scope:

The present document provides recommendations to system integrators and installers on good practice for the installation and commissioning of RFID systems operating at UHF at power levels up to 4 W e.r.p. Guidance is given on making best use of the available spectrum as envisaged within the ETSI standard EN 302 208 [i.1]. In addition the present document covers the use of reduced power RFID devices at UHF, such as hand held readers and proximity printers, operating in accordance with EN 300 220 [i.2]. This includes operation in the sub-bands 869,40 - 869,65 MHz at power levels of 500 mW and 869,7 - 870,0 MHz at power levels of 5 mW. In particular the present document considers the practices necessary to minimize interference in situations where multiple interrogators are co-located in close proximity. Failure to take the necessary precautions could lead to degradation in system performance. The present document also endeavours to cover the approaches necessary to ensure that the operational requirements of the end-user are met.

The present document concerns itself with radio matters only. It does not provide any guidance on computer hardware and software that may be used to process the data recovered from tags.

Many of the techniques recommended in the present document have been subject to practical tests in a working distribution centre. However each application is different and the techniques recommended in the present document may not be applicable in all situations.

End users may wish to make use of the present document as a general guide.

 The present document does not cover matters related to Health and Safety. End-users and system integrators should familiarize themselves with the relevant national and international standards.