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 18000-1:2004 defines the parameters to be determined in any Standardized Air Interface Definition in the ISO/IEC 18000 series. The subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000 provide the specific values for definition of the Air Interface Parameters for a particular frequency or type of air interface, from which compliance (or non compliance) with ISO/IEC 18000-1:2004 can be established. ISO/IEC 18000-1:2004 also provides description of example conceptual architectures in which these air interfaces are often to be utilized. ISO/IEC 18000-1:2004 limits its scope to transactions and data exchanges across the air interface at Reference Point Delta. The means of generating and managing such transactions, other than a requirement to achieve the transactional performance determined within ISO/IEC 18000-1:2004, are outside its scope, as is the definition or specification of any supporting hardware, firmware, software or associated equipment. ISO/IEC 18000-1:2004 is an enabling standard that supports and promotes several RFID implementations without making conclusions about the relative technical merits of any available option for any possible application.

Technologies de l'information — Identification par radiofréquence (RFID) pour la gestion d'objets — Partie 1: Architecture de référence et définition des paramètres à normaliser

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 12-Sep-2004
• Withdrawal Date: 12-Sep-2004
• 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
• Start Date: 23-Jun-2008
• Completion Date: 30-Oct-2025

Relations

• Consolidated By: ISO 4064-4:2014 - Water meters for cold potable water and hot water - Part 4: Non-metrological requirements not covered in ISO 4064-1
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022
• Revised: ISO/IEC 18000-1:2008 - Information technology - Radio frequency identification for item management - Part 1: Reference architecture and definition of parameters to be standardized
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 18000-1
First edition
2004-09-15
Information technology — Radio
frequency identification for item
management —
Part 1:
Reference architecture and definition of
parameters to be standardized
Technologies de l'information — Identification par radiofréquence
(RFID) pour la gestion d'objets —
Partie 1: Architecture de référence et définition des paramètres à
normaliser
Reference number
©
ISO/IEC 2004
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ii © ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved

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 Architectures, references and exclusions. 3
5.1 Communications architecture . 3
5.2 System specification . 6
5.3 Interface specification . 6
5.4 Application architecture. 6
5.5 Information and data architecture. 6
5.6 Implementation architecture. 6
5.7 System security architecture. 6
5.8 Resilience considerations. 6
5.9 Unique identification. 6
6 Requirements . 6
6.1 Vision statement . 6
6.2 Mission statement. 7
6.3 Conformance and Commands. 7
6.4 General (Context) . 8
6.5 Instruction to developers of subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000 and to installers. 8
6.6 Context (OSI) . 10
6.7 Bi-directional systems. 10
6.8 Uni-directional systems. 11
6.9 Relationship to other standards. 11
6.10 Parameters. 11
6.11 Physical and media access control parameters. 12
6.12 Protocol and collision management parameters. 18
7 Modulation . 21
8 Patents and intellectual property . 21
8.1 Responsibilities regarding patents and intellectual property. 21
8.2 Patents referenced in ISO/IEC 18000 . 21
Annex A (informative) Reference co-ordinates for regional and national regulations. 22
Annex B (informative) Pro forma for parameter definition standards (including parameter
definition tables) . 23
Annex C (informative) Architectural views of logistic and distribution systems . 38
Annex D (informative) Unique identifier . 49
Annex E (informative) Intellectual property: patents . 51

© ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved iii

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.
ISO/IEC 18000-1 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
ISO/IEC 18000 consists of the following parts, under the general title Information technology — Radio
frequency identification for item management:
 Part 1: Reference architecture and definition of parameters to be standardized
 Part 2: Parameters for air interface communications below 135 kHz
 Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
 Part 4: Parameters for air interface communications at 2,45 GHz
 Part 6: Parameters for air interface communications at 860 MHz to 960 MHz
 Part 7: Parameters for active air interface communications at 433 MHz
iv © ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved

Introduction
ISO/IEC 18000 has been developed by ISO/IEC SC 31 WG 4, radio frequency identification for item
identification and management, in order to provide parameter definitions for communications protocols within
a common framework for internationally useable frequencies for radio frequency identification (RFID), and,
where possible, to determine the use of the same protocols for ALL frequencies such that the problems of
migrating from one to another are diminished; to minimise software and implementation costs; and to enable
system management and control and information exchange to be common as far as is possible.
Informative Annexes to this part of ISO/IEC 18000 provide contact information in respect of the radio
regulations within which such systems have to operate, and some informational views of system architectures
within which RFID for item management is likely to be used (Annexes A and C).
There are no specific patents applicable to this part of ISO/IEC 18000. Known patents relating to other parts of
ISO/IEC 18000 that may be applicable to one or may be applicable to more than one part of ISO/IEC 18000
are provided in Annex E to this part of ISO/IEC 18000.

© ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved v

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 18000-1:2004(E)

Information technology — Radio frequency identification for
item management —
Part 1:
Reference architecture and definition of parameters to be
standardized
1 Scope
1.1 This part of ISO/IEC 18000 describes the generic architecture concepts in which item identification may
commonly be required within the logistics and supply chain and defines the parameters that need to be
determined in any standardized air interface definition in the subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000. The
subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000 provide the specific values for definition of the air interface parameters for
a particular frequency/type of air interface from which compliance to (or non compliance with) this part of
ISO/IEC 18000 can be established. This part of ISO/IEC 18000 also provides description of example
conceptual architectures in which these air interfaces are often to be utilized.
1.2 This part of ISO/IEC 18000 limits its scope to transactions and data exchanges across the air interface
at Reference point delta (see Figure 1). The means of generating and managing such transactions, other
than a requirement to achieve the transactional performance determined within this part of ISO/IEC 18000,
are outside the scope of this part of ISO/IEC 18000, as is the definition or specification of any supporting
hardware, firmware, software or associated equipment.
1.3 Standardization of other reference points is outside the scope of this part of ISO/IEC 18000. (See
Figure 1.)
1.4 This part of ISO/IEC 18000 is an enabling standard which supports and promotes several RFID
implementations without making conclusions about the relative technical merits of any available option for any
possible application.
1.5 This part of ISO/IEC 18000 also provides reference information in respect of patents that have been
declared to the developers of ISO/IEC 18000 as pertinent and provides reference addresses in respect of
regulations under which ISO/IEC 18000 must operate.
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.
1)
ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts), Information technology — AIDC techniques — Harmonized vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts) and the
following apply.
1) To be published.
© ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved 1

3.1.0
MODES (standardized)
Different standardized RFID systems for Item Identification operating within the same frequency range. Such
systems may or may not be interoperable, but shall not significantly interfere with each other. An International
Standard providing parameter definitions for a particular frequency range may have one or several MODES
3.2.0
Significant Interference
Significant interference exists if a system of one standardized MODE (working within the most widespread
regulated power emissions) is likely to impede the successful operation of a system of another standardized
MODE (working within the most widespread regulated power emissions), in likely expected operating
situations
3.3.0
Marginal measurable interference
Marginal measurable interference is interference that does not impede operation in likely expected operating
situations, or that could be avoided by simple and inexpensive design improvement, shall not be considered
cause to reject a MODE."
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the symbols and abbreviated terms given in ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts) and
the following apply.
AFI Application family identifier
API Application programming interface
CW Continuous wave
DFMFM Double frequency modified frequency modulation
DLL Data link layer (OSI model)
DSFID Data Storage Format Identifier
EOF End Of Frame
FCC Federal Communications Commission (of USA)
FTDMA Frequency and time division multiple access
LPB Long power break
MFM Modified frequency modulation
MFR Tag ID Unique identifier known in some places as UID
n/a Not applicable
PJM Phase jitter modulation
PN Pseudo-noise (as in PN Code)
SOF Start of frame
TRAM Temporary random access memory
VICC Vicinity integrated circuit card
2 © ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved

5 Architectures, references and exclusions
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 does not attempt to define a reference architecture for item identification. The
communication architecture defines the reference point that is the subject of ISO/IEC 18000, and limits
ISO/IEC 18000 to defining protocols and transactions across this reference point in several technical and
application situations. The informative annexes provide architecture examples of application scenarios where
such transactions are likely to occur. These example scenarios are informative and the protocols and
transactions defined in ISO/IEC 18000 may and will occur in other situations.
5.1 Communications architecture
5.1.1 Reference point delta
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 limits its scope to transactions and data exchanges across the air interface at
Reference point delta. (See Figure 1). The means of generating and managing such transactions, other than
a requirement to achieve the transactional performance determined within this part of ISO/IEC 18000, are
outside the scope of this part of ISO/IEC 18000, as is the definition or specification of any supporting hardware,
firmware, software or associated equipments.
Standardization of other reference points are outside the scope of this part of ISO/IEC 18000. (See Figure 1.)

