Press Release

Stop RFID Tag Damage Caused to Static Charges

RFID is a method of remotely storing and retrieving data using devices called RFID tags. An RFID tag is a small object, such as an adhesive sticker, that can be attached to or incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain antennae to enable them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID transceiver. The microchip contained in an RFID tag can be damaged by static electricity.

Static charges are commonly found in tag and label printing/production operations anywhere along the path from the feed-roll to the rewind. The charges are generated by the contact and separations of the web material from the unwind roll, and as the material travels over the various rollers and process stations as it runs through the press or converting equipment.

Unfortunately the tiny circuits of the RFID tags may not be robust enough to withstand exposure to static charges. They can experience damage from:
• Direct electrostatic discharge (ESD). When a charged object or individual touches a device, some of the stored energy is transferred or discharged either to the device or through the device to ground. The charge is transferred to the static-sensitive device causing damage or destruction.
• Electro magnetic interference (EMI). This is also referred to as electrical over-stress (EOS) in the electronics industry. It occurs when a device is exposed to a transient energy, or voltage, temporarily overstressing the circuit. The result is either immediate damage, or catastrophic failure of the device, but most often results as a latent failure that ultimately causes the device to fail.

So how do you protect RFID tags from static electricity? SIMCO’s R50 or R51 Blue Bar.

The Blue Bar provides provide relatively balanced ionization. The ionizing balance (equality of positive and negative ions) of the active eliminator is important because the offset voltage differential (usually negative) of some ionizers could cause damage. Balanced ionization will reduce the static charges quickly to levels that are no longer dangerous to the RFID tags, with negligible residual voltage.

In addition to it’s balance, the Blue Bar features super high-output, rugged, shockless static eliminating performance. The static bar is especially useful for high speed applications and is effective at web speeds of 2500 feet per minute or more. The static bar delivers long range static elimination, and can be located up to 6 inches (and sometimes more!) from the target material.

The patented Blue Bar is designed for easy cleaning and offers a mounting channel with full length adjustment. The static bar's high voltage cable is metal shielded, which controls EMI and RFI emissions, eliminating interference with external controls and circuitry.

The Blue Bars are designed to operate with the NEW TrueAC Power Supply, the only self-monitoring AC power supply available for static control equipment. When the system is activated the BAR ON indicator is illuminated to let you know that the system is ready to go. During operation the TrueAC power supply monitors the static bar while also displaying the BAR PERFORMANCE RANGE, and indicates when the static bar needs to be cleaned with the CLEAN BAR indicator light.

For more information on the R50 Blue Bar (permanently attached cable) Click here

For more information on the R51 Blue Bar (removable cable) Click here

For more information on the TrueAC Monitoring Power Supply Click here