Rfid Technology

Seminar Report ’03 RFID Technology
INTRODUCTION
Almost every product in the market has a barcode printed on it. Barcodes
are machine-readable parallel bars that store binary information, revealing
information about the product. Thus, it acts as the product fingerprint. As we go
to the supermarket to buy things, the checkout person runs our selection over the
scanner to scan the barcode, there’s an audible beep, and we are told how much
money we owe.
But the days of barcode are numbered. The reason is that a technology
called radiofrequency identification (RFID) is catching on.RFID tags are being
used by corporations to track people and products in just about every industry.
They transform everyday objects like cargo containers, car keys, and even
clothes on the rack at a shopping mall into mini nodes on a network. Databases
then record the location and status of these network nodes to determine product
movements. [4], [3]
This technology can completely replace barcodes.

The automotive industry makes use of small RFID tags that offer a high level of
security at low cost.[7]
A lot of developments are taking place in RFID technology that will change the
course of the industry, particularly in the supply chain area.
Dept. of AEI 1 MESCE Kuttippuram

TRANSPONDER
A tag is any device or label that identifies the host to which it is attached.
It typically does not hinder the operation of the host or adversely affect its
appearance.
The word transponder is derived from the words transmitter and

responder. The tag responds to a transmitted or communicated request for the
data it carries.
ANALOG CIRCUITRY
DATA TRANSFER
POWER SUPPLY
EEPROM
DIGITAL CIRCUITRY
CONTROL LOGIC ROM
SECURITY LOGIC
INTERNAL
LOGIC/MICROPROCESOR
RAM
Fig.1 Transponder Block Diagram
The transponder memory may comprise of read-only (ROM), random

access (RAM), and non-volatile programmable memory for data storage
depending on the type and sophistication of the device. The ROM-based memory
is used to accommodate security data and the transponder operating system
instructions which in conjunction with the processor or processing logic deals
with the internal ‘house-keeping’ functions like response delay timing, data flow
control and supply switching. The RAM-based memory is used for temporary

data storage during transponder interrogation and response. The non-volatile

programmable memory may be of several types of which the electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) is the most common. It is used to
store the transponder data and needs to be non-volatile to ensure that the data is
retained when the device is in its quiescent or power-saving ‘sleep’ state.
Data buffers are further components of memory used to temporarily hold

the incoming data following demodulation and outgoing data for modulation and
interface with the transponder antenna. The interface circuitry provides the
facility to direct and accommodate the interrogation field energy for powering
purposes in passive transponders and triggering of the transponder response. The
transponder antenna senses the interrogating field and serves as the means for
transmitting the transponder response for interrogation.[6]
CLASSIFICATION OF TAGS
On the basis of the presence of battery, tags can be classified into active or
passive tags.
Active tags are powered by an internal battery and are generally read/write
devices. They contain a cell having a high power to weight ratio and are capable
of operating over a temperature range of -50 to +70 degree Celsius. Active tags
have a finite life time. A suitable cell coupled to suitable low power circuitry can
ensure functionality of ten or more years depending on operating temperatures,
read/write cycles and usage. They have greater size and increased cost compared
to passive tags.
Passive tags operate without an internal battery source, deriving the power
to operate from the field generated by the reader. They are hence lighter than

active tags and have greater life time. They have shorter read ranges compared to
active tags. They are also constrained in their ability to store data and perform
well in electromagnetically noisy environments.[2],[5]
RFID tags can also be classified on the basis of coupling into inductively
and capacitively coupled tags.
Inductively coupled RFID tags consist of the silicon microprocessor

