ECCOPAD
A limiting factor in the widespread adoption of RFID technology as an asset tracking tool is the difficulty in reading RFID tags on metallic or liquid objects. A less than satisfactory solution has been to use some sort of spacer to lift the tag off the metal. This spacer is usually thick which is unsightly and can often cause damage to the tag with slight contact. Emerson & Cuming has developed a line of thin isolator materials which enable the RFID tag to be read on metal while maintaining a low profile.
Emerson & Cuming Microwave Products ECCOPAD® isolators enables the use of RFID tags on or near metallic surfaces. Isolators are available for use at HF (13.56 MHz) and UHF (915 MHz).
ECCOPAD® Isolators are thin, flexible, rugged elastomers which when placed between the metal surface and the RFID tag enable tag operation. ECCOPAD® isolators are available with an integral pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, both sides or neither side.
UHF RFID readers at 915 MHz (US FCC), 868 MHz (EU ETSI) and 952 MHz (Japan) utilize the radar backscatter of tags to communicate with the microchip. Power transfer from the incoming wave is used to power the chip so a proper match enabling smooth energy flow must exist between the tag antenna and chip. Proximity to metal detunes the tag antenna creating a mismatch at the terminals which blocks energy from reaching the chip. ECCOPAD isolators retune the tag antenna to the proper frequency, enabling tag operation.
Due to the wide variety of tag antenna types differing in size, form factor and chip type, a ‘one size fits all’ isolator solution is not feasible at UHF. Another key factor is the desired read range. For greater read ranges, a thicker material would be used. If less read range is acceptable, the isolator can be thinner. Choosing the optimum isolator type requires knowledge of the tag type and the desired read range. At Emerson & Cuming MP we have a wide range of tags available for test.
ECCOPAD® UHF is a patented material (US Pat #7,205,898) which when placed between the UHF tag and metal will enable the tag to read at minimum thickness.
ECCOPAD® HF is a material designed for HF RFID tags
Contact info For more information or to obtain samples contact: your local representative or contact our sales and applications engineers.
ECCOPAD Frequently Asked Questions
