Low Power Radio Association

RFID

RFID systems operate in several licence exempt frequency bands, co-existing with other low power devices.
Typical applications include access control, mass transportation, logistics and security.
Rafsec RFID tag

Radio Frequency IDentification is a rapidly developing sector of the SRD industry. Radio tags which contain an identity number and sometimes additional data are attached to animals or objects that are to be identified. When the tags are brought within range of an interrogator, the tags are activated and transmit their identity.

RFID mainly operates in 5 different frequency bands. These are inductive (< 135 kHz), HF (13.56 MHz), VHF (433 MHz), UHF (865 - 868 MHz) and 2.45 GHz. The properties of radio waves varies across the radio spectrum. The choice of frequency selected by the end user is heavily dependent on the application.

The RFID group maintains a close interest in European regulatory developments in so far as they effect the industry

 

EN 302 208 v1.3.1 - Results of National Vote

The results of the National Vote on the latest version of the ETSI standard for RFID at UHF (EN 302 208 v1.3.1) have just been announced. The standard received unanimous approval with no abstentions. It is anticipated that the standard will be published in the Official Journal of the Commission as a harmonised standard in about May 2010.

Update on EN 302 208

RFID manufacturers and system integrators with equipment operating at UHF should familiarise themselves with two developments concerning the ETSI standard EN 302 208.

Firstly version v1.1.2 of this standard will be superseded at the end of 2009. This means that it will no longer be possible under the standard to place on the European market product using LBT and operating across 10 high power channels. From 1 January 2010 all new equipment should comply with v1.2.1 of the standard, which describes the use of the four-channel plan as the accepted mitigation technique.

Revision to EN 302 208

A new version of EN 302 208 is shortly to go out for Public Enquiry. These documents contain four changes to the standard, which are summarised below

EC Recommendation on Privacy and Security for RFiD

The European Commission has recently published a Recommendation on privacy and security covering applications supported by RFID. This Recommendation applies to all RFID systems irrespective of their operating frequency.

Revised version of EN 302 208

Following observations from ECC and the German administration, ERM_TG34 have drafted a number of changes to EN 302 208 v1.2.1. These changes relate to clauses 8.4, 8.5 and 10. At the same time some beneficial amendments have been imade to clauses 5.4.1.2 and 8.3.3.

 

Proposed changes to EN 302 208 V1.2.1

In 2009 CEPT asked ETSI_ERM_TG34 to improve the test method for tags that is specified in clause 10 of EN 302 208-1 V1.2.1. This was to ensure that the standard complies with the guidelines in ERC Rec 74-01. At about the same time ERM_TG34 also received a request from the German administration to amend the method of test for interrogators. Their objective was to ensure that no spurious noise could be emitted during the switch-on and switch-off of transmissions from interrogators.

RFID Plugtests - June 2008

In June 2008 ETSI carried out an RFID Plugtests to determine whether there was any effect on reading performance when tags produced by different manufacturers where simultaneously present in the same interrogation zone.

EN 302 208 V1.2.1 harmonised

Part 2 of EN 302 208 V1.2.1 has been published in the Official Journal of the European Commission. This means that the standard may now be used as a basis for Declarations of Conformity under the R&TTE Directive.

Application for more spectrum for RFID and SRDs at UHF

At a meeting of ERM in June an SRDoc, which had been prepared by TG28 and TG34, was approved for publication. The document will now be sent to the European Commission and to the ECC.

Update of the "Quick Guide" on manufacturers obligations

The LPRA is collecting comments from its members about an update of the “Quick Guide” on manufacturers obligations. Please find more information about this draft and the means to download it below. Any comments can be sent to the LPRA at info@lpra.eu before April 23rd 2008.

Revised Code of Practice

ETSI has published a revised version of its Code of Practice for RFID equipment operating at UHF (ETSI TR 102 436 v1.2.1). The revised document has been amended to reflect the changes in the new version of the standard for RFID at UHF (ETSI EN 302 208-1).

Revised standard for RFID at UHF

ETSI has published Part 1 of a new version of the standard for RFID at UHF (EN 302 208-1 v1.2.1). The new standard makes significant changes to the way in which RFID is permitted to operate.
 

Updated ECC Report 37 is under public enquiry

The LPRA is collecting comments from its members about an update of the ECC Report 37. Please find more information about this draft and the means to download it below. Any comments can be sent to the LPRA at info@lpra.eu before April 16th 2008.
 

Revised standard for RFID at UHF

At the end of November 2007 ETSI approved a new version of the harmonised standard (EN 302 208) for RFID at UHF. The standard now goes out for national vote and publication is anticipated in mid February 2008.

EU concerned about low level of compliance with R&TTE Directive

The European Commission arranged a meeting of Market Surveillance Authorities (MSA’s) on 11th September 2007. The meeting, at OFCOM headquarters, was arranged to discuss the low level of compliance with the requirements of the R&TTE Directive that a market surveillance campaign undertaken by the MSA’s in 2005/2006 had identified.

Ofcom meeting 11 September 2007

On the 11th September a meeting was held between the LPRA and OFCOM enabling the LPRA to maintain our current relationship and gain insight into the latest position that OFCOM is taking in relation to a number of SRD trends.