ISO/IEC 18046:2006

Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Radio frequency identification device performance test methods

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has broad applicability to the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry in item management. As a wireless communication technique based on RF technology the applications cover multiple levels of the industrial, commercial and retail supply chains. These may include freight containers, returnable transport items (RTIs), transport units, product packaging, product tagging. The performance characteristics of devices (tags and interrogation equipment) may vary drastically due to application factors as well as the particular RF air interface (frequency, modulation, protocol, etc.) being supported. Of key concern is the matching of the various performance characteristics to the user application. Additionally, in an open environment users of such technology demand multiple sources for these devices from technology providers. A key challenge is a method of evaluating the differences between various technology providers' products in a consistent and equitable manner. ISO/IEC 18046:2006 provides a framework for meeting the above noted concern and challenges. To this end, a clear definition of performance as it relates to user application of RFID technology in the supply chain is provided. Based on such application-based definitions, test methods are defined with attention to the test parameters that must be defined and controlled for a consistent evaluation of RFID devices. It should be noted that the test methods defined in ISO/IEC 18046:2006 form the basic framework for performance evaluation and are not exhaustive. Many applications may require a slightly different set of test conditions to match the use of RFID to the user requirements. The test methods defined herein may be modified to accommodate the specifics of the application as specified by the user. Of particular significance, these tests are defined for RFID devices having one antenna. It is common practice to have products with both single and multiple antennas to define an RFID transaction zone sufficient for the application. The defined methods can easily be extended from equipment with a single antenna to apply to equipment with multiple antennas, in order to evaluate performance under conditions more closely matching those of a particular application. ISO/IEC 18046:2006 defines test methods for performance characteristics of radio frequency identification (RFID) devices (tags and interrogation equipment) for item management, and specifies the general requirements and test requirements for tag and interrogator performance which are applicable to the selection of the devices for an application. It does not apply to testing in relation to regulatory or similar requirements.

Technologies de l'information — Techniques automatiques d'identification et de capture des données — Méthodes d'essai de performance de dispositif d'identification par radiofréquence

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 16-Oct-2006
• Withdrawal Date: 16-Oct-2006
• ICS: 35.040 - Information coding
• ICS: 35.040.50 - Automatic identification and data capture techniques
• Technical Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 - Automatic identification and data capture techniques
• Drafting Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31/WG 4 - Radio communications
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Completion Date: 06-Oct-2011

Relations

• Revised: ISO/IEC 18046-3:2007 - Information technology — Radio frequency identification device performance test methods — Part 3: Test methods for tag performance
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008
• Revised: ISO/IEC 18046-1:2011 - Information technology — Radio frequency identification device performance test methods — Part 1: Test methods for system performance
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008
• Revised: ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011 - Information technology — Radio frequency identification device performance test methods — Part 2: Test methods for interrogator performance
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008
• Revises: ISO/IEC TR 18046:2005 - Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Radio frequency identification device performance test methods
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 18046
First edition
2006-11-01


Information technology — Automatic
identification and data capture
techniques — Radio frequency
identification device performance test
methods
Technologies de l'information — Techniques d'identification
automatique et de capture des données — Méthodes d'essai de
performance de dispositif d'identification par radiofréquence




Reference number
ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2006

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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 2
5 General concepts. 2
5.1 Identification. 2
5.2 Range . 2
5.3 Rate . 3
5.4 Read . 3
5.5 Write . 3
5.6 Reliable . 3
5.7 Conditions . 3
6 Requirements . 4
6.1 Introduction . 4
6.2 General. 4
6.3 Test conditions . 5
6.4 Test parameters . 6
7 Sampling. 10
8 Test methods. 11
8.1 Identification range. 11
8.2 Identification rate. 13
8.3 Read range . 14
8.4 Read rate. 16
8.5 Write range . 18
8.6 Write rate . 20
9 Reporting of test results . 21
Annex A (informative) Test measurement site . 23
A.1 Test sites and general arrangements for measurements involving the use of radiated
fields. 23
A.2 Guidance on the use of radiation test sites .28
A.3 Coupling of signals. 30
A.4 Standard test position. 30
A.5 Test fixture. 31
Annex B (normative) Test extensions and deviations for long range RFID systems . 34
B.1 Test modifications for long range RFID devices . 34
B.2 Test methods. 34
Bibliography . 36

