Omni-ID Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Part 1: Frequently Asked Questions about RFID.
Part 2: Frequently Asked Questions about Omni-ID applications.
Part 3. Frequently Asked Questions about Omni-ID technology.
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions about Omni-ID products.
Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions about purchasing Omni-ID products.
Part 6: Frequently Asked Questions for the media.

Part 1: Frequently Asked Questions about RFID.

What is RFID?
The term RFID refers to Radio Frequency Identification. This generic term refers to technology which uses radio waves to automatically identify items or people. Most commonly this involves the use of a radio frequency tag and a reader device.
How does an RFID system work?
In general terms an RFID system comprises of a radio frequency tag and an interrogator. The interrogator emits a field of electromagnetic waves from an antenna which subsequently are absorbed by the tag. This energy is then used to power the microchip on the tag and a signal is re-emitted back to the interrogator, typically the tag identification number is transmitted within this signal.
What are the benefits of RFID over traditional ID technologies such as bar-coding and human readable formats?
RFID technology can offer many benefits over more traditional approaches. Specific benefits are dependent on the type of RFID technology that is used and the application of the technology. Some benefits that may be recognized in utilizing RFID are:
- Faster read rates
- None line of sight reading
- Multiple tag reads
- Programmable and re-programmable tags
- Enhanced security functionality
What is the difference between low frequency, high frequency and ultra high frequency RFID solutions?
Unsurprisingly the key difference between these solutions is the frequency at which the interrogator emits a field and at which the tags are operational. Through a combination of physical limitations and development profiles these technologies provide different functionality and benefits. For example HF tags can typically only be integrated at a distance of up to 0.8m (2.6ft) whilst UHF tags can be read up to 15m (50ft) from a reader. This said, HF tags typically use larger silicon chips which provide greater security functionality than current UHF solutions.
What is the difference between Passive and Active RFID solutions?
Again the clue is in the terminology, passive RFID tags work on the basis that they absorb the power from the reader and use this to empower the microchip and re-emit a signal. Active tags contain a battery which powers the chip and transmits to the interrogator. As a consequence passive technology tends to be significantly lower cost but restrITed to modest read distances, whereas active solutions are capable of reading over hundreds of meters.
What read distances can I expect from my RFID system?
Read distance is very much driven by the technology that is implemented (frequency of the RFID system) and the specific components that are put into use. As a guideline:
- LF passive - 0-0.5m
- HF passive - 0-0.8m
- UHF passive - 0-15m
- Active - 50m+
I've heard that tags can't be interrogated when placed on metals and liquids, is this true?
Yes, traditional LF and HF tags do not function on metals and traditional UHF tags do not function on metals or polar liquids (such as water). This is due to tag detuning as a result of coupling between the tag and object to which it is attached. The Omni-ID technology which alleviates this issue, is a fundamentally different approach to passive UHF tag design which alleviates this issue.

What are the most common applications for Omni-ID tags?
Omni-ID tags are in use today in a large range of applications within many industrial sectors. The most common examples include IT asset identification, automotive supply chain, retail supply chain and food authentication. In these applications Omni-ID adds specific value to the RFID solution by maximizing read performance and minimizing complexity to the end user.
What benefits do Omni-ID tags bring to IT asset identification applications?
Omni-ID tags play an integral role in IT asset identification RFID deployments. IT environments are particularly challenging for RFID tagging due to the limited real estate and mix of metallic and plastic components within the assets. Omni-ID remove the complexity associated with RFID tagging within this environment by offering a single UHF tag solution which has a suitably small size and strong read performance to deliver a robust RFID solution. The result is an RFID solution which is reliable and provides maximum ROI to the end-user.
What benefits do Omni-ID tags bring to automotive supply chain applications?
Omni-ID tags are used extensively with heavy industry sectors, such as within the automotive supply chain to tag conveyances, tools and product intermediates. In these applications the Omni-ID technology enables tagging for metallic and plastic items alike and provides a controlled read range to enhance the reliability of the solution from the tag up. Omni-ID tags are available with a ruggedized casing which provides additional tag protection and makes them a durable and reusable solution for this sector.