which vary in size depending on their purpose and metal coil which is made of
copper or aluminum wire that is wound into a circular pattern on the transponder.
This coil acts as the tag’s antenna. The tag transmits signal to the reader with the
read distance determined by the size of the coil antenna. It also consists of an
encapsulating material of glass or polymer that wraps around the chip and coil.
Inductively coupled RFID tags are powered by the magnetic field generated by
the reader .The tag’s antenna picks up the magnetic energy and the tag
communicates with the reader. The tag then modulates the magnetic field in order
to retrieve and transmit data back to the reader. Data which is transmitted back to
the reader is directed to the host computer. These tags are expensive due to the
silicon, the coil antenna and the process that is needed to wind the coil around the
surface of the tag.
Capacitively coupled RFID tags consist of an RFID chip and an antenna

made from two plate electrodes. The reading mechanism between the tag and the
reader is through capacitive coupling. Placing the tag in an electric field powers
the tag. The field gradient across the tag results in a charge buildup between the
plates and hence a potential difference which is used to energize the small silicon
IC at its center.[6],[8]

Data stored in data carriers require some organization and additions like
data identifiers and error detection bits to satisfy recovery needs. This is known
as source encoding. Standard numbering systems such as UCC/EAN can be
applied to data stored in tags. Tags are basically used to carry
1.identifiers, in which a numeric or alphanumeric string is stored for

identification purposes or as an access key to data stored in a computer or
information management system.
2. Portable data files in which information is organized for communication. Tags
can be obtained that can store single bits to kilobits. The single bit devices are
used for surveillance purposes. Retail electronic article surveillance (EAS) is the
typical application which activates an alarm in the interrogating field. They can
also be used for counting applications.
Devices characterized by data storage capacities upto 128 bits are
sufficient to hold a serial or identification number together with parity check bits.
These devices may be manufacturer or user programmable. Tags with data
storage capacities upto 512 bits are user programmable and suitable for
accommodating identification and other specific data like serial numbers,
package content, key process instructions and results of earlier
interrogation/response transactions. Tags with storage capabilities of 64 kilobits
are carriers of portable data files. By increasing the capacity, facility can be
provided for organizing data into fields or pages that may be selectively
interrogated during the reading purpose. Data transfer rates are linked to carrier
frequency. The higher the frequency, the higher the transfer rates. Depending on
the memory, the tag contains data that can be read-only; write once read many
(WORM) or read /write. Read-only tags are low capacity devices programmed at
source usually with an identification number. WORM devices are user
programmable devices. Read/write devices are also user programmable but allow
the user to change data stored in a tag. Portable programmers may also be present
that allows in-field programming of the tag while attached to the item being
identified or accompanied.[6]

READER/INTERROGATOR
The reader/interrogators can differ considerably in complexity depending

on the type of tags being supported and functions to be fulfilled. The overall
function is to provide the means of communicating with the tag and facilitating
data transfer. Functions performed by readers include signal conditioning, parity
error checking and correction. Once the signal from a transponder has been
correctly received and decoded, algorithms can be applied to decide whether the
signal is a repeat transmission and may then instruct the transponder to stop
transmitting. This is known as Command Response Protocol and is used to
circumvent the problem of reading multiple tags in a short span of time. Using
interrogators in this way is also referred to as Hands Down Polling. A more
secure, but slower tag polling technique is called Hands Up Polling which
involves the interrogator looking for tags with specific identities and
interrogating them, in turn. A further approach uses multiple readers, multiplexed
into one interrogator but results in cost increase.[6]
RANGE AND POWER LEVELS
The range that can be achieved in an RFID is determined by:

1. The power available at the reader/interrogator to communicate with the tags.
2. The power available within the tag to respond.
3. The environmental conditions and structures, the former being more
significant at higher frequencies including the signal to noise ratio.
Although the level of available power is the primary determinant of range,

the manner and efficiency in which that power is deployed also influences the
range. The field or wave generated from an antenna extends into space

surrounding it and its strength diminishes with respect to distance. The antenna
design determines the shape of the field or propagating wave delivered so that
range is also influenced by the angle subtended between the tag and antenna.
In the space free of any obstruction or absorption mechanism, the strength

