there is no excitation signal, the
Transponder is dormant (in sleep mode). Transponders do not transmit information
involuntarily.
Response Signal The Transponder’s response can be a separate RF transmission or a supplementary modulation of
the excitation signal. The response signal contains information that allows you to identify: the
transponder (the object to which it is attached), the reading point which excited the tag, battery
status etc. Some or all of this information may be stored in memory that can either be pre-coded
and unalterable, or re programmable.
Reading Points Reading Points are installed at strategic areas on the site where you want to identify objects that are
passing within a specified range. Reading Points generate the excitation signal and receive signals
transmitted by the Transponders. Data captured from the Transponders is then transferred to the
main computer. In so doing, the Reading Point functions as a relay or an interface that transfers
data from the Transponders to the main computer and vice-versa.
Communication Links When using Transponders and Reading Points, two wireless communication links exist. They are:
Uplink - from the Reading Point to the Transponder, and Downlink - from the Transponder to the
Reading Point.
RFID System Automatic identification systems vary in their complexity. An example of a simple system is a car-
park barrier that provides automatic vehicular-access control. A more complex example is a
network of on-line Readers and Exciters that communicate with a host computer that is managing
an automated industrial facility.
Postal RFID System
The International Postal Corporation (IPC) required international end-to-end mail performance
monitoring to implement new management and financial control systems. This monitoring and
controlling is supported by an international agreement known as REIMS (Remunerating Exchanges
of International Mails).
The Postal RFID System was developed in response to the IPC’s requirements.
The main objective of the Postal RFID System is:
• To monitor the movement of the probe letters at key points in the system
• To supply evidence of mailing system performance
• To highlight problem areas.