What benefits do Omni-ID tags bring to retail supply chain applications?
Omni-ID tags are used in the retail supply chain for conveyance tracking, pallet location and shelf edge applications where a combination of controllable read distance and form factor are important. In this sector the flexibility of the Omni-ID product range and value added services provide the end user with appropriate tag products to map to their specific requirements.
What benefits do Omni-ID tags bring to food authentication applications?
Ruggedized Omni-ID tags are being used by food producers to minimize risks associated with counterfeiting and quality issues. Authentication via RFID provides producers and buyers of specialty food items with confidence in their products. Omni-ID offer tags which are suitably robust to enable these applications.
How can Omni-ID tags be used to improve health and safety in the workplace?
Health and Safety in the workplace is a highly topical area in which RFID solutions can add value. Omni-ID play a key part in these solutions by offering ruggedized tags which can be applied to tools and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in order to provide automated checks prior to commencement of maintenance or mining works. By ensuring workers are using correct tools and PPE, organizations can enhance health and safety practices and minimize business risk.
Can Omni-ID tags be used with any RFID reader for my application?
Omni-ID tags use the Class-1 Gen2 UHF air interface protocol for transmitting and receiving information. Therefore Omni-ID tags can be used with any Class-1 Gen2 UHF reader provided it is calibrated to operate in the correct geographical region. Omni-ID tags are currently in use in deployments with both handheld and fixed portal reader setups.

How was the Omni-ID technology developed?
The core Omni-ID technology evolved from a study of ultra-thin, sub wavelength structures designed to locally manipulate and focus radio waves in a tailored fashion. The highly focused radio frequency energy is then exploited to power a silicon chip thus creating a working tag. This focusing effect is sufficiently strong not to be perturbed by the proximity of metals and liquids hence the tags are agnostic to whatever material on which they are placed.
Why is the Omni-ID technology different?
The Omni-ID technology was derived from a scientific rather than engineering approach to the issue of metals and liquids. Thinking outside of the box allowed the Omni-ID scientists to identify a fundamentally different way of empowering the RFID chip and making a tag.
How does the Omni-ID technology differ from that of standard dipole tags?
Unlike dipole tags the Omni-ID technology is agnostic to the presence of liquids and metals around the tag. This results in controllable read range from the tag which is independent of the material to which the tag is attached.
How does the Omni-ID technology differ from air gap and other engineered tag solutions which provide on metal functionality?
The Omni-ID technology is specifically designed with metals and liquids in mind, to provide a tag which will work on any material. Other engineering solutions such as those in which dipole tags are mounted with air gaps or are tuned to compensate for the presence of metals have a number of limitations. Typically these solutions are larger in form factor and provide highly variable performance depending on the mounting location and the materials that they are applied to. These solutions often also use expensive fabrication processes and materials which detrimentally impact the costs of the solution to the end-user.
Is the Omni-ID technology a chip specific technology?
The Omni-ID technology is best considered as a technology platform which can be embodied in a number of forms. This technology is not designed specifically around a particular RFID chip, protocol or frequency. This said, the Omni-ID products are offered with a standard Class-1 Gen2 silicon chip in order to offer a standardized product range with highly competitive pricing.
Can the Omni-ID technology be integrated into packaging or labels to offer the benefits of Omni-ID for disposable applications?
Yes, the Omni-ID technology is sufficiently robust to allow incorporation into packaging and labels. Omni-ID scientists have already generated prototypes and proof of concepts in this area, however, Omni-ID do not currently have any standard product offerings in these areas.
Is the Omni-ID technology a patented technology?
Omni-ID has an extensive Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio with a number of pending patents addressing the core technology and a further series of applications covering designs which give enhanced functionality. Omni-ID follows an aggressive patent prosecution strategy and recently has been granted a UK patent. With further applications at advanced stages of prosecution in numerous countries, the Omni-ID patent portfolio is set to expand significantly in the near future.

Which Omni-ID tag do I need for my application?