TAG INTERROGATOR
Air Interface
Application Communication Media Media Communication Local Central
Processes Control Adaption Adaption Control System System
APPLICATION CC MA MA CC LS CS
Reference
Points
ZETA EPSILON DELTA GAMMA BETA ALPHA

Figure 1 — RFID Reference Communications Architecture
5.1.2 Entity blocks
yyyy Central system. This block contains all centralised functions of general distribution logistic model
applications.
yyyy Local system. This is the local (roadside) entity that handles the "real-time" and distributed parts of
the general distribution logistic model application.
yyyy Fixed Communication Control. Communication block that handles the medium independent part of
the communication link.
yyyy Media Adaptation. The medium dependent entity
yyyy On-board communication control. Communication control that handles the medium independent
part of the communication link .
y Application processes. This entity symbolises several in-vehicle applications, of which the general
distribution logistic model may be only one application process.
© ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved 3

5.1.3 Reference points
yyyy ALPHA. Alpha is the reference point which delimits the functions of the central system and the local
system.
yyyy BETA. The reference point where data, commands, etc. are passed from the fixed communication
control to the local system function, and vice-versa.
yyyy GAMMA. Between fixed communication control and media adaptation.
yyyy DELTA. Between on-board and fixed equipment. This reference point usually corresponds with an
air interface in the nature of dedicated short range communication.
yyyy EPSILON. Between media adaptation and on-board communication control.
yyyy ZETA. Reference point between on-board communication control and application processes.
5.1.4 Context negotiation
Figure 2 describes the nature of the general distribution logistic model context negotiation and transaction at
Reference point delta.
Master/ Stationary Slave/Mobile
1. Initialisation
A A
1 2
2. Transmission
Figure 2 — Simplified context negotiation (typical tag transaction)

The communication starts with the master A downloading a message to the slave A , referring to a list of
1 2
predetermined contexts defined by (Protocol, Encoding, Applications) triplets. The slave, if prepared to handle
any of these, can start the transmission referring to the chosen application.
5.1.5 Interaction sequence
An example of the interaction sequence for general distribution logistic model can be defined as described in
Figure 3.
4 © ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved

Figure 3 — Functional (information flow) interaction sequence diagram for generic general distribution
logistic model communications systems
© ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved 5

The application information flow is not defined herein, but some of these aspects may be addressed in
subsequent additions to this part of ISO/IEC 18000.
5.2 System specification
System specification is not defined within ISO/IEC 18000 which relates solely to the interface between an
interrogator and a transponder.
5.3 Interface specification
The subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000 (interface specifications at different frequencies) define, describe and
specify interface(s) in physical and procedural terms in conformance to the parameters defined in 5.4 to 5.9.
5.4 Application architecture
Application architecture specification is outside the scope of this version of ISO/IEC 18000. Some example
typical conceptual architecture views and contexts in which RFID for item management are likely to be used
are shown in Annex C.
5.5 Information and data architecture
Information/data architecture aspects will be addressed in a future International Standard.
5.6 Implementation architecture
ISO/IEC 18000 provides assistance and guidance to those implementing Item Identification systems using
RFID. The 'implementation' level of architecture is the mapping of functions into physical boxes at one or a
number of locations. These are a function for commercial consideration, rather than standardization, and the
implementation architecture is specifically excluded from ISO/IEC 18000.
5.7 System security architecture
System security architecture is not defined within this part of ISO/IEC 18000.
5.8 Resilience considerations
Resilience considerations are not defined within ISO/IEC 18000.
5.9 Unique identification
In subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000, unique identification (UID) may be required. Annex D provides a
preferred form of UID. In some parts of ISO/IEC 18000 this may be defined as a normative requirement, in
other parts it may be advisory or not preferred. Whether this form of UID is mandatory, advisory or not
applicable in any specific part is to be stated in the normative clauses of that part of ISO/IEC 18000.
6 Requirements
6.1 Vision statement
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 defines a common set of parameters that are necessary (at any frequency) in
order to avoid contention or interference with other RFID systems, to establish the highest degree of
interoperability as is practicable, and to ease migration between technical solutions and their supporting
software. The International Standard envisions common methods of determination and description.