of field reduces in inverse proportion to the square of the distance. For a wave
propagating through a region in which reflections can arise from the ground and
from obstacles, the reduction in strength can vary as an inverse fourth power of
the distance. Where different paths arise in this way, the phenomenon is called
multi-path attenuation. At higher frequencies, moisture presence can cause
absorption which can further affect the range. Where a number of reflective
obstacles are to be encountered within the applications under consideration,
which may vary from time to time, it may also be necessary to establish the
implications of such changes through an appropriate environmental evaluation.
The power within the tag is generally much less than that from the reader,
requiring sensitive detection capability within the reader to handle the return
signals. In some systems, the reader constitutes a receiver and is separate from
the interrogation source or transmitter, particularly if the up-link (from
transmitter to tag) carrier is different from the down-link (from tag to reader).
100-500mW power are values quoted for RFID systems, whereas the
actual values should be confirmed with the appropriate regulatory authorities in
the countries where the technology is being applied. The form in which the
power is delivered, pulsed or continuous, and the associated values are also
indicated by the authority.[6]

RFID SYSTEM
An RFID system consists of RFID tags ,a means of reading or

interrogating the tags and a means of communicating the data to a host computer
or information management system. The system will also include a facility for
entering or programming data into tags, if it is not done at the source by the
manufacturer. There may also be present antennas for communication between
the ag and the reader.
ANTENNA READER
RF MODULE CONTROL
MODULE
HOST COMPUTER
TRANSPONDER (TAG)
Fig.2. RFID System
The reader sends out a radio frequency wave to the tag and the tag
broadcasts back its stored data to the reader. The system has two antennas, one
for the tag and the other on the reader. The data collected from the tag can either
be sent directly to a host computer through standard interfaces or it can be stored
in a portable reader and later updated to the computer for data processing. The
automatic reading and direct use of tag data is called ‘automatic data capture’.[8]
When the tag which is battery free,is to be read ,the reader sends out a power
pulse to the antenna lasting for about 50ms.The magnetic field generated is
collected by the antenna in the transponder that is tuned to the same frequency.
This received energy is rectified and stored on a capacitor within the transponder.

When the power pulse has finished, the transponder immediately transmits back
its data, using the energy stored within its capacitor as its power source. The data
is picked up by the receiving antenna and decoded by the reader unit. Once all
the data has been transmitted, the storage capacitor is discharged resetting the
transponder to make it ready for the next read cycle. The period between
transmission pulses is called sync time and lasts between 20ms and 50ms
depending on the system set up.
The transmission technique between the transponder and the reader is

FSK.This approach has good resistance to noise and is cost effective to
implement.[7],[6]
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Reading distance: The actual reading distance depends on the transponder type,
electromagnetic noise, transponder orientation, antenna type. In general, a 32mm
glass transponder can be read with a stationary reader and gate antenna from a
distance of about 1m.Larger transponders can achieve ranges upto 2m with
handheld readers offering lower ranges upto 250mm.
Data accuracy: A 16-bit cyclic redundancy check algorithm is used to ensure
that only valid data is sent from the reader to its associated controller.
Antenna selection: Of the antenna types, the one giving larger read ranges is
selected. Electromagnetic noise affects the readout pattern.
Transponder orientation: For maximum range, the antenna orientation with
respect to the transponder must be optimized for maximum coupling. The
orientation in line with a ferrite antenna produces the largest read ranges from
2mm glass transponder.
Reading speed: Many applications require that that transponder must remain in
the reading range. Since a standard stationary reader completes one cycle in abut
120ms, transponders must remain in the boundaries of a readout pattern for at
least that amount of time.[7]

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
Immobilizers are the security systems in automobiles. The latest

generation of RFID transponders called crypto transponders can be used as the
chief part of immobilizers.
Fig. 3. IMMOBILIZER TRANSPONDER
Key-based immobilizer systems consist of four main components. The

core of the system is the transponder, a batteryless device which is available in
various form factors and with different functionalities. For operation, the
transponder has to be supplied with energy from an external source. The
transceiver generates a high frequency magnetic field which is radiated by an
antenna coil. The energy activates the transponder and it sends a data stream in
form of a modulated RF signal. This signal is demodulated by the transceiver and
then passed to the controller for data processing. Different physical principles for
RFID systems have been established on the market. Concerning the transmission
of energy, two different systems can be distinguished.[7]
Full Duplex Systems. The energy for the transponder and the data signal
generated by the transponder are transmitted at the same time.

