Abstract: RFID tags will play a role in the deployment of next-generation electric vehicles.
Many OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) suppliers must add RFID compatible tags to the components they provide, especially in prototype construction. This is especially true for RFID tags on automotive OEM components.
However, due to the uncertainty of chip content configuration, OEMs sometimes encounter trouble when using these tags. Therefore, car manufacturers are increasingly demanding the use of standardized RFID content.
For suppliers, it is important to understand the details of some commonly used RFID tags in automotive applications and some points that need attention.
It has passed the current automotive standard tests, is weatherproof, can be printed and programmed on site.
First, the maximum storage capacity of an RFID tag is about 2KB, but the storage capacity of an RFID tag installed on a vehicle is very small, usually 512 bits (bits, 64 characters) to 2000 bits (bits, about 250 characters). The arrangement of the chips on the RFID tag is basically standard. However, the storage space is usually only enough to accommodate production data, or in rare cases, the defined state of the object is also transferred.
The cost of RFID tags usually does not depend on their role in assembly, logistics or other applications, but is usually related to the degree of use the tag must withstand, the surface on which the tag must be applied, and the type of adhesive required to give the tag its service life. Related. According to the design and requirements, the label cost is usually between 5 Euro cents and 1 Euro per label.
In addition, RFID will be a better choice than barcodes only when there are two hard and fast regulations-automatic, batch, and remote recording or security requirements exist. For example, RFID also provides the possibility of storing QM data on a chip. Of course, once a barcode is defined, the only way to change the data it contains is to paste another code on it.
It is also helpful to understand that there are several types of standardization for RFID. ISO/IEC 18000 is an international standard that describes a series of different standard types of RFID technology, each of which uses a unique frequency range. The standard covers the frequency range from the low-end 135 kHz to 960MHz. Among them, production and logistics RFID usually use UHF frequency band-300 MHz to 3 GHz.
Another type of RFID sometimes appears in the manufacturing industry and is governed by ISO/IEC 15693. It covers the so-called proximity card, which can be read from a greater distance (approximately 1.5 meters). The energy of the tag usually comes from the reader. The operating frequency of these systems is a high frequency range of 13.56 MHz, and information is usually encoded using ASK or FSK. Typical applications are RFID tags on public library books and theme park passes. But industrial RFID tags sometimes use similar technologies.
Under normal circumstances, industrial RFID applications have special requirements and are not suitable for off-the-shelf tags. Therefore, the use of RFID may need to do some development work, or need to be launched in a pilot project. For example, labels may need to be tailored to fit challenging substrates such as metal, anti-static, carbon fiber, glass, or extreme cold resistance.
Many components contain iron, steel or aluminum. Metal can block electromagnetic fields and prevent readers from obtaining tag data. Therefore, label manufacturers may require built-in shielding agents to prevent label distortion or degradation or reduced readability.
In addition, the antenna on the tag may also need to be adjusted to obtain the required reading range, especially when the substrate material interferes with radio frequency reception. Other special requirements such as tamper resistance, personalization and encryption may also require additional efforts from the label supplier.
Traditional UHF RFID tags cannot be read when they are stuck to metal. The tags used on metals are usually optimized according to the UHF frequency range specified by the European ETSI or FCC. This means that tags can only be identified within these specific ranges, and problems arise when tagged objects move from one continent to another.
RFIDHY’s flexible anti-metal label is a label suitable for global regions. Based on its dual-frequency antenna, it can be mounted on metal parts and can handle all frequency bands.
RFID tag suppliers can design tags as needed to be compatible with specific manufacturing processes. The result can be finished product processing, programming and printing to deal with special needs and manufacturing environment issues, which may include the following processes:
Production start: The metal parts equipped with RFID tags can inform the system or machine of a series of problems, including its inspection standards or how to deal with it in the downstream links. The label also facilitates handover to various sites such as quality control, receiving and transportation departments, or connecting to external service providers.
Downstream production: When the assembly involves a large number of metal parts, a mixture of metal tags and non-metallic tags will be used. Many RFID tags on metals must stick to parts for long periods of time in inclement weather. It is best to use RFID tag suppliers whose products have been tested and certified according to relevant requirements—especially tag suppliers that have been tested for harsh conditions.
Painting process: RFID tags on car chassis are usually used in body shops. The chassis then goes through numerous painting and drying processes. Depending on the spraying method, the temperature may reach 230°C (446°F). The specially developed RFID metal tag can withstand such high temperatures.
Assembly: UHF RFID tags are more suitable for metal parts than barcode tags. One of the reasons is that the reader does not need to be adjacent to the RFID tag to query their information. In contrast, bar code readers may need to scan at close range to avoid errors.
Logistics: Many parts being produced are placed in plastic containers and must be automatically read. The tags required by such containers are required to have a wide reading range so that they can be read when a forklift passes by. RFID tags used on metals and plastics can be used to alleviate interference problems that may occur during processing, such as electrostatic discharge.
The efficiency comes from the integration of standardized, end-to-end readable RFID tags. RFID technology not only optimizes internal processes, but also creates value on the entire production line.
Automobile parts or assemblies that must be recorded during the assembly process without having to be extracted and scanned are the main sticking objects of RFID. Including engine, transmission, and suspension and steering system. In addition, RFID plays a role in safety-related components such as airbags, electrical systems, bumpers, seat belt systems, and seats.
Finally, one thing to note is that the implementation of RFID must follow data standards. Labels must comply with VDA (Germany), ANSI (United States) or ISO standards in terms of size, design and data storage. Label quality is also very important.