2) ISO/IEC 15961, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Data protocol:
application interface.
6 © ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved

6.2 Mission statement
The mission of this part of ISO/IEC 18000 is to determine common parameters to be defined in an item
identification air interface; the method and means of their definition, and to provide a common format for their
elaboration and definition. Subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000 will provide the parameter definitions, at
different frequencies, for each of the parameters required by this part of ISO/IEC 18000 in accordance with
the common format herein determined, and may also, where appropriate, provide regional definitions with
geographical constraints. If any parameter defined in this part of ISO/IEC 18000 is inappropriate at a particular
frequency, it will be specifically and expressly stated in that part of ISO/IEC 18000 that the named and
referenced parameter is not appropriate at that frequency. This part of ISO/IEC 18000 additionally provides
relevant information in respect of radio regulations bodies and some examples of conceptual system
architectures within which RFID for item identification and management is likely to be used.
6.3 Conformance and Commands
6.3.1 Claiming conformance
In order to claim conformance with ISO/IEC 18000 it is necessary to comply to all of the normative clauses of
this part of ISO/IEC 18000 except those marked ‘optional’ and it is also necessary to operate within the local
national radio regulations (which may require further restrictions) and, if appropriate, to hold a valid licence
from the appropriate owner of intellectual property associated with the MODES defined herein.
6.3.2 General conformance requirements
3)
A document on the subject is in preparation.
6.3.3 Command structure and extensibility
ISO/IEC 18000 includes definition of the structure of command codes between an interrogator and a tag and
indicate how many positions are available for future extensions.
Command specification clauses provide a full definition of the command and its presentation.
Each command is labelled as being ‘mandatory’ or ‘optional’.
The clauses of each part of ISO/IEC 18000 shall make provision for ‘custom’ and ‘proprietary’ commands.
6.3.4 Mandatory commands
A mandatory command shall be supported by all tags that claim to be compliant and all interrogators which
claim compliance shall support all mandatory commands.
6.3.5 Optional commands
Optional commands are commands that are specified as such within ISO/IEC 18000. Interrogators shall be
technically capable of performing all optional commands that are specified in ISO/IEC 18000 (although need
not be set up to do so). Tags may or may not support optional commands.
If an optional command is used, it shall be implemented in the manner specified in ISO/IEC 18000.
6.3.6 Custom commands
Custom commands may be permitted by an ISO/IEC 18000 Standard, but they shall not be specified in that
International Standard.
3) ISO/IEC TR 18047 (all parts), Information technology — Radio frequency identification device conformance test
methods.
© ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved 7

A custom command shall not solely duplicate the functionality of any mandatory or optional command defined
in the International Standard by a different method.
6.3.7 Proprietary commands
Proprietary commands may be permitted by an ISO/IEC 18000 Standard, but they shall not be specified in
that International Standard.
A proprietary command shall not solely duplicate the functionality of any mandatory or optional command
defined in the International Standard by a different method.
6.4 General (Context)
There are a number of different frequency ranges that an RFID system may legally use in any country. Whilst
steps are being taken to harmonise frequency regulations throughout the world, there remain differences in
frequency, bandwidth and allowed maximum power which will affect performance of systems in any specific
location.
Different applications also require different performance characteristics. Some, for example, may require very
short read or write range, others longer reading ranges. Some may require very high tag populations within
the reading range, others few, or perhaps even only one.
ISO/IEC 18000 provides a framework within which developers of application International Standards, and
users of such International Standards, may select one or more standardized options that meet their
requirements in the region, or regions, of use.
Users of ISO/IEC 18000 Standards are required to ensure that the option(s) chosen are legal within the radio
regulations of the countries where it is intended to operate the system. Annex A provides some guideline
assistance for the situation as at the time of publication of this part of ISO/IEC 18000, but the responsibility
remains for the supplier and user to ensure conformance to National regulations.
RFID application International Standards for item management may specify the use of one or more
International standardized air interfaces to meet specific application requirements.
In order to maximise interoperability, a set of parameters shall be determined for each approved frequency, or
a limited range of options (to be called "MODES") shall be determined.
6.5 Instruction to developers of subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000 and to installers
6.5.1
Developers of the subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000 shall limit the number of permitted modes to those of
different characteristics, and, within the part, to specifically explain the differences in characteristics and the
likely impact on performance that may be expected. (For example : MODE 1 is usually most suited to longer
read ranges, whilst MODE 2 is most suited for high tag in read zone populations. MODE 3 is Read only etc.) .
Where practicable a tabular comparison shall also be made.
6.5.2
Where protocol sets are offered for International standardization where there is little technical or characteristic
difference between options, International Standards developers shall try to determine a compromise single
MODE accommodating both parties. Where such accommodation is not possible or agreeable to the parties,
the matter to be referred to the working group for decision.
6.5.3
International Standards developers shall ensure that no "significant interference" exists between standardized
MODES. "Significant Interference" exists if a system of one standardized MODE (working within the most
widespread regulated power emissions) is likely to impede the successful operation of a system of another
8 © ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved

