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Readability and Modulated Signal Strength of Two Different Ultra‐high Frequency Radio Frequency Identification Tags on Different Packaging

Radio frequency identification (RFID) does not require the line‐of‐sight scanning, which is a benefit in comparison with barcodes; moreover, it is believed that it improves the inventory management. Nowadays, this is still a costly solution; however, in the near future, it is expected to become widespread especially in packaging. This paper analyses some effects that have to be considered before the application of the system on packaging. The readability of two ultra‐high frequency RFID tags with different antenna sizes and shapes but the same reading range as stated by the supplier was evaluated. The influence of water and metal was analysed by labelling each tag onto an empty corrugated box, a box filled with water and a box covered with aluminium foil on the inside. The read rate in a line‐of‐sight and the readability in a horizontal plane were measured, applying a horizontal linearly polarized wave. The strength of the signal in a direct line‐of‐sight between the reader antenna, and RFID tag was measured with circularly polarized waves. The obtained results confirmed the effects of the tagged antenna and of the labelled boxes content. To show the effect clearly, the influence of metal and water on the two‐dimensional horizontal tag readability was measured and presented with two‐dimensional sketches of tag reading/non‐reading zones. Different results were obtained for both tags, with the content of labelled boxes having a great influence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.