Half Duplex Systems. The transmission of the energy for the transponder and
the data signal from the transponder are done consecutively. The transponder
stores energy in a capacitor and as soon as the transmitter is switched off, the
energy is used to transmit data. The different techniques have an impact on
system design and reading range, but have no impact on the system.[7]
Cryptographic Background
From the cryptographic point of view, the problem of immobilization

consists of two different tasks, the identification of the driver and proving his
identity, the authentication. Several cryptographic means are applicable for driver
authentication.
Knowledge
The authentication is based on the knowledge of a secret, for example a
password or PIN (Personal Identification Number) that has to be presented to
proof the identity. For automotive applications any method using a keyboard is
unacceptable for most of the users. In addition the level of security is
unacceptable.
Biometrics
Biological attributes, such as fingerprints, voice, retinal or face patterns
could theoretically be used for authentication of the driver. However, the
technical effort for such systems is still high compared to key-based
immobilizers and not acceptable for automotive applications. In addition, the
problem of renting a car to someone else and emergency use of a vehicle
becomes a critical issue.

Possession
Authentication by means of possession is the most common method and
will also be widely spread in future. The simplest implementation is the
possession of a mechanical key. A much higher security is offered if the key
contains an electronic tag such as a transponder. To start the vehicle, the
mechanical key and the code in the transponder must match.
All cryptographic systems described above are based on static

authentication procedures, that means the security system of the car can verify
the identity of the key but the electronics in the key cannot check the identity of
the communication partner. A mutual authentication procedure which also allows
the key to verify the identity of the communication partner is one feature that
would improve the security level of the system.
A much higher level of security can be achieved with a simple

symmetrical algorithm known as challenge / response protocol. The security
system of the vehicle can check the identity of the key by sending a question (a
challenge) and verifying the answer (response). The correct answer can only be
given if a secret is known that is shared by both partners. This challenge/response
concept has several advantages. During normal use, the secret is not exchanged
and both challenge and response vary from cycle to cycle.[7]
Standard Security Architectures using RFID
Various security systems using RFID transponders have been established

on the market.
Fixed Code Systems are the most commonly used. During initialization,
the controller learns different identification codes stored in the transponders that
belong to a vehicle. When the driver places the ignition key in the lock cylinder,
the fixed code in the transponder is read and compared to the codes stored in the
memory of the controller.

The level of security depends to a great extend on the type of transponder

used. There are write once transponders on the market which are delivered
unprogrammed. Programming is done by the user. Commercially available
readers/writers allow to pick up the code in the transponder while away from the
vehicle and to program an unprogrammed unit. Thus a copy of the fixed code has
been generated which cannot be distinguished from the original. True Read Only
systems on the market are factory programmed with a unique identification
number. These systems do not allow copies. However, it is possible to emulate
the data signal on the radio frequency level. The effort to design an emulator is
considerable and requires RF design knowledge.
Rolling Code Systems operate in the same way as fixed code systems
except that the secret code in the key is only valid for a certain period of time,
typically from one ignition cycle to the other. The System Security Controller
reprograms the transponder (which is a Read/Write type) periodically. The secret
is changed, but in terms of cryptographics the procedure is still a static
authentication. To guarantee the reliability of the system, resynchronization
procedures have to be implemented in case the transponder programming fails or
the transponder is reprogrammed by mistake while away from the vehicle.
Especially these procedures for resynchronization are the most critical issues in
such systems.
A simple mutual authentication can be provided by password protected

transponders. The transponder will deny access to the secret data information
stored in its memory unless a password is presented and thus the identity of the
reader proven. The length of the password can vary depending on the required
security level. The password is usually transmitted in plain text and can be picked
up or guessed if the transponder is available. Depending on the length of the
password, the time to guess the password can vary from several minutes to
several years. A limitation of the system is the total transaction time which can
be unacceptable for practical use in the application.