standardized MODE (working within the most widespread regulated power emissions), in likely expected
operating situations.
Marginal measurable interference is interference that does not impede operation in likely expected operating
situations, or that could be avoided by simple and inexpensive design improvement, shall not be considered
cause to reject a MODE.
6.5.4
Where the air interface requires a tag to be battery assisted, this shall be explicitly stated.
6.5.5
Active RFID modes shall be clearly identified as such in the standard.
6.5.6
Tag talk first (TTF) modes shall be clearly identified as such in the standard.
6.5.7
Installers of RFID systems should make best efforts to be a good neighbour in installing any systems, bearing
in mind that there may be other systems sharing the same bandwidth and should take precautions to minimise
interference to other systems. Installers should be prepared to handle interference within the bandwidth from
other users up to transmission powers permitted by local regulations.
6.5.8
Where particular local regulations are likely to cause a problem of interference in one country, but are unlikely
to cause a general problem, this shall not be considered cause to reject a MODE. (For example, a country
allowing a particularly high power emission may make interference between MODES possible where such
interference would not cause "significant interference" in most countries, or one country enforcing particularly
low power emission regulations may cause one system to be interfered with in the presence of a different,
more sensitive, MODE). Annex A to that part of ISO/IEC 18000 shall state clearly the countries where such
local problems may be expected.
Systems that can only operate with power emission levels that are so high that they likely to cause
interference problems in the majority of countries shall not be acceptable as ISO International Standard
MODES.
6.5.9
International Standards developers are instructed to take into account any approved International Standards
or regulations from recognised International or Regional Standards or regional or national regulatory bodies in
respect of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from devices used in radio frequency
identification (RFID) and similar applications.
Where particular national regulations exist, that are not adopted by other countries, such regulations should
be declared in Annex A of part of ISO/IEC 18000, stating that operation in the determined country(ies) is not
permitted or significantly limited in power emission.
NOTE 1 Discussion drafts or working draft proposals in respect of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
from devices used in radio frequency Identification (RFID) and similar applications need not be taken into account unless
the developers believe that they are likely to come into force without significant amendment.
Systems that can only operate with power emission levels that are so high that they are likely to exceed
emission levels in approved International Standards/Regulations of recognised International or regional
Standards/regulatory bodies shall not be acceptable as ISO International Standard MODES.
NOTE 2 Recognised international or regional Standards bodies include ISO, IEC, CEN, CENELEC, CEPT, ETSI, IEEE,
FCC, ARIB, ITU.
© ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved 9