Omni-ID offers three standard products which are segmented by read distance. Omni-ID recommends that prior to large deployments tags are tested in the specific application. Omni-ID's technical sales support team is available to discuss these applications and provide guidance on product choice based on end-user requirements.
What frequency Omni-ID tag should I buy?
Omni-ID tags are region specific and are designed to function optimally within the frequency and power regulations of these regions. Currently Omni-ID offers products versions to meet the needs of the European and US markets. If your region is not currently covered by Omni-ID but you wish to discuss a specific requirement please use the enquiry function in the contact section of Omni-ID.com.
Do Omni-ID products use the Class-1 Gen2 EPC air interface protocol?
Yes, the current Omni-ID products are designed around Class-1 Gen2 silicon.
I need to associate a barcode with my Omni-ID tag, can this be done?
Yes, Omni-ID offer a value added service which provides barcode and human readable information which is associated with the Omni-ID product at the time of purchase.
I have a requirement for a highly ruggedized tag, is the Omni-ID tag suitable?
Omni-ID offers a casing option on all of the products which provides enhanced environmental resistance. Omni-ID are happy to discuss specific requirements and guidance when choosing a product for environmentally challenging applications.
Are the Omni-ID tags suitable for autoclave and high temperature sterilization processes?
Omni-ID products are currently certified to +65oC and are therefore are not suitable for very high temperature requirements of autoclave and high temperature sterilization processes.
How much data do the current Omni-ID tags store?
The current Omni-ID products are built around a 240bit non-volatile memory EPC Class-1 Gen2 chip. This chip contains a designated area of 96bits for the electronic product code (EPC). The electronic product code uniquely identifies the tag and can be re-programmed with user data. 96bits of data corresponds to a string of 24 alpha-numeric characters (A-F,0-9).
What are the read ranges of the standard Omni-ID products?
The read range of the Omni-ID tags is dependent on the specifics of the reader that is used to interrogate the tags. Omni-ID tags are benchmark tested using standard test conditions in order to characterize the read range. This read range information can be found in the product section of Omni-ID.com
I want to tag metallic items can I use the Omni-ID tag?
Yes, the Omni-ID tags are designed with metals and liquids in mind. For more information please see the products section of Omni-ID.com
I want to tag plastic items can I still use the Omni-ID tag?
Yes, Omni-ID tags are designed to have a balanced on and off metal performance to mitigate the need for multiple tag types in a single RFID deployment.
How long will the Omni-ID tag survive in my application?
Every application has its own set of challenges. Omni-ID tags are designed to be fit for purpose for a diverse range of applications and therefore it is not possible to define a life-cycle for every application. Omni-ID currently offer a warranty for Omni-ID products based around product use in standard conditions. Omni-ID's technical sales support team is happy to discuss the product aging and provide guidance based on specific applications.

I'm an RFID integrator, where can I buy Omni-ID tags?
An Omni-ID Evaluation Pack can be purchased direct from Omni-ID through out sales desk or by completing the form found on our web site (Omni-ID.com/order.php). If you are interested in becoming a preferred integrator in Europe and the U.S. please contact us for further details.
I'm an end-user looking for an RFID solution using Omni-ID tags, can you help?
Omni-ID work with a number of preferred integrators in Europe and the US to provide RFID solutions to end-users. Purchasing Omni-ID tags as a solution through an integrator provides end-users a higher degree of support and systems integration which is critical in implementing new RFID solutions which can be technically complex. Omni-ID is able to provide a list of integrators who are most suited to provide this service, please see contact at Omni-ID.com for more information.
What warranty is available from Omni-ID on tag purchases?
Omni-ID currently offer a one year warranty on new product purchases based on standard use terms. This is derived from the warranty that Omni-ID have agreed with the silicon chip supplier. For more information please contact the Omni-ID technical sales support team from the contacts page at Omni-ID.com
How much do Omni-ID tags cost in volume?