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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees
established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC
technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information
technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting. Publication as
an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 18046 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
This first edition of ISO/IEC 18046 cancels and replaces ISO/IEC TR 18046:2005, which has been technically
revised.
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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
Introduction
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has broad applicability to the automatic identification and
data capture (AIDC) industry in item management. As a wireless communication technique based on RF
technology the applications cover multiple levels of the industrial, commercial and retail supply chains. These
may include
⎯ freight containers,
⎯ returnable transport items (RTIs),
⎯ transport units,
⎯ product packaging,
⎯ product tagging.
The performance characteristics of devices (tags and interrogation equipment) may vary drastically due to
application factors as well as the particular RF air interface (frequency, modulation, protocol, etc.) being
supported. Of key concern is the matching of the various performance characteristics to the user application.
Additionally, in an open environment users of such technology demand multiple sources for these devices
from technology providers. A key challenge is a method of evaluating the differences between various
technology providers' products in a consistent and equitable manner.
This International Standard provides a framework for meeting the above noted concern and challenges. To
this end, a clear definition of performance as it relates to user application of RFID technology in the supply
chain is provided. Based on such application-based definitions, test methods are defined with attention to the
test parameters that must be defined and controlled for a consistent evaluation of RFID devices.
It should be noted that the test methods defined in this International Standard form the basic framework for
performance evaluation and are not exhaustive. Many applications may require a slightly different set of test
conditions to match the use of RFID to the user requirements. The test methods defined herein may be
modified to accommodate the specifics of the application as specified by the user.
Of particular significance, these tests are defined for RFID devices having one antenna. It is common practice
to have products with both single and multiple antennas to define an RFID transaction zone sufficient for the
application. The defined methods can easily be extended from equipment with a single antenna to apply to
equipment with multiple antennas, in order to evaluate performance under conditions more closely matching
those of a particular application.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)

