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There''s an alternative to simple write-only RFID tags, according to Demodulation Inc., which is pushing forward its patented Microfiber Sensor Tracking (MST) system, using small glass beads that contain magnetically pre-coded "micro fibres".
The company says the technology has great potential as a bar code replacer, and says that system is capable of reading digital signal information from the "u-Fiber" (Mu-Fiber) micro-wire, which is a chipless, glass-coated microfiber with an amorphous alloy core that is smaller than the diameter of a human hair. 116.30.142.201 This article is copyright 2006 UsingRFID.com.
The potential for magnetic coding and its reportedly superior detection capabilities allows for multiple item tracking, which the company says it expects to revolutionise Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and brand identification efforts. The microwire strands can be incorporated into items such as labels, clothing, packaging, paper and even currency - and is functional even in the presence of metals, foils, and liquids.
Passively long range
Demodulation Inc.''s scientists have demonstrated that it is possible to detect and read multi-bit information from a u-Fiber micro-wire segment less than 40 microns in diameter (and one inch long) at a distance of up to 25 metres. Each segment can be assigned its own ID code from a pool of millions of possible combinations (so the device can potentially handle at least 16 bits of data).
The device is also not affected by temperatures up to 400 degrees F, or below freezing, and is resistant in both acidic and basic environments. With a selling price of US$0.01 per, unit and a width of less than 50 microns, the u-Fiber micro-wire certainly costs less than RFID tags would at present.
Re-writing?
Using RFID notes, however, that nothing has been said by the company about any possible future ability to write or re-write the device after it is attached, embedded, or encapsulated.
Extract From Using RFID
