RFID moves to UHF for a longer range

Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) is expanding its RFID (radio frequency identification) activities into the UHF (860-956MHz) range, allowing longer distances between RFID tags attached to products or components, and the readers.

A&D is working with other Siemens businesses on the technology that is designed to improve the efficiency of tracking items from manufacturing to warehouses.

The UHF products, which are due to reach the market in mid-2005, following pilot customer trials, will include handheld and stationary tag readers which will communicate via TCP/IP with PCs or Simatic controllers.