6.6 Context (OSI)
RFID applications utilise an air interface (interface “Delta” in Figure 1). Because the transactions across this
interface are usually time constrained, and the read zone is also usually limited either by antenna design and
the amount of power emitted, a specific protocol architecture is determined. In OSI terms this may be
described as a reduced protocol stack as shown in Figure 4, built up by the application layer, the data link
layer, and the physical layer. Such an architecture is very common for real-time environments.
In a bi-directional system, the air interface protocol stack is set up in accordance with the master-slave
principle, where the Interrogator as the master organises the entire communication process. The air interface
definitions enable compliant communication systems to serve multiple Interrogators and multiple applications
in parallel.
Air Interface
Application Layer
Management
Data Link Layer
Physical Layer
Figure 4 — Air Interface protocol stack
Subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000 will provide parameter definitions for that frequency operating within
global radio regulations, and may also, where appropriate, provide regional definitions with regional limitations.
Where the value (or choice of values) required to meet a parameter requirement for conformance to a
particular air interface definition is fixed, it (they) shall be stated clearly together with the degree of tolerance
to any deviation. Where a range of values is permissible, the upper and lower limits shall be stated.
Parameter tables are required in a consistent format (as defined within this part of ISO/IEC 18000). If a
parameter determined in any part of ISO/IEC 18000 is optional or not relevant, this shall be stated in the
appropriate parameter table displayed within that part of ISO/IEC 18000. Unless so stated it may be assumed
that values for that parameter are required and that the part of ISO/IEC 18000 is incomplete without them.
There is a practical necessity to use different frequencies. In developing these RFID International Standards,
consideration has been made throughout to ensure that, wherever possible, the same protocols are used
throughout to minimise the costs of migration or simultaneous function of equipment operating at different
frequencies but within a single common system.
In the subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000, providing parameter definitions, the specifications for Layer 7
(Application Layer) shall be, as far as possible, common, and where different from the common approach, the
differences shall be highlighted and explained. Layer 7 (Application Layer) issues dealt with in ISO/IEC 18000
are only those required to achieve a successful interaction between interrogator and tag data International
Standards as they relate to application data shall be dealt with in other relevant International Standards (such
as ISO 15962) specific application requirements are not dealt with in ISO/IEC 18000 determining air interface
protocols.
In Layer 1, (Physical) whilst the physical control and management methods differ, in some cases significantly,
those protocols that are common shall be defined in the same way, and the objectives and outputs of these
operations shall also be common.
6.7 Bi-directional systems
A bi-directional system requires both the sending and receiving of signals by one or both parties (interrogator
& tag). This part of ISO/IEC 18000 determines all of the parameters that may be expected in a complex two
way exchange of data (read/write) between fixed equipment and on board equipment. Most RFID systems are
bi-directional, whether they be read only or read/write. Unless otherwise stated, specifications in subsequent
parts of ISO/IEC 18000 relate to bi-directional systems.
10 © ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved

6.8 Uni-directional systems
A uni-directional signal requires only one party to transmit and the other to receive. Where such options are
specified as MODES in the subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 18000, it shall be clearly identified in the title of the
MODE that the specification relates to a uni-directional system. The same parameters shall be specified in
the same way, although there will be many parameters noted as “Not applicable in this option” (see Clause 6).
In such systems the interrogator is a passive radio receiver and may emit no signals to initiate a transaction
(if it does so it shall be considered as a bi-directional system and must not interfere with other standardized
MODES at that frequency).
The active transmitter shall not cause any "significant interference" to any bi-directional standardized MODE
operating within the same frequency range.
6.9 Relationship to other standards
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 is one of a series of International Standards defining automatic identification
standards, where RFID techniques are used for item management. ISO/IEC 18000 is marshalled under the
title Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management.
ISO/IEC 18000 is in several parts. This part of ISO/IEC 18000, Part 1 — Definition of parameters to be
standardized, determines the parameters to be standardized, whilst the subsequent parts provide
determination of the values for particular frequency ranges.
Other relevant International Standards include:
ISO/IEC 18000, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management
 Part 2: Parameters for air interface communications below 135 kHz
 Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
 Part 4: Parameters for air interface communications at 2,45 GHz
 Part 6: Parameters for air interface communications at 860 MHz to 960 MHz
 Part 7: Parameters for active air interface communications at 433 MHz
ISO/IEC 15962, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Data
4)
protocol: data encoding rules and logical memory functions
ISO/IEC TR 18046, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Radio
4)
frequency identification device performance test methods
ISO/IEC TR 18047 (all parts), Information technology — Radio frequency identification device conformance
4)
test methods
6.10 Parameters
All air interface definitions for RFID systems for item identification shall provide a description of the
parameters listed in this clause and shall define the requirements of at least these parameters using the
criteria listed below.
The presented requirements shall distinguish between default and optional parameter definitions.

