Amsterdam (The Netherlands), September 6, 2018 – Smartrac is further extending its Animal ID portfolio by launching its new Cattle Ear Tag. The RAIN product comprises a chip module that is inductively coupled to an advanced RFID antenna design, which ensures outstanding ruggedness in demanding applications. Its UHF-based technology allows reading of multiple tags simultaneously, at high speed and at distances of up to five meters/15 feet.

For livestock tagging, LF has been the standard frequency for many years. However, that standard nowadays presents some limitations relevant to the livestock industry, such as restricted read range and signal collision that prevents multiple tag reading. Smartrac’s new Cattle Ear Tag effectively overcomes these limitations as its RAIN technology enables multiple tags to be read simultaneously, more quickly and at much greater distances than existing LF RFID tags. The typical read distance under practical conditions (tag applied to cattle ear, outer antenna functional) is approximately five meters/15 feet. This extended read range and speed significantly reduce operator risk and increase speed of handling and data collection throughout the entire supply chain.

Superior resistance to harsh environmental impacts

Smartrac’s Cattle Ear Tag is a GS1 UHF Gen2-compliant transponder comprising a chip module that is inductively coupled to an embroidered RFID antenna. Compared to traditional etched antennas, Smartrac’s wire-made embroidered antenna offers more resistance against fractures or disruption in the antenna structure. The embroidered antenna wire is affixed to the carrier material – namely thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foil – using the state-of-the-art “Tailored Wire Placement” technique.

The antenna is not directly bonded but inductively coupled to the chip loop, which itself has a tiny inner antenna within its encapsulation. The absence of any intermetallic connection between chip loop and antenna also contributes to the tag’s ruggedness. If the outer antenna is damaged by brute force, the tag can still be read at short distances using the inner antenna’s basic transmission capabilities.

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Source: Smartrac Launches Cattle Ear Tag – a High-Performance RAIN Product for Animal Identification