Combined Rolling Code / Password Systems can also be implemented

using password protected Secured Read Write Transponders. They provide a
higher level of security.
Crypto Transponders
Crypto Transponders are the second generation of transponders for use in

immobilizers. The new generation of crypto transponders developed by Texas
Instruments are based upon the TIRIS TM half duplex RFID technology and are
compatible to all standard RF interfaces of the TIRIS TM product range.
System Overview
The Digital Signature Transponder (DST) is a crypto device which offers

the challenge/ response functionality. During initialization, the vehicle security
system and the transponder exchange a secret encryption key. The key cannot be
read out, only the transponder response to a challenge sent by the transceiver can
be read. In a typical application, the vehicle security system generates a 40 bit
random number (the challenge), and sends it to the transponder using Pulse
Width Modulation (PWM). In the transponder the challenge is shifted into the
challenge register. For a short period of time, energy is provided by the
transceiver and the encryption logic generates a 24 bit response (signature).

Fig. 4. Crypto Transponder System
The response R is a function of the encryption key Ke , the challenge

RAND and the cryptographic algorithm Fc. R=f(Fc, RAND, Ke ).
The response is returned to the transceiver using Frequency Shift Keying (FSK).
The security system calculates the expected response using the same
algorithm and the same encryption key and compares the response received from
the transponder to the calculated one. The calculation of the expected response
can be done simultaneously to the communication between transponder and
reader or after reception of the transponder response. If expected and calculated
response are equal, the information is sent to the engine management computer.
In time critical applications, the challenge and the response can be generated after
immobilization and stored for the next cycle.
The advantages of this system are obvious:
• Depending on the challenge the response is different every time. The

authentication procedure is dynamic.

• No portion of the encryption key is ever transmitted after initialization of

the transponder
• The encryption key cannot be read out

• The transponder cannot be duplicated
• The encryption key can be irreversibly locked or altered if desired.
The transponder is a complex logical and mechanical micro system

designed to operate at very low power. During energy transfer less than 1µ A is
consumed by the transponder IC. This allows a capacitor to be charged over a
considerable distance within a reasonable amount of time, typically less than
50ms. Even during the encryption process, the current consumption is below
16µ A. Therefore, the typical maximum read range is comparable to standard
Read Only systems.
Fig. 5. Plastic Wedge Transponder
Design Objectives
The Digital Signature Transponder was based on many established circuit

blocks and assembly techniques to ensure compatibility to existing transceiver
hardware and to keep existing qualified automated production lines.

Apart from the design challenges for the IC design:
Maintain low power consumption despite the large number of gates for
encryption
• Keep wiring of the encryption circuitry to a minimum
• Keep chip size to a minimum,

A considerable effort has been spent to ensure
• A high level of cryptographic security
• Fast transaction times for the challenge/response cycle
• Low data processing effort for the encryption algorithm in the car
security system
• Reliability in the application in terms of highly sophisticated supervision

circuitry in the transponder.
Encryption
All encryption algorithms are theoretically breakable. An algorithm is

computationally secure if it cannot be broken within a reasonable amount of time
respectively with reasonable resources. In this context ‘reasonable’ is open to
interpretations. Current assumptions for attacks against immobilizer systems are:
• The attacker will not spend more than five minutes in the vehicle
• The key is not longer than ten days available for analysis
• The key is not longer than ten days available for analysis
• The attacker is familiar with cryptoanalytical techniques.
Dictionary attacks can be used if the key was available to the attacker for a