Omni-ID is committed to providing its customers incredible price/performance and is always looking to improve processes to reduce the cost of their tag products. For the latest Omni-ID product price please contact the Omni-ID customer services team from the contact section of Omni-ID.com
I need to test Omni-ID tags prior to a pilot, how can I get hold of some examples?
Omni-ID offer an evaluation pack of any 50 tags for purchase that can be used as a low cost de-risk for pre-pilot tag testing. These can be purchased by Ordering an Evaluation Kit
What is the lead-time on Omni-ID tags?
Omni-ID offer a standard lead time of 4-6 weeks, however are happy to discuss your specific needs and work creatively to meet your requirements. To discuss product lead times please contact our customer service team trough the contact section of Omni-ID.com.
Are Omni-ID tags intrinsically safe?
Omni-ID tags are passive devices and are therefore inherently are intrinsically safe devices.

How are Omni-ID products different than what is currently available in the market?
Omni-ID offers customers high performance, low profile passive UHF RFID tags that are low cost, reliable and work in harsh environments including in the presence of metals and liquids. Omni-ID's unique applications-based approach coupled with its unparalleled reputation for accuracy and reliability is solving the major shortcomings that have plagued the widespread adoption of RFID. In addition, Omni-ID is committed to being the world's leading supplier of high-performance, passive UHF RFID tags and technology that work on virtually all materials.
I've heard that tags do not function when placed on metals and liquids, is this true?
Yes, traditional LF and HF tags do not function on metals and traditional UHF tags do not function on metals or polar liquids (such as water). This is due to tag detuning as a result of coupling between the tag and object to which it is attached. The Omni-ID technology is a fundamentally different approach to passive UHF tag design which alleviates this issue.
You said that Omni-ID's products work in the presence of metals and liquids. Are there other products available in the market that can do the same?
By taking an innovative, scientific approach to the "engineering" challenges facing RFID technology, Omni-ID has created breakthrough products and services that are reliable and durable. There have been other workarounds developed to improve the performance of the technology in the presence of metal, but the tags have been often characterized as bulky and cost-prohibitive, which limits their application. Omni-ID's tags have a small footprint, are inexpensive and provide 99% accuracy on any surface. The result for customers is superior choice: Disruptive RFID technology that overcomes the shortfalls of existing technology, accomplished in a simple, straightforward and cost effective manner.
Where does the Omni-ID technology come from?
The core Omni-ID technology evolved from a study of ultra-thin, sub wavelength structures designed to locally manipulate and focus radio waves in a tailored fashion. The highly focused radio frequency energy is then exploited to power a silicon chip thus creating a working tag. This focusing effect is sufficiently strong not to be perturbed by the proximity of metals and liquids hence the tags are agnostic to whatever material on which they are placed.
Why is the Omni-ID technology different?
The Omni-ID technology was derived from a scientific rather than engineering approach to the issue of metals and liquids. Thinking outside of the box allowed the Omni-ID scientists to identify a fundamentally different way of empowering the RFID chip and making a tag.
How does the Omni-ID technology differ from that of standard dipole tags?
Unlike dipole tags, the Omni-ID technology is agnostic to the presence of liquids and metals around the tag. This results in controllable read range from the tag which is independent of the material to which the tag is attached.
How does the Omni-ID technology differ from air gap and other engineered tag solutions which provide on metal functionality?
The Omni-ID technology is specifically designed with metals and liquids in mind, to provide a tag which will work on any material. Other engineering solutions such as those in which dipole tags are mounted with air gaps or are tuned to compensate for the presence of metals have a number of limitations. Typically these solutions are larger in form factor and provide highly variable performance depending on the mounting location and the materials in which they are applied. These solutions often also use expensive fabrication processes and materials which detrimentally impact the costs of the solution to the end-user.
Is the Omni-ID technology a chip specific technology?
The Omni-ID technology is best considered as a technology platform which can be embodied in a number of forms. This technology is not designed specifically around a particular RFID chip, protocol or frequency. This said, the Omni-ID products are offered with a standard class 1 gen2 silicon chip in order to offer a standardized product range with highly competitive pricing.
What are the benefits of RFID over traditional ID technologies such as bar-coding and human readable formats?
