Qualification Tests of HF RFID Foil Transponders for a Vehicle Guidance System

In the research project "TagDrive" RFID (radio frequency identification) passive transponders with 13.56 MHz operation frequency are used for an AGV (autonomous guided vehicle) and an automobile guidance system. A PMMA (polymethylmetacrylate) casing is developed for transponder protection and fixation on the floor of facility buildings and on roadway surface. To qualify both encasing and RFID system a speed and range test facility is developed to simulate the high vehicle velocity. The facility achieves a relative speed of 28 m/s (100 km/h) between reader unit and transponder. In addition a mechanical stress test facility is constructed to simulate vehicle weight and tire motion over encased transponders fixed on the ground. Finally, speed, range, mechanical, and climatic tests are carried out with existing and new test facilities.