certain period of time to build a dictionary of challenge response pairs. In the

vehicle, the attacker hopes for a challenge that is already in his dictionary to reply
with the correct response and start the engine.
Statistical calculations show that even if the key is available for 10 days
and the dictionary is built at a rate of four responses per second, the probability
for a successful attack within five minutes in the car is only 0.47%. Taking into
consideration that this effort has to be repeated for each vehicle, it can be
understood that this method is uneconomic for the thief.
Cryptoanalysis makes use of the knowledge of the algorithm. Those

attackers try to find a mathematical solution to the problem of finding the
encryption key with a limited amount of challenge response pairs. The algorithm
in the Digital Signature Transponder has been developed to frustrate these
cryptoanalytical methods.
Read/Write Crypto Transponder for Short Cycle Time
The TK5561A-PP is a complete transponder integrating all important

functions for immobilizer and identification systems. It consists of a plastic cube
which accommodates the crypto IC and the antenna realized as tuned LC-circuit.
It is a R/W crypto transponder for applications which demand higher security
levels than those which standard R/W transponders can fulfill. For this reason it
has an additional encryption algorithm block which enables a base station to
authenticate the transponder. Any attempt to fake the base station with a wrong
transponder will be recognized immediately. For authentication, the base station
transmits a challenge to the transponder. This challenge is encrypted by both IC
and base station .Both should posses the same secret key. Only then the result can
be expected to be equal. The on-chip 320 –bit EEPROM(10 blocks of 32 bits)can
be read and written blockwise by a base station Two or four blocks contain the
ID code and six memory blocks are used to store the crypto key as well as the

read or write options.125 kHz is the typical operational frequency of a system

using this transponder.
Transponder Antenna
The antenna consists of a coil and a capacitor for tuning the circuit to the
nominal carrier frequency of 125kHz.The coil has a ferrite core for improving the
distance of read, write and programming operations.
Fig. 6. Analog Front End (AFE)
The AFE includes all circuits directly connected to the coil. It generates
the IC’s power supply and handles the bidirectional data communication with the
base station. It consists of the following blocks:
• Rectifiers to generate a DC supply voltage from the AC coil voltage

• Clock extractor.
• Field gap detector for data transmission from the base station to the IC.

Controller
The controller has the following functions:
• Control memory access.

• Handle correct write data transmission.
• Error detection and error handling.
• Control encryption operation.
• Control adaptation of resonance frequency.
Power on reset
It is a delay reset which is triggered when the supply voltage is applied.
Adapt
The IC is able to minimize the tolerance of the resonance frequency

between the base station and the transponder by on-chip capacitors in parallel to
the LC circuit of the transponder.
Bitrate Generator
The bitrate generator can deliver bitrates of RF/32 and RF/64 for data
transmission from the IC to the base station.
Bit Decoder
The bit decoder forms the signals needed for write operation and decodes
the received data bits in the write data stream

Modulator
The modulator consists of two data recorders. Manchester and biphase

modulation are possible.
HV Generator
Voltage pump which generates about 18V for programming of the

EEPROM.
Memory
The memory is a 320-bit EEPROM which is arranged in 10 blocks of 32

bits each. All 32 bits of a block are programmed simultaneously. The
programming voltage is generated on-chip.
Crypto Circuit
The crypto circuit uses an algorithm to encrypt the challenge which is

written to the chip. The computed result can be read by the base station.
Comparing the encryption results of the base station and the IC, a high security
authentication procedure is established.[7]
Writing Data into the IC
A write sequence of the IC is shown below.
Writing data into the transponder occurs by interrupting the RF field with
short gaps. After the start gap the write op-code (10) is transmitted. The next 32
bits contain the actual data. The last 4 bits denote the destination block address. If
the correct number of bits has been received, the actual data is programmed into
the specified memory block. [7]

Fig. 7. Write protocol to program the EEPROM
Write Data Decoding
The time elapsing between two detected gaps is used to encode the
information. As soon as a gap is detected, a counter starts counting the number of
field clock cycles until the next gap will be detected. Depending on how many
field clocks elapse, the data is regarded as ’0’ or ’1’.The required number of field
clocks is shown in figure .A valid ’0’ is assumed if the number of counted clock
periods is between 16 and 32, for a valid ’1’ it is 48 or 64 respectively. Any other
value being detected results in an error and the device exits write mode and
returns to read mode.[7]
Fig. 8. Write data decoding scheme

