• A look at the different types of RFID systems for both short and long range applications. This will include a discussion of the different frequency of operation including the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of the different spectrums.

Low Frequency (LF)
High Frequency (HF)
Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
Microwave Frequency

• An in dept discussion on the differences and similarities of RFID system compared to Bar Code system, as well as when and where to use them.

  o Fundamental similarities and differences between Bar Codes and RFID systems
  o RFID Versus Bar Codes models.

• Brief discussion and overview of Bar Code systems and there historical impact.

  o Advantages of Bar Codes over RFID
  o Advantages of RFID over Bar Codes

• Technology overview

• RFID Tags and Readers

o What are Passive Tags?
o What are Active Tags?
o What are Semi passive or Semi active tags?

• Basic components of a Tag

o Types of Antenna.
o Microchip and Modulator
o Power Control Rectifier
o Clock Extractor
o Logic
o Memory

• The Tag Readers and the various components required to perform specific tasks.

o Reader antenna
o Controller
o Sensors, Annunciate and Actuator
o Software

• Understanding the overall basic Infrastructure of an RFID system.
• A discussion on the many characterization of an RFID System including the following:

o Con tactless
o Writable Data
o Line of site
o Different types of Read Ranges
o Wide data-Capacity Range
o Multi-tag Support Reads
o Ruggedness of the system
o Capability of performing smart tasks
o Accuracy in reading
o Technical Limitations of RFID

• Supply chain and application issues. Supply chain is by far the most important model for RFID tagging. This includes product tracking from manufacturing to end users. This will include the following topics:

o Item Tracking and Tracing
o Inventory Monitoring and Control
o Asset Monitoring and Management
o Anti –Theft
o Electronic Payment
o Access Control
o Anti-tampering
o Emerging applications
o Anti counterfeit
o Smart tags

• Security and Privacy Issues. Security has always been big issues in all radio systems. The added concern on RFID is the privacy issues and the implications associated with the ability to track. Orwellian concerns among the general population has brought out many concerns related to privacy and has spawned many articles and books on the subject. Both RFID developers and implementers will be faced with the added challenge of convincing both customers and watchdog groups that these concerns will be properly addressed.

  o Basic understanding of all privacy and security issues
  o Impact of security on the RFID Technology in general
  o Security strategy related to RFID
  o Developing a master plan
  o Enhance security
  o Increase Operation Efficiency
  o What is the Deployment Strategy

• Creating a viable business justification for implementing an RFID system.

o Creating shipping applications
o Determining potential application areas
o Building Business Cases
o What benefits will be RFID bring to the supply chain
o Cost from inception to delivery
o Risks and concerns
o Complexity of the overall system
o What will be the ROI (Return on Investment)
o Prioritization
o Creating Roadmap's

• When to consider RFID.
  • When the environment of other factors preclude the use of bar codes
  • When tracking large, reusable assets (e.g. containers and vehicles)
  • When trading partners, can agree on an RFID format.

• A brief review of the standardization issues as well as the various standard groups and organizations. What is and will be the role of the different organizations and watchdog groups. How will RFID's be policed and regulated. In a global economy standardization issues are by far the number one concern. These and other challenges will be briefly addressed.

o What are the standards and Standard parties involved?

o ANSI and the AIAG Standard
o EAN*UCC Standards
o EPCglobal specifications
o DoD (US Department of Defense)
o ISO Standards
o ETSI (European Telecommunications Standard Institute)
o ERO (European Radio communications Office)
o Contact information for Standards Bodies