Application Spotlight Standardized, Metal-Mount RFID System

In many industrial RFID applications, it is necessary to mount RFID tags against metal surfaces, which causes interference with most 13.56 MHz based systems, significantly reducing range. To overcome this issue, spacers or standoffs are often used. Now with Balluffs new Metal-Mount Industrial RFID system for the BIS M line, no special adaptation of the tag is required. In fact having metal behind the tag improves the consistency in performance. Regardless of the alloy, the metal-mount tags offer read/write ranges as high as 65 mm when mounted against a metal surface 200 x 200 mm or larger. Not only can these new tags be mounted against metal with improved performance, but the system is also ISO 15693 compliant, offering interoperability between equipment.

Benefits n n n Allow reliable RFID tag mounting on any metal alloy Reduce install costs by eliminating the need for tag standoffs Provide for greater RFID use in palletized manufacturing

Features n n n No reduction in read/write range, regardless of metal alloy Complaint with ISO 15693 for 13.56 MHz Compatible with any bus-based processors in the BIS M line

Metal Pallet Mounting

Metal Tote Or Bin Mounting

Part Number
BIS M-150-02/A BIS M-151-02/A BIS Z-MP-001 BIS M-351-001-S115 BIS M-451-007-001-00-S115

Description
36.5mm x 20 x 6mm Vert. Rod FRAM Tag 36.5mm x 20 x 6mm Horz. Rod FRAM Tag Non-Metal Mounting Plate 40x22mm* 80 x 84.5 x 40mm Read/Write Head 80 x 84.5 x 40mm Self-contained Serial Head 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3

*For mounting to non-metal surfaces, use the BIS Z-MP-001 to maximize range and consistent performance. 4 5

www.balluff.com/M-M
Balluff, Inc. n 8125 Holton Drive Florence, KY 41042 n 1-800-543-8390 n www.balluff.com

PS_036 Standardized, Metal-Mount RFID System 2009-06

The BIS M Metal-Mount RFID system consists of a metal-mount tag and compatible read/write head. The read/write tags are mounted directly on the metal pallet without any additional adaptation to isolate the tag from the metal surface. In the past, if a standard tag was mounted on metal either the read/write distance was reduced considerably or a clearance zone had to be machined out of the pallet to accommodate such an application. With the metal-mount solution, the read/write reliability is maintained at full range while reducing installation design time and cost.

The BIS M Metal-Mount tag is ideal for mounting directly to a metal container or cart, which are used in storage and retrieval applications, and closed-loop logistics systems. The ability to mount to any metal surface allows the greatest flexibility in mounting, without being restricted to specific, non-metallic areas of the tote/bin. The Metal-Mount tags have an added feature that they can be mounted magnetically for temporary use, which is especially beneficial when tote/bin or cart assignments change often. A magnetic strip can be attached to the back of the tag allows for quick and easy transition to a new tote or bin.