APPLICATIONS
Principle areas of applications of RFID include:

1. Transportation
2. Manufacturing and processing.
3. Security.[4]
Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid) Systems has
introduced its new RFID tag for textile rental and dry cleaning applications. TI-
RFid tags provide more accurate identification and greater accountability as well
as improved handling through each stage of cleaning and processing to final
customer delivery.
RFID system allows booksellers to gain such information as the range of

books a shopper has browsed, the number of times a particular title was picked
up, and even the length of time spent flipping through pages. Gillete ,Wal-Mart,
and Tesco will install specially designed shelves that can read RF waves emitted
by microchips embedded in millions of their products. The shelves can scan the
contents of the shelves and, via computer, alert store employees when supplies
are running low or when theft is detected.[4]
RFID tags loaded with biometric information will be embedded in passports to

ensure travelers comply with security regulations.
RFID technology is also being used to improve luggage handling in airports.
Certain specific applications of RFID include:
1. Fleet management.
2. Inventory and asset management.
3. Warehouse automation.
4. Hazardous material management.
5. Packaging, security and access control.
6. Smart card payment systems.[4]

ADVANTAGES
• RFID technology permits no line of sight reading.
• Robustness and reliability under difficult environmental conditions.[5],

[3]
These tags can be read through water, snow, concrete, bricks, plastics,
wood, and most non-metallic materials
• Available in a wide variety of physical forms, shapes, sizes and

protective housings.
• RFID tags can be read at very high speeds.

In most cases the response time is less than 100ms.
• Difficulty in duplicating, offers a high degree of security. [5]
DISADVANTAGES
• Cost
RFID solutions cost much higher than the conventional barcodes. A large
fraction of its cost lies in the software infrastructure and the enterprise
application and integration[4]
• Lack of standardization.
Standardization has not been provided across many fronts, ranging from
the different data formats used to interoperatability between RFID readers and
tags from different vendors to interference between RFID products from different
manufacturers.[4],[2]
• RFID will hurt privacy

RFID transponders are forever part of the product, and designed to
respond when a signal is received.[4],[1]

CONCLUSION
RFID tags will soon be tracking millions of consumer products

worldwide. Manufacturers will know the exact location of each product they
make from the time it is made until it is used and tossed in the recycle bin or
trash can. The crypto transponders will be well suited for future generation
vehicle entry systems.[3]
The RFID tagging will take off when the cost of the tags drops to one
percent of the cost of the product it is applied to, and that date is somewhere near.
2005 is the date that researchers say when radio frequency tagging
becomes viable and until then, we must wait and see.[8]

REFERENCES
[1] Jay Warrior, Eric McHenry, Kenneth McGee, “They know where you are”,
IEEE Spectrum, July 2003, pp.21-25
[2] Ankit Khare, “RFID challenges barcoding”, PC Quest, April 2003, pp.46
[3] Andy Emmerson, “Tiny tags talk volumes”, Everyday Practical Electronics,
May 2001, pp.322
[4] Uma Gupta, “RFID and beyond”, Electronics For You, October 2003,
pp.36-40.
[5] Ulrich Kaiser, Wolfgang Steinhagen, “A low-power transponder IC for
high- performance identification systems.” IEEE Journal Of Solid-State
Circuits.Vol.30, March 1995, pp306-310
[6] http://www.aimglobal.org
[7] http://www.ti.com
[8] http://www.howstuffworks.com

ABSTRACT
Long checkout lines at the grocery store are one of the biggest complaints
about the shopping experience. This is mainly due to the time consuming use of
UPC barcodes. These codes act as product fingerprints made of machine-
readable parallel bars that store binary data.
Created in 1970s to speed up the checkout process, barcodes have certain

disadvantages:
• It is a read-only technology, which means it cannot send information.

