Trolley Scan has crossed another major technical hurdle in the development of long range, efficent, low cost, passive RFID systems with the announcement that it has developed new materials that allow volume production of transponders that need just 200 µW of RF energy to operate. According to the company this represents a 42% improvement in the sensitivity of transponders supplied by Trolley Scan in the past.
Says Trolley Scan managing director, Mike Marsh, "Improving transponder sensitivity is like improving fuel consumption for a car - you can never have enough. Every time the sensitivity improves, it means that the transmitted power of the reader can be further reduced needing smaller transmitters to do the same job with longer battery life - or, the operating range of the transponder system increases. The new production transponders can be read 8 m from a reader radiating just 300 mW of power, similar to the power radiated from a cellphone. In addition, due to the miniscule amount of power needed to operate the transponder, polarisation becomes less important and transponders can be read on almost any orientation even with linear polarised antennas. The 8 m range is achievable even if the transponder is attached to metal."
In 1994 a state-of-the-art transponder used in the original Supertag version developed by a team led by Mike Marsh, and shown to the world with a shopping trolley of 38 items being scanned at the Pick 'n Pay hypermarket in Pretoria, needed 6000 µW of RF power to operate. In 2001 Trolley Scan started delivering 1000 µW versions with its evaluation systems. In December 2003, it delivered 350 µW credit card-sized versions, a major technical achievement as the previous systems all needed 160 mm dipoles while the credit card sized version was only 80 mm long. Now, the norm with the latest developments is 200 µW in a credit card-sized version. Also, the transmitter power needed now is only 3% of that needed for the original system.
From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword Technews Publishing
News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.
Read more...Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.
Read more...Avnet Abacus announced new president Avnet Abacus
News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.
Read more...Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.
Read more...Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.
Read more...Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025 Specialised Exhibitions
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.
Read more...Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.