RFID

HARTING's UHF RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems identify metal containers, machines, tools, trains, concrete parts and other assets located in demanding, harsh industrial environments.
UHF RFID technology enables precisely controlled automation, transparent processes, reduced downtimes and, thus, reduced costs.

The Ha-VIS RFID system components enable

• Detection of multiple objects without a line of sight
• Simultaneous information stored directly on the product
• Reliable information processing directly at the point of capture

The world is not made up merely of straight lines. It also has edges, corners and curves. And it is limited: Often there is no room for additional equipment. HARTING offers products and solutions that make it possible to track and trace goods and merchandise within these environments.

Intelligent RFID transponders are taking over more and more monitoring functions. The HARTING UHF RFID embedded transponder transmits the ID and external sensor data in a passive state. Thus, it builds a bridge to self-configuring processes. Even mobile parts without their own constant power supply can be monitored comprehensively.

The trend towards increased individualization of products is accompanied by processes for continual monitoring and diagnosis. For this, components are fitted with an RFID transponder so that they can transmit their specific data to the control system via radio frequencies. One challenge is integrating the transponders into an environment in which metallic surfaces cause reflections. In addition, the data media must be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions, high temperature fluctuations at extremes ,and the use of corrosive liquids such as cleaning chemicals or oils. HARTING's Ha-VIS UHF RFID transponders provide excellent operational reliability under extreme conditions.

HARTING's connectors and cable assemblies can be equipped with UHF RFID transponders to link information and data from real components to the virtual world. By taking advantage of UHF RFID, the range of possible applications – from the identification-specific data for a connector to the automatically triggered ordering process of spare parts – can be expanded and used conveniently, quickly and reliably. Component data is recorded using a mobile reader (e.g. a smartphone) with a corresponding reading unit, and then compared with data from the HARTING eShop. Spare parts or reference values can be displayed and used immediately after their identification. This not only speeds things up, it also prevents costly errors, such as ordering the wrong spare part.

Proprietary protocols and specific drivers complicate the integration of the automation industry; they are obstacles to the implementation of Industry 4.0. OPC-UA enables communications between UHF RFID readers, PLC controllers and applications (machine-to-machine, M2M) – from the "shop floor" (sensors and PLC) to the "top floor" (SAP) - without any problems caused by incompatible drivers. HARTING has long supported connectivity and the establishment of standards. OPC-UA precisely meets the HARTING requirement for the use of an open standard pertaining to the safe and reliable connection of a wide variety of systems and machines.

Regular maintenance work is not only obligatory because of the applicable safety standards. HARTING's UHF RFID enables you to optimize your process – thus saving you time and money. The digitization of the equipment acquisition process eliminates paper-based checklists for archiving in the maintenance management system. Typical errors can also be avoided. The information about which test has been carried out by whom, at what time, and on which object is stored together with the test results directly on the UHF RFID reader. Further tests can be easily and efficiently implemented in this way, for example, to ensure production or quality standards.

What track is this railcar on? Is the railcar due for maintenance? The name plate is dirty, damaged or missing completely. Many simple but important questions can only be answered by checking through lengthy Excel tables. HARTING's UHF RFID systems enable the paperless tracking of your valuable cargo.

Trains must stop at specific and exact positions (e.g. for safety reasons). Sometimes, the platform is shorter than the train, so that not all doors may be opened. Optical sensors often do not function reliably enough because of dust, dirt, water or leaves. Mechanical contacts are also prone to failure in this harsh environment. Contactless and maintenance-free UHF RFID systems, on the other hand, allow you to precisely and reliably identify the train position, even under these adverse conditions.

Do you have questions about our product portfolio? Do you need support for your specific solution? Contact us for more information!

HARTING offers you complete and fully equipped UHF RFID solutions. These include powerful UHF RFID readers, special antennas and extremely robust UHF RFID transponders for all types of applications. HARTING's UHF RFID solutions are based on components which have been optimally matched with each other.HARTING's UHF RFID solutions are based on components which have been optimally matched with each other. We also help you to connect the physical world with your software world using PLC functional blocks or the Ha-VIS middleware.

More demanding logistic requirements are requiring new solutions. Ha-VIS RFID4Logistics - Forklift is directly integrated into the forklift; it complements and extends the existing capabilities of stationary UHF RFID systems. Flows of goods are no longer only traceable, but can be actively controlled. The complete mobility enables you to easily and quickly react to changing events.

Intralogistics is the most natural application domain for UHF RFID. And yet every project has its own challenges and pitfalls. At the end of each planning phase, the proof of concept must prove that the system meets the requirements. The Ha-VIS RFID4Logisitcs - Gate2Go supports concept verification. It is a simple and easy way to implement a complete gate application.  

Identifying and tracing products and their components is becoming increasingly important because customers increasingly expect single-item lots or because legal regulations for documentation demand it. A simple yet reliable option that can also be highly automated is needed. Ha-VIS RFID4SMT is the solution that identifies printed circuit boards and the products in which they are installed.

UHF technology and plastic injection-molding machines: do they fit together? Can they handle harsh ambient conditions at high temperatures? Yes, they can! RFID technology from HARTING also works in conditions where others cannot. With Ha-VIS RFID4MoldTracking, we provide a product package neatly tailored to the special requirements for use in injection-molding machines.

UHF RFID is not easily used for railway operations, since there are enormous challenges. There are certain applications that are eminently suitable for UHF RFID: signaling, localiztion and platform detection. Safety is a high priority for each of these. This is reason enough to trust the proven quality of HARTING. Our Ha-VIS RFID4Rail – SLP solution shows you how to use UHF RFID to handle such applications.

HARTING offers a comprehensive portfolio of UHF RFID readers. This includes lightweight, low-cost devices for use in the office or for integration into the machine. As well as high-end readers for the most demanding requirements, hardest loads and challenging applications.

Antennas play a key role in a UHF RFID system. Firstly, its job is to send a constant, interference-free signal into the room as best as possible. Secondly, it must have the greatest possible sensitivity in order to receive the responses from the transponders. HARTING's antenna portfolio covers all transmission ranges and applications, including antennas for special requirements such as high temperature environments.

UHF RFID applications (e.g. in production and transport logistics or medical) require wide-range reading capabilities in the vicinity of liquids and metals. In the chemical industry, however, resistance to acids and alkalis is a necessity. In addition, their use in foundries and similar applications must be trouble-free, even at high ambient temperatures. However different the requirements may be – HARTING has the perfect transponder for your application.

Strong products are only part of the picture. These must also work reliably together. Only when they function well together can they solve your problems and meet your requirements. We have the solutions for your application. Clear HARTING products, optimally matched for each other, for your special applications.

Anyone currently active in the field of plastics injection molding requires more and more different moulds and tools. This creates new challenges for which solutions must be provided. Nobody wants or can afford to waste time searching for the tools they need. Such tools often cost tens of thousands of euros – a considerable investment.

HARTING's Download Center provides you with further documents about our UHF RFID products.