• It can easily be forged.
• Barcode scanning is time consuming.
To overcome these, the barcodes are being replaced by smart labels, also
called radiofrequency identification tags.
RFID tags are intelligent barcodes that can literally talk to a networked
system to track every product that is bought.
The automotive industry also makes use of RFID batteryless transponders

that offer a high level of security at low cost. The theft of vehicles with electronic
immobilizers decreased to about one-tenth compared to those without
immobilizers. This is based on the RFID technology.
RFID is a technology that uses radio signals for automatic identification

by transmitting data in a machine-readable form using radiofrequency as the
carrier medium.
This paper gives an in-depth knowledge about RFID technology and its
applications

CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION 1
• TRANSPONDER 2
• CLASSIFICATION OF TAGS 3
• READER/INTERROGATOR 6
• RANGE AND POWER LEVELS 6
• RFID SYSTEM 8
• IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM 10
• APPLICATIONS 23
• ADVANTAGES 24
• DISADVANTAGES 24
• CONCLUSION 25
• REFERENCES 26

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I thank almighty for helping me to complete the seminar in a

successful manner.
I extend my sincere gratitude towards Prof. P.Sukumaran Head of

Department for giving us his invaluable knowledge and wonderful technical
guidance
I express my thanks to Mr. Muhammed Kutty our group tutor and

also to our staff advisor Ms. Biji Paul for their kind co-operation and guidance
for preparing and presenting this seminar.
I also thank all the other faculty members of AEI department and my
friends for their help and support.

Rfid Technology

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Seminar Report ’03 RFID Technology

This technology can completely replace barcodes.

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The word transponder is derived from the words transmitter and

Fig.1 Transponder Block Diagram

The transponder memory may comprise of read-only (ROM), random

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data storage during transponder interrogation and response. The non-volatile

Data buffers are further components of memory used to temporarily hold

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Inductively coupled RFID tags consist of the silicon microprocessor

Capacitively coupled RFID tags consist of an RFID chip and an antenna

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1.identifiers, in which a numeric or alphanumeric string is stored for

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The reader/interrogators can differ considerably in complexity depending

RANGE AND POWER LEVELS

The range that can be achieved in an RFID is determined by:

Although the level of available power is the primary determinant of range,

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In the space free of any obstruction or absorption mechanism, the strength

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An RFID system consists of RFID tags ,a means of reading or

Fig.2. RFID System

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The transmission technique between the transponder and the reader is

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Immobilizers are the security systems in automobiles. The latest

Fig. 3. IMMOBILIZER TRANSPONDER

Key-based immobilizer systems consist of four main components. The

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From the cryptographic point of view, the problem of immobilization

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All cryptographic systems described above are based on static

A much higher level of security can be achieved with a simple

Standard Security Architectures using RFID

Various security systems using RFID transponders have been established

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The level of security depends to a great extend on the type of transponder

A simple mutual authentication can be provided by password protected

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Combined Rolling Code / Password Systems can also be implemented

Crypto Transponders are the second generation of transponders for use in

The Digital Signature Transponder (DST) is a crypto device which offers

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Fig. 4. Crypto Transponder System

The response R is a function of the encryption key Ke , the challenge

The advantages of this system are obvious:

• Depending on the challenge the response is different every time. The

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• No portion of the encryption key is ever transmitted after initialization of

• The encryption key cannot be read out

The transponder is a complex logical and mechanical micro system

Fig. 5. Plastic Wedge Transponder

The Digital Signature Transponder was based on many established circuit

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Apart from the design challenges for the IC design:

• Keep wiring of the encryption circuitry to a minimum

• Keep chip size to a minimum,

• A high level of cryptographic security

• Fast transaction times for the challenge/response cycle

• Reliability in the application in terms of highly sophisticated supervision

All encryption algorithms are theoretically breakable. An algorithm is