Readers for long-range identification. Features of solutions.
What is the difference between «long-range» RFID systems and standard systems based on proximity and smart technologies, which we are already accustomed to? First of all, the frequency range they use. Typically, this frequency range is 2.4-2.6 GHz. The second thing to note is the use of active type identifiers equipped with a power source. These technical solutions are aimed at increasing the reading range of cards (labels, tags, etc.). All this is due to the fact that for solving issues of vehicle identification, and in the broad sense of the word (not only cars, but also rail transport, containers, etc.), the recognition range is a critical parameter and should be at least 3 m.
In the simplest systems that can be used in automated parking lots, a range of 2.5–4 m will be quite sufficient, but if this is a serious industrial-type system designed to register trucks or used to identify wagons on the railway, then it is better to have a range of 6 to 10 m. Such characteristics meet the needs of most of these systems at present. There is also equipment that can operate at greater distances – up to 50 m. The most advanced systems allow for the registration of vehicles at speeds of up to 400 km/h.
Another important technical aspect of long-range identification systems is the presence of industrial-type identifiers in the product range of most manufacturers. What does this mean? We have all become accustomed to passive identifiers in the form of cards, key fobs, bracelets, stickers, etc., which are actively used to solve classic problems of access control systems (ACS). For the most part, they are of little use for solving problems of remote transport registration, since in this case there are specific features that are dictated by the area of application itself. To solve such problems, industrial-type identifiers with a high degree of mechanical, climatic and even chemical protection are required. It is hardly advisable to attach a card to a car, wagon or container, there is a high probability that it will be mechanically damaged or will fail as a result of active chemical reagents, oils, fuel, etc. getting on it. Specialized identifiers for rail and road transport usually have increased protection against mechanical and chemical damage and often do not even look like classic ACS cards. Requirements such as vibration resistance, impact resistance, resistance to aggressive environments, oil and petrol resistance are not something exotic for this equipment. Some identifiers even have special damping inserts to reduce dynamic loads.
It can be added that proximity and smart cards have a short reading range. Cards of this type, familiar to most consumers, which operate in the frequency ranges of 125 kHz (proximity) and 13.56 MHz (smart), are passive and use the radiation of the reader itself to generate a signal. Identifiers that are used for vehicles are of the active type, i.e. they have their own power source and, accordingly, do not require an increase in the reader's power, while providing a much greater reading range, which was already mentioned at the very beginning.
Naturally, having a power source has its drawbacks. Identifier batteries eventually run out, and the identifiers themselves have to be replaced. The highest quality ones are designed to work for at least 5-8 years, and the most powerful ones — up to 10 years, but the power source will not work forever, it also depends on the intensity of the identifier. Most identifiers from leading global manufacturers have non-replaceable power sources (although this trend is starting to change). The consumer bought a tag, a certain number of years have passed, and whether you like it or not, it needs to be replaced. We can add to this that during this time the depreciation of this equipment will end, but this is no longer related to the technical sphere.
The Russian market of foreign manufacturers includes products from NEDAP (Holland), TagMaster (Sweden). Among domestic products, we can mention readers and identifiers manufactured under the PARSEC trademark (RELVEST company).
Professionals familiar with this area of technology may add that the HID MaxiProx reader, which reads standard passive cards at a distance of up to 70 cm, can also be used with the active ProxPass tag. Its reading range is up to 2.5 m, and its latest modification has a switch and allows you to change the power source, but this solution can hardly be considered standard and the low maximum range — all this greatly narrows the possible scope of application. It can still be used to identify cars, but for industrial applications — trucks, container shipping, rail transport — a range of 2.5 m is not enough.
Speaking about the characteristics of readers, in addition to the long reading range of the tag necessary for effective operation, a high protection class (preferably IP65) and the possibility of external installation are required. That is, first of all, this implies sealed inputs, protection from precipitation and condensation, the ability to work in the range of negative temperatures, etc.
There is another side of the issue, which concerns the convenience of operation, maintenance and installation. If we compare products from 5-6 years ago with those manufactured today, we cannot help but notice that leading Western manufacturers have met the needs of consumers and installers — readers have become more aesthetically attractive, more functional and easier to install and maintain. Such functions as hinged covers, the ability to remotely diagnose and evaluate the performance of readers, reconfiguration from a laptop or remote computer, the ability to connect over a network, etc., are no longer exotic. This greatly simplifies the life of both the installer and the client. Functionality and wide capabilities are important, but aesthetics were mentioned for a reason. Consumer demands have increased in all areas, and in addition to technical parameters such as reading range, power, fault tolerance, ease of use and maintenance, as well as an attractive appearance, have become important. The era of dull and faceless gray boxes is becoming a thing of the past. Products have become more interesting in appearance, because today leading manufacturers pay due attention to decent design.
Returning from readers to identifiers, it is impossible not to mention that in addition to industrial tags there are more familiar products for consumers. These are cards similar to familiar ACS cards. This card, in professional jargon, is “thick”, its thickness is approximately 2 times greater than that of the ProxCard II card from HID. The form factor is close to the standard, familiar to people, and does not cause psychological discomfort. The identification distance of such cards is usually no more than 4-6 m, and the area of application is corporate, departmental and elite paid parking.
Another feature that users should know about is the ability to integrate systems into classic ACS, where standard proximity or smart cards are used. Manufacturers solve this problem in different ways. One way is dual-technology identifiers. That is, an RFID card is released, which is an active type with a 2.5 GHz chip, but proximity or smart chips are additionally installed in this card. Such a card can be used both for identifying vehicles and for overcoming passage points inside the facility.
