RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses radio signals for contactless reading or writing of data from or to an RFID tag attached to an object using a reading device
An RFID system consists of a data storage device (RFID transponder or tag), which comprises an IC and an antenna fitted in a carrier, and an RFID reader/writer, which comprises an antenna and a decoder.
The tags or transponders can be made extremely small and are used to identify goods or objects.
Imagine: Your bare PCB invisibly holds the following information without taking up a single millimetre of space:
Parts list
Revision information
Firmware version
Schematics and layout file information
Documentation link
Date code
Manufacturing facility
Manufacturing process
Type of the end product
Warranty / exchange information
Repair and upgrade history
Customer data
Anti-manipulation-information
.... ihre Idee?.... .... your idea?....
MAGIC-PCB® – The benefits
Space-saving through
Embedding the RFID modules into the PCB or surface mounting
lower necessary space on the PCB (compared to barcode / dot matrix code)
given function even without antenna, that is, there is no space is used on the top or bottom layer of the PCB
communication without line-of-sight connection possible (also sealed-in PCBs)
Cost-saving through
faster data acquisition (very short read time)
simultaneous reading of several tags (> 100 tags/s)
saving a label or a laser marking
Reliable through
reading and writing of data without line-of-sight connection
extended traceability
invisible copy protection bulk reading
Flexible through
reading and writing of data without line-of-sight connection, also: reading through casing and packaging
user memory for flexible use on the RFID module
high writing and reading distances, up to 10 m
Can be used across the globe through
a global standard (EPC Global = EU, US and Japan)
RFID in the SMT
A consortium made up of the companies ASM, Nokia, Murata, Rehm, Zollner, Harting, Kraus, TU Dresden and Beta LAYOUT fulfills a wish that you may have long had: Integration of RFID in the assembly production.
This approach allows added value to be generated during all of the subsequent process phases.
The collaboration of several experts in the pool results in the creation of a flexible and scalable system solution: The whole is more than the sum of its parts. A production line has already been successfully put into operation. The embedded RFID solution (MAGIC-PCB®) from Beta LAYOUT is the basis for the implementation of Industry 4.0.
Since June 2015 our RFID embedding technology is UL-certified. And so it satisfies all demands regarding product safety, which are particularly demanded in the USA and Canada.
Antenna design for embedded chips
The main benefit of the MAGIC-PCB® is that the stored data can be read out and written even without an antenna (for range refer to the document “MAGICSTRAP Application Note”).
Type 3VB: LXMS31ACNA- 011 Size: 1.0 cm x 2.1 cm (2.1 cm2) Range: approx. 3.5 m possible
Type 3HB: LXMS31ACNA- 011 Size: 2.1 cm x 1.0 cm (2.1 cm2) Range: approx. 3.5 m possible
Type 4H: LXMS31ACNA- 012 Size: 4.6 cm x 1.0 cm (4.6 cm2) Range: approx. 5 m possible
Further antenna designs are available in the documents that can be downloaded.
