RFID sensor technology combines contactless identification using radio technology with the recording of physical measurements by integrated sensors. This combination not only enables objects to be uniquely identified, but also allows status or process data such as temperature, pressure, humidity or binary switching states to be transmitted simultaneously. This opens up a wide range of industrial applications, especially where wired sensor technology reaches its technical or economic limits.
The technology differs in two basic forms: passive sensor transponders, which draw their energy entirely from the electromagnetic field of a reader, and semi-passive transponders, which have their own energy source. While passive systems are particularly compact and low-maintenance, semi-passive variants enable continuous data acquisition even outside the reading range, higher measuring frequencies and the integration of additional functions such as real-time clocks or long-term memory.
RFID sensor technology can be operated in different frequency ranges: LF (120–134 kHz) is robust against metal and liquids, HF (13.56 MHz) offers a good balance between range and interference immunity, while UHF (840–960 MHz) allows longer ranges and bulk detection, but is more sensitive to environmental conditions. SAW technology plays a special role, enabling high-temperature-resistant and extremely fast in-situ measurements with passive acoustic sensors – for example, in rotating tools.
Typical applications range from temperature monitoring in rollers and agitators to leak testing in the automotive industry and process control in vacuum chambers or logistics systems. RFID sensor technology makes particular economic sense where measuring points are difficult to access, cabling is complex or risky, or decentralised data acquisition is required. The return on investment is usually achieved through reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs and greater process reliability.
The white paper ‘RFID & Sensor Technology’ from AIM-D e.V. provides a comprehensive overview of technologies, application cases, technical fundamentals and economic evaluation, and can serve as a practical decision-making aid for companies wishing to implement wireless sensor data acquisition.
Download link for the German white paper:
AIM-D white paper ‘RFID & Sensor Technology’ – download PDF
Download link for the German article
‘RFID sensor technology as a key technology for Industry 4.0’ in PDF flip format