4) To be published.
© ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved 11

All measurements shall be made within a frame of reference within which either the Interrogator or the tag is
static relative to the measuring equipment.
Some air interface definitions may not require all of the parameters to be defined. Any parameters that are not
applicable at a particular frequency determination (or option therein) shall be explicitly and overtly described in
the International Standard as "n/a".
Where solutions do not require all of the parameters to be used (for example in a read only system), those
parameters that are used shall comply to the common requirements for that air interface definition in any
particular application standard.
In parameter definition International Standards each mode shall be described in a table conforming to the
layout and sequence of the parameter definitions table provided in Annex B of this part of ISO/IEC 18000.
6.11 Physical and media access control parameters
The air interface links comprise the link from interrogator to tag (defined in 6.11.1) and the tag to interrogator
(defined in 6.11.2).
6.11.1 Interrogator to tag link
6.11.1.1 Operating frequency range (Int:1)
This shall determine the range of frequencies over which the communications link will operate.
6.11.1.1.1 Default operating frequency (Int:1a)
This determines the operating frequency at which the interrogator and tag establish communications. The
value shown is the centre frequency of the modulated signal or range of signals. All compliant tags and
interrogators shall support operation at the default operating frequency.
6.11.1.1.2 Operating channels (for spread spectrum systems) (Int:1b)
This determines the number and value of the interrogator to tag link operating frequencies. The values
provided shall be the centre frequencies of the modulated signals.
6.11.1.1.3 Operating frequency accuracy (Int:1c)
This determines the maximum deviation of the carrier frequency from the specified nominal frequency,
expressed in parts per million. Example: 1 part per million of a 2450 MHz carrier allows the carrier frequency
to be in the range of 2450 MHz ± 2,45 kHz
6.11.1.1.4 Frequency hop rate (for frequency hopping [FHSS] systems) (Int:1d)
This determines the inverse of the dwell time at an FHSS centre frequency.
6.11.1.1.5 Frequency hop sequence (for frequency hopping [FHSS] systems) (Int:1e)
This determines as a pseudo-randomly ordered list of hopping frequencies used by the FHSS transmitter to
select an FHSS channel.
6.11.1.2 Occupied channel bandwidth (Int:2)
This determines the bandwidth of the communications signal occupying a specified channel. This bandwidth
is may or may not be equivalent to the channel spacing, although the channel spacing may equal, but shall
not exceed the occupied channel bandwidth.
12 © ISO/IEC 2004 – All rights reserved

The allowed channel spacing for FHSS systems is regulated by the appropriate national regulatory body, e.g.,
in the U.S. FCC Part 15, section 15.247: the channel spacing shall be the greater than or equal to the 20dB
bandwidth of the signal, between the limits of 25 kHz and 1 MHz.
The occupied channel bandwidth may be narrower than the channel spacing to allow for frequency tolerance
or to provide for other guard bands necessary for reliable communication links.
For FHSS and narrowband operation, the occupied channel bandwidth shall be the maximum allowed
bandwidth (measured in Hz) of the modulated signal in an occupied channel.
For direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) operation, the occupied channel bandwidth shall be the
maximum allowed null-to-null bandwidth (frequency difference between the main lobe nulls) of the DSSS
signal in an occupied channel.
6.11.1.2.1 Minimum receiver bandwidth (Int:2a)
This determines the minimum range of all or individual frequencies that are to be received by the receiver.
6.11.1.3 Interrogator transmit maximum EIRP (Int:3)
This determines the maximum EIRP transmitted by the interrogator antenna, expressed in dBm. 0 dBm
equals 1mW.
6.11.1.4 Interrogator transmit spurious emissions (Int:4)
Are determined as undesired frequency outputs, including harmonics, sub-harmonics, local oscillator, inter-
modulation products, and other parasitic emission unintentionally emitted by the interrogator.
6.11.1.4.1 Interrogator transmit spurious emissions, in-band (for spread spectrum systems) (Int:4a)
Are determined as spurious emissions that occur within the allowed range of carrier frequencies.
6.11.1.4.2 Interrogator transmit spurious emission
...