RFID technology can offer many benefits over more traditional approaches. Specific benefits are dependent on the type of RFID technology that is used and the application of the technology. Some benefits that may be recognized in utilizing RFID are:
- Faster read rates
- No line of sight reading
- Multiple tag reads
- Programmable and re-programmable tags
- Enhanced security functionality
What are the most common applications for Omni-ID tags?
Omni-ID tags are in use today in a large range of applications within many industrial sectors. The most common examples include IT asset identification, automotive supply chain, retail supply chain and food authentication. In these applications Omni-ID adds specific value to the RFID solution by maximizing read performance and minimizing complexity to the end user.
What benefits do Omni-ID tags bring to IT asset identification applications?
Omni-ID tags play an integral role in IT asset identification RFID deployments. IT environments are particularly challenging for RFID tagging due to the limited real estate and mix of metallic and plastic components within the assets. Omni-ID's products remove the complexity associated with RFID tagging within this environment by offering a single UHF tag solution which has a suitably small footprint and strong read performance to deliver a robust RFID solution. The result is an RFID solution which is reliable and provides maximum ROI to the end-user.
What benefits do Omni-ID tags bring to automotive supply chain applications?
Omni-ID tags are used extensively with heavy industry sectors, such as within the automotive supply chain to tag conveyances, tools and product intermediates. In these applications the Omni-ID technology enables tagging for metallic and plastic items alike and provides a controlled read range to enhance the reliability of the solution from the tag up. Omni-ID tags are available with a rugged casing which provides additional tag protection and makes them a durable and reusable solution for this sector.
What benefits do Omni-ID tags bring to retail supply chain applications?
Omni-ID tags are used in the retail supply chain for conveyance tracking, pallet location and shelf edge applications where a combination of controllable read distance and form factors are important. In this sector the flexibility of the Omni-ID product range and value added services provide the end user with appropriate tag products to map to their specific requirements.
What benefits do Omni-ID tags bring to food authentication applications?
Ruggedized Omni-ID tags are being used by food producers to minimize risks associated with counterfeiting and quality issues. Authentication via RFID provides producers and buyers of specialty food items with confidence in their products. Omni-ID offers tags which are suitably robust to enable these applications.
How can Omni-ID tags be used to improve health and safety in the workplace?
Health and safety in the workplace is a highly topical area in which RFID solutions can add value. Omni-ID plays a key part in these solutions by offering ruggedized tags which can be applied to tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to provide automated checks prior to commencement of maintenance or mining works. By ensuring workers are using correct tools and PPE, organizations can enhance health and safety practices and minimize business risk.
Can Omni-ID tags be used with any RFID reader?
Omni-ID tags use the class 1 gen2 UHF air interface protocol for transmitting and receiving information. Therefore Omni-ID tags can be used with any class 1 gen2 UHF reader provided it is calibrated to operate in the correct geographical region. Omni-ID tags are currently in use in deployments with both handheld and fixed portal reader setups.
Can the Omni-ID technology be integrated into packaging or labels to offer the benefits of Omni-ID for disposable applications?
Yes, the Omni-ID technology is sufficiently robust to allow incorporation into packaging and labels. Omni-ID scientists have already generated prototypes and proof of concepts in this area, however, Omni-ID does not currently have any standard product offerings in these areas.
Is the Omni-ID technology a patented technology?
Omni-ID has an extensive Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio with a number of pending patents addressing the core technology and a further series of applications covering designs which give enhanced functionality. Omni-ID follows an aggressive patent prosecution strategy and recently has been granted a UK patent. With further applications at advanced stages of prosecution in numerous countries, the Omni-ID patent portfolio is set to expand significantly in the near future.
What do you see as the future for RFID?
Omni-ID's ultimate goal is to enable the widespread adoption of RFID technology and to address real-world business issues and improve business processes. With the new technological advancements that Omni-ID brings to the RFID market, the use of the technology is now a very practical and powerful asset tracking and identification and supply chain management solution that can be implemented in a variety of new vertical markets.