Information technology — Automatic identification and data
capture techniques — Radio frequency identification device
performance test methods
1 Scope
This International Standard defines test methods for performance characteristics of radio frequency
identification (RFID) devices (tags and interrogation equipment) for item management, and specifies the
general requirements and test requirements for tag and interrogator performance which are applicable to the
selection of the devices for an application. It does not apply to testing in relation to regulatory or similar
requirements.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 18000-1:2004, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management —
Part 1: Reference architecture and definition of parameters to be standardized
ISO/IEC 18000-2:2004, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management —
Part 2: Parameters for air interface communications below 135 kHz
ISO/IEC 18000-3:2004, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management —
Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
ISO/IEC 18000-4:2004, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management —
Part 4: Parameters for air interface communications at 2,45 GHz
ISO/IEC 18000-6:2004, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management —
Part 6: Parameters for air interface communications at 860 MHz to 960 MHz
ISO/IEC 18000-7:2004, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management —
Part 7: Parameters for active air interface communications at 433 MHz
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
identification range
range at which an RFID system shall reliably identify desired tags under a variety of conditions
NOTE Adapted from ISO/IEC 19762-3:2005.
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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
3.2
identification rate
rate at which an RFID system shall reliably identify desired tags under a variety of conditions
NOTE Adapted from ISO/IEC 19762-3:2005.
3.3
read range
range at which an RFID system may reliably read from desired tags under a variety of conditions
NOTE Adapted from ISO/IEC 19762-3:2005.
3.4
read rate
rate at which an RFID system shall reliably read desired tags under a variety of conditions
NOTE Adapted from ISO/IEC 19762-3:2005.
3.5
write range
range at which an RFID system may reliably write to desired tags under a variety of conditions
NOTE Adapted from ISO/IEC 19762-3:2005.
3.6
write rate
rate at which an RFID system shall reliably write desired tags under a variety of conditions
NOTE Adapted from ISO/IEC 19762-3:2005.
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
EUT equipment under test
5 General concepts
5.1 Identification
An RFID system for item management must perform a sequence of communication processes within an
“open” RF environment to transact the desired data with one or more tags in a potentially large tag population.
This process begins with activation and segregation of the desired tags (small population) within the “open”
larger population. This process concludes with the establishment of a communication link between the RFID
interrogator and the tag allowing transaction (reading and/or writing) of application data. This initial process is
described as “Identification”. Identification specifically refers to the process of tag segregation and isolation.
This will result in a uniquely addressable means to communicate with a tag (tag ID). Application data has not
been accessed.
5.2 Range
An RFID system for item management requires the segregation and transaction of information remotely (i.e.
non-line-of-sight). The physical separation between the interrogator and the tag is commonly referred to as
range. Range specifically refers to the distance (minimum and maximum) between interrogator antenna and
tag(s). For multiple tags, the range will be measured to the geometric centroid of the tag population. Tag
density (tags per unit volume) will be specified.
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5.3 Rate
An RFID system for item management may (and typically will) encounter multiple tags within a data
acquisition session. As many applications require multiple tags to be processed within a fixed amount of time,
a performance parameter dealing with “rate” is appropriate. Rate specifically refers to the quantity of tags per
unit time. This includes impulse and steady state. Tag population will be both static and dynamic. Tag density
(tags per unit volume) will be specified.
5.4 Read
RFID tags contain data. This data represents information about the item associated with the tag whether
directly (item attendant) or indirectly (license plate). One of the significant performance characteristics of RFID
relates to the ability of retrieving this “item data” in support of various business process requirements. This
retrieval process is commonly referred to as “reading” and is separate from the previously described process
of “identification”.
Reading tag information assumes that a communication link has been established between the RFID