There is another way. For example, NEDAP has offered an interesting solution by releasing a whole series of Booster HID tags that allow integrating classic proximity or smart-based ACS for personnel accounting and specialized 2.45 GHz RFID-based ACS for vehicle accounting. The main idea is to amplify the signal of passive proximity or smart cards and transmit it over a distance of up to 10 m to a reader connected to any ACS that works with the Wiegand 26 format. The main idea is that the Booster on the windshield of a car no larger than a cigarette case transmits both codes: the driver's passive card code and the Booster's own code, which is assigned to the car. The driver changes — puts his card in the Booster, goes to the site — takes his card. With such a device, the customer can use many interesting algorithms for the system's operation — for example, set a two-card rule in the ACS, and then an outsider will not be able to use the car, even with his own authorized card. Multi-format Transition-Booster tags allow you to work with proximity cards of HID, EM or Nedap standards or contactless smart cards Mifare, iClass or Legic.
There is also a third integration option. There is a reader that allows reading the code of RFID cards not only in the high-frequency range, but also proximity and smart cards, for example, for reading 2.4 GHz tags manufactured by NEDAP, 125 kHz proximity tags EM-Marin, HID, as well as 13.56 MHz smart cards Mifare and iClass. If a vehicle is identified, it is recognized by an active tag at a large distance, if we are talking about a client with a passive card walking on foot, the identification occurs at a short distance from the reader already by this proximity or smart card.
Most long-range RFID readers have common industrial interfaces, allowing them to be used with most known ACS controllers. Today, when purchasing this type of reader, customers can integrate it into an existing access system with virtually no problems: add functionality related to vehicle accounting to the system. All you need to do is correctly formulate the task and select a specific model of reader and identifier.
By the way, if we touch on the issue of practical application. We had a case when a customer, having an underground parking lot with traditional proximity readers, was not satisfied with the fact that when entering and exiting it was necessary to stop the car, lower the window, lean out and hold the card to the reader. After some time, the customer decided to change the entire system to a «long-range» one. The decisive factor was convenience, service and functionality that it provides — everyone was satisfied. As for a person, active tags can be used mainly in warehouses, where the worker's hands may be busy with cargo or a cart. As for transport, everything is clear here. There are no other, more convenient solutions yet.
Transit Entry is a contactless radio frequency reader with a range of up to 4 m from NEDAP (Holland)
Transit Entry is a reader with an increased tag reading distance of up to 4 m. The reader supports a large number of data transfer interfaces, including the Wiegand interface. This allows it to recognize data from cards of various formats in various systems. When integrating new Transit Entry readers into an existing access control system, there is no need to rework or change anything. It is enough to equip the necessary points (for example, entry and exit in a parking lot) with readers. Previously active tags will be successfully recognized by Transit Entry.
Diagnostics and maintenance of readers are performed via a USB connection. The reader works reliably both indoors and outdoors. The reader weighs 1 kg, and its elegant design allows it to be installed in any room.
Window Button & Window Button Switch – contactless radio frequency RFID tags from NEDAP (Holland)
Conventional tags that are identified when they enter the reader's range. These RFID tags are active (have a built-in power source) and are designed for use with Transit Standard and Transit Entry readers in vehicle control and accounting systems. They operate in the 2.400–2.482 GHz frequency range, which provides an increased reading range (up to 10 m). The tags are attached to the inside of the windshield or windscreen of the car using a suction cup. The service life of these identifiers is at least 5 years. The Window Button Switch tag is different in that it has a built-in button that activates the transponder for 10 seconds after pressing. The marks are similar in shape, weight (55 g) and size (diameter – 7.6 cm).
LR-3, LR-6, LR-6HD – long-range contactless radio frequency readers from TagMaster (Sweden)
Prox-readers LR-3 and LR-6 are intended for use where identification at a significant distance is required (parking lots, vehicle checkpoints, vehicle accounting systems). Reading is performed at a distance of 3 m and 6 m, respectively. The frequency range of 2.435–2.465 GHz is used. Readers are mounted both indoors and outdoors (in a durable dust- and moisture-proof plastic case, IP54) using mounting accessories supplied separately.
The LR-6HD modification belongs to the industrial class of readers and is designed to solve problems of remote registration on railway transport, as well as in accounting systems of any large transport. LR-6HD provides registration at speeds up to 400 km/h and a distance of up to 6 m.
The readers are available in several versions with different output interfaces: «Viganda», RS-232/485, Mag-stripe. Various identifiers (tags) are used: active, programmable or combined.
Long-range identification system, manufactured under the Parsec trademark (Russia)
It is a Russian development that uses modern innovative contactless identification technologies and provides unique technical characteristics in its class. The system is designed to solve a wide range of problems in a variety of areas where it is necessary to detect and track objects equipped with active tags at large distances from 5 to 100 meters — vehicle identification, security systems, logistics, warehouse accounting, automation of production, etc.The system includes the PR-G07 reader, consisting of an electronics unit and external antennas, and ActiveTag active tags.
The reader is a dual-channel device with one or two external antennas. Depending on the operating conditions, various antenna models with the required characteristics can be used. Combining two channels in one reader, when used in access control systems, ensures the resolution of contradictions and collisions, which is fundamentally impossible in analogs without the use of additional hardware and software. A software-configurable reading range is provided for each channel. The completely sealed design of the reader body allows it to be used outdoors. The system can operate in two modes: access mode and monitoring mode for tags in the reader's reading field. The real-time clock and non-volatile event buffer provide off-line object monitoring. Using the anti-collision mode allows monitoring more than a hundred tags in the reader's field simultaneously. The reader's logic is flexibly configurable, depending on the operating mode of the access point or vehicle passage. Additional reader inputs are also provided for connecting sensors for automatic gates or barriers.
The reader output interfaces are RS-485, Wiegand 26, Parsec
. Combined tags (active plus passive) provide their simultaneous use for both long-range identification and regular access to premises.