RFID Standardization

Whereas closed loop systems, such as military or toll reading systems do not necessarily require standards-based approaches, most commercial open loop systems will benefit from standards-based implementation.

RFID standards affect the format and content of tag codes, protocols and frequencies for tags and readers, security procedures and applications.

As a means of promoting widespread adoption, the basic structure of the Electronic Product Code (EPC) is patterned after the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) scheme.  The EPC standard framework consists of 96 bits of information with a unique naming scheme.  The Header, containing 8 bits, defines the number, type and length of all subsequent data.  The EPC Manager, consists of 28 bits, which identifies the originating entity (manufacturer) of the object/item.  The Object Class, containing 24 bits, acts as the tracking mechanism for specific groups such as lot number.  The final frame, the Object Identification Number, consists of 36 bits that uniquely identify the object/item.

The Physical Markup Language (PML), based on XML, is used in the RFID database registration and lookup process represents a new standard language for describing physical objects.

Standards organizations for bar codes have historically been the EAN (http://www.ean-int.org/) and the UCC (http://www.uc-council.org).  Going forward, EPCglobal (http://www.epcglobalinc.org/) will be leading the charge for RFID standardization.

Currently, Walmart is promoting RFID suppliers based on the EPCglobal standards whereas the US Department of Defense (DoD) is supporting efforts based on an alternative ISO specification.  Being that the DoD and Walmart are huge trading partners with a variety of suppliers, it is critical to the long-term success of RFID that they push for standardization.