interrogator and the tag. As such the collision arbitration (sometimes referred to as anti-collision) process is
not involved. Reading of tag data is a “directed” data transaction with the activated and segregated tag.
Reading specifically refers to the process of tag transaction to retrieve information from identified tag
population. This process will include both single byte and multiple byte transactions.
5.5 Write
As noted previously, RFID tags contain data. This data represents information about the item associated with
the tag whether directly (item attendant) or indirectly (license plate). This information may at times be added
and/or modified through the RFID air interface. Should such a capability be available as part of an RFID
system, a significant performance characteristic would be the ability of transferring this “item data” from the
interrogator into the tag. This process is commonly referred to as “writing” and is the inverse of the previously
described process of “reading”.
Writing tag information assumes that a communication link has been established between the RFID
interrogator and the tag. As such the collision arbitration (sometimes referred to as anti-collision) process is
not involved. Writing of tag data is a “directed” data transaction with the activated and segregated tag. Writing
specifically refers to the process of tag transaction to write information into identified tag population. This
process will include both single byte and multiple byte transactions. Write with verification will be available.
5.6 Reliable
RFID systems may require extensive dialog between the interrogator and the tag to fully complete the desired
transaction with the tag population. It is not uncommon to have dialog errors during wireless communication.
Various mechanisms (e.g. checksum, CRC, retransmission, etc.) may be used to ensure the integrity of the
transactions. A reliable transaction specifically refers to the assurance that a tag and/or tag population will be
identified accurately based on statistical likelihood and a defined confidence level.
5.7 Conditions
RFID systems must perform the required transactions (i.e. identification, reading, or writing) under a variety of
environmental and application conditions. Such conditions specifically refer to the following:
⎯ environmental (temperature, humidity, RF spectrum, physical);
⎯ tag population [quantity, density, motion, orientation, mounting material(s)].
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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
6 Requirements
6.1 Introduction
The following section defines the requirements by which RFID systems will be evaluated to describe their
performance parameters. It should be noted that there are a number of system and environmental factors
which influence and bound the performance characteristics of an RFID system. As referenced, the RFID
performance parameters relate to “system” characteristics and thus require both an interrogator as well as
tags for their measurement.
6.2 General
An RFID system information transaction volume (range) and/or speed (rate) are defined by many factors. The
relevant factors and their form will vary depending on the RFID technology (i.e. inductive or propagative)
involved. The following represents some of the relevant factors for the respective system component and
environment.
⎯ Interrogator:
⎯ frequency;
⎯ power or field strength;
⎯ antenna directivity (i.e. gain) and polarization or Q factor;
⎯ receiver sensitivity;
⎯ modulation characteristic.
⎯ Tag:
⎯ activation sensitivity (i.e. minimum field strength or power density);
⎯ antenna directivity (i.e. gain) and polarization or Q factor;
⎯ modulation characteristic.
⎯ Tag application surface:
⎯ paper;
⎯ wood;
⎯ glass;
⎯ plastic;
⎯ metal.
⎯ Application environment:
⎯ RF reflective and absorptive surfaces;
⎯ moisture (e.g. humidity, condensation, ice, etc.);
⎯ chemicals;
⎯ radio frequency (RF);
⎯ electrical.
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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
6.3 Test conditions
Given the realities and complexities of such influencing factors, the following defined test methods are
constrained to test environments and parameter variations which will allow for a consistent RFID performance
characteristic to be measured. Such a measured characteristic may be used for the selection of devices for an
application. The general test conditions for short range systems (i.e., under 10 metres) are defined in
Table 1 — Short range test conditions below.
Table 1 — Short range test conditions
Condition Range Comment
Distance 0 – 10 metres 3-D (x, y, z)
Tag population 1, 10, 20, 50,100
Tag geometry Linear, array, volume
Tag orientation 0, 30, 60, 90 deg, random
3-D (ψ, θ, φ)
3
Tag volume 0,016, 0,125, 1 m
Tag speed 0, 1, 2, 5, 10 m/s
Tag mounting material Paper, wood, glass, plastic, metal See list below
RF environment Benign, moderate, congested WLAN, machinery, etc.
Data transaction 1, 8, 16, 32 bytes Read and write
Interrogator antenna 0,5, 1, 2, 3 metres Distance above ground
height plane (propagative)

