All the latest UK technology news, reviews and analysis

European standard won't stop RFID

by Robert Jaques

26 May 2004

Be the first to comment

  • Tweet this

Differences in standards between Europe and the US will not hold back the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, according to standards body e.centre.

Concerns had been raised that European radio regulations could compromise RFID use across the continent, negating the benefits of the technology.

But according to e.centre, the European power levels expected to be approved should enable European firms to closely emulate US reader systems.

Andrew Osbourne, chief technology officer at e.centre, said retailers and suppliers should not let standards fears stall widespread adoption of the technology.

"There is a lot of confusion about the power and frequency of RFID tags and readers and this needs to be addressed," he said in a statement.

"However, there is a clear timetable for European frequency and power regulations to be finalised both at a continental and country level. This means that tags can move internationally and be easily read."

European regulation of power levels will be resolved later this year, but e.centre expects them to be likely to allow operation at 2W effective radiated power level, 90 per cent of the range of the 4W equivalent isotropic radiated power level allowed in US readers.

Power levels affect the distance at which tags can be read, e.centre said, so the proposed regulations will enable tags to operate in the 865-868MHz band.

The same tags will also work in the 902-928MHz range used in North and South America and in the bands expected to be used in China and Japan.

Osbourne added: "What is important is that both retailers and suppliers get ready for the arrival of RFID.

"They should run pilot schemes within those power ranges and frequencies and find which products and systems work best for them ahead of a full deployment."

Do you agree?

 

Add your comment

We won't publish your address
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms & Conditions. Your comment will be moderated before publication.

Poll

IT priorities for 2012

What is the most important IT priority for your company this year?

99%

0%

1%

0%

0%

Connect with V3.co.uk

Sign up to our daily or weekly newsletters

Accurev

Top 5 software development challenges

This paper focuses on a series of best practices and techniques for development teams looking to improve their software development processes

Talend

Rubbish in, rubbish enterprise

Why good data management at all levels is essential in the modern business (video, 6mins)

Java developer (J2EE/Web) - Nr Warrington (off M6)

Java / J2EE analyst programmer with experience of building...

Crystal Reports Developer London or Dublin £340 per day

Crystal Reports Developer London or Dublin £340 per day...

Systems Administrator

Our client is a major Broadcasting company seeking a...

Support Engineer - Linux/ Windows

Support Engineer required to work for leading Online...

To send to more than one email address, simply separate each address with a comma.