rfid processor Archives - AUTOMATION INSIGHTS

Using RFID Databolts in an Engine Assembly Plant

There are many types of RFID processors and network protocols to keep in mind as you’re installing your RFID system in your automotive plant manufacturing line. This blog post focuses on RFID databolts. I’ll discuss best practices for installing them, how to use RFID technology to track engine parts and components throughout the production process and how to use RFID databolts to provide instructions and to document the finished process.

The RFID databolt is a threaded device that can be embedded into a blank engine block or other component prior to production. It includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a microprocessor, RFID antenna, and a power source, such as a battery or a connection to a power supply.

When installing an RFID system, it is important to keep in mind the best practices for mounting the RFID antennas and data bolts. The antennas should be mounted away from metal as much as possible, as metal can interfere with the signal. They should also be mounted with Delrin or UHMW mounting plates, as these materials will not interfere with the signal, and they provide a secure mount.

This can be used to ensure quality production and to identify any potential issues that may arise during the assembly process.

RFID databolts can also be used to track engine parts and components throughout the manufacturing process. This allows you to monitor the production process and quickly identify and address any issues. This will help to ensure quality production and to reduce errors and delays in the production process.

RFID databolts are an important part of the automotive manufacturing process and can be used to provide instructions and document the finished process, as well as to track engine parts and components throughout the production process. It is important to keep in mind the best practices for mounting the RFID antennas and databolts, such as mounting the antenna away from metal and using Delrin or UHMW mounting plates. By following these tips, you can ensure quality production and reduce errors and delays in the production process.

Back to Basics: The Fundamentals of a Passive RFID System

There has been a lot of talk in the industrial automation about RFID. In past blog posts we’ve discussed topics like RFID ROI and when to use IO-Link RFID. We could talk about things to consider when implementing RFID into your plant or different applications for days. In this entry, though, I’d like to get back to the basics a little bit.

Area of Application for a Passive RFID System:

RFID is used to accurately identify an object on which the tag is placed. In addition to identification, bject-specific information, like maintenance data is contained on the tag.

How It Works:

Since passive RFID tags contain no battery, the tag is powered up or “woke up” by the RF waves emitted from antenna of the same frequency. Once a tag is located in range it is powered up by the antenna and its memory can be read and transmitted to the processor. The time it takes the reader to extract information from the tag is usually measured in milliseconds.

Three Main Components of a Passive RFID System:

Tag – A combination of a chip and internal coil. The chip is where the data is held in the memory and can contain a few bytes of data or thousands of bytes of data depending on the capacity of the chip.

Antenna – Connected to the processor by an external cable or sometimes contained inside the same housing, the antenna transmits the data to and from the tag back through the processor

Processor – The role of the processor is to organize the data as it is being read or written. The processor is usually connected to a controller, like a PC or PLC, and performs the task issued by the controller.

To learn more about industrial RFID applications and components visit www.balluff.us/rifd.

UHF – Under Heavy Fire or Ultra High Frequency? Logistically Speaking…

Logistics personnel across the globe have been trying to find a way to better manage their pallets, bins, totes, and all other types of containers. Returnable Transport Units (RTU’s) have been stored in remote corners of warehouses, storage trailers, or a who-knows-where location only to be overlooked and written off. They are replaced time and time again by brand new units. Life as an RTU is much like that of the relief pitcher. They go ignored until they are needed, then they become the most important element in the operation. On the bright side they do get to hang out with all their buddies just sitting around waiting to be called up from the bull pen, or storage trailer out back. The difference is when the Manger of the baseball team needs a reliever he just picks up the phone and rings the bull pen. When the warehouse manager needs RTU’s he has to go searching remote areas of the facility many times resulting in a wild goose chase, a PO request, and a phone call to purchase more.
Continue reading “UHF – Under Heavy Fire or Ultra High Frequency? Logistically Speaking…”