The general test conditions for long range systems (i.e., over 10 metres), such as those systems covered by
ISO/IEC 18000-7, are defined in Table 2 — Long range test conditions below:
Table 2 — Long range test conditions
Condition Range Comment
Distance 10 – 100 metres 3-D (x, y, z)
Tag population 1, 10, 20, 50,100
Tag geometry Linear, array, volume
Tag orientation 0, 30, 60, 90 deg, random
3-D (ψ, θ, φ)
3
Tag volume 0,016, 0,125, 1 m
Tag speed 0, 1, 2, 5, 10 m/s
Tag mounting material Paper, wood, glass, plastic, metal See list below
RF environment Benign, moderate, congested WLAN, machinery, etc.
Data transaction 1, 8, 16, 32 bytes Read and write
Interrogator antenna 0,5, 1, 2, 3 metres Distance above ground
height plane (propagative)

These test conditions may be modified or extended to represent specific user application requirements. The
test methods defined in this document may be performed with test conditions tailored to the specific
application to best represent performance of RFID devices in such usage.
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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
Tag mounting material – The list below is a representative list of materials for mounting tag(s) for evaluation.
As materials will vary based on supply, such mounting structures shall record the source and physical
characteristics (i.e. thickness, finish. size, etc.). Mounting structures for tag(s) shall not place metallic
fasteners within 10 cm of tag(s).
⎯ corrugated paper;
⎯ windshield glass;
⎯ particle board;
⎯ plywood;
⎯ plexiglas;
⎯ polypropylene;
⎯ polycarbonate;
⎯ aluminium;
⎯ steel.
The test condition shall utilize a controlled RF environment (i.e. anechoic chamber) when feasible. Use of
Open Air Test Sites (OATS) is permissible to accommodate devices where distance and/or movement
preclude the use of available anechoic chambers. Annex A defines test sites and general arrangements for
measurements involving the use of radiated fields. Annex B defines test extensions and deviations from the
base test methods peculiar to long range (i.e. greater than 10 metres) RFID systems.
6.4 Test parameters
6.4.1 Introduction
The defined test conditions include a variety of test parameters that provide a range of conditions for device
evaluation. While these parameters shall be used as defined in Table 1 above, these parameters may be
varied beyond the defaults listed to accommodate the device evaluation with respect to application
requirements. These parameters are described in this section.
6.4.2 Distance
There are four measurable distance elements comprising the range parameter. These are:
⎯ Minimum distance (z axis) – the minimum distance (metres) between the center of interrogator antenna
and the centroid of the tag population under test. In the case where there are separate transmit and
receive antennae, the maximum of the distances of the two shall be recorded. The z axis is defined to be
the vector perpendicular to the plane of the antenna pointing outward toward the peak of the radiated field.
This axis shall be oriented parallel to the ground plane for test purposes.
⎯ Maximum distance (z axis) – the maximum distance (metres) between the center of the interrogator
antenna and the centroid of the tag population under test. In the case where there are separate transmit
and receive antennae, the minimum of the distances of the two shall be recorded. The z axis is defined to
be the vector perpendicular to the plane of the antenna pointing outward toward the peak of the radiated
field. This axis shall be oriented parallel to the ground plane for test purposes.
⎯ Horizontal distance (x axis) – the maximum distance (metres) across the communication zone for the
centroid of the tag population under test. The x axis is defined to be the horizontal vector perpendicular to
the z axis and parallel to the ground plane.
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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
⎯ Vertical distance (y axis) – the maximum distance (metres) through the communication zone for the
centroid of the tag population under test. The y axis is defined to be the vertical vector perpendicular to
the z axis and perpendicular to the ground plane.
Figures 1 and 2 depict the general arrangement and relationship of the four distance elements of the range
parameter. Note that the inner shaded region represents the measured effective communication zone from
which the desired measurable performance parameter (i.e. range) is calculated. The outer shaded region
represents the physical volume that a tag population may move through for the measured communication
zone (i.e. inner region).

R(z) max
R(z) min
R(x)
X axis
Antenna
Z axis

Figure 1 — Top down view of communication zone

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ISO/IEC 18046:2006(E)
R(z) max
R(z) min
R(y)
Y axis
Antenna
Z axis

Figure 2 — Side view of communication zone
6.4.3 Tag population
The tag population shall consist of a group of tags arranged according to the defined geometry of test. The
reference point for range measurements shall be the geometric centroid of the specified geometry.
6.4.4 Tag geometry
The geometric arrangement of the tags in a population under test may be linear (1D), array (2D), or volume
(3D). The spacing of the tags within the defined geometry shall be uniform. Tag spacing shall be measured
as the minimum distance between the geometric centroid of each tag. Figures 3 to 5 represent the three basic
classes of tag geometry.



Figure 3 — Linear tag array

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Figure 4 — 2D tag array


Figure 5 — 3D tag volume
6.4.5 Tag orientation
Tags within a population may have specified orientation (polarization) relative to the interrogator antenna. This
orientation shall be defined relative to the z axis for the reference interrogator antenna. Orientation variation
shall include angular rotations in three dimensions (ψ, θ, and φ). A “right-hand” orthogonal coordinate system
shall be used to reference tag orientation. Random tag orientation may use RF transparent structural
elements to facilitate uniform tag separation (e.g. density) within the tag volume. Polystyrene spheres are an
example where tags may be placed within the structure individually
...