These RFID tags have a small battery that powers only the microchip. This gives them the advantage of larger, potentially rewritable memories, as well as the ability to run and store information from environmental sensors (among other possible types of sensor). Because of these features, BAP tags are typically used in the ‘cold chain’, that is, ensuring the temperature of products (food, pharmaceuticals or other healthcare products) remains at a constantly low level from the manufacturer to the end user.
Used for
Authentication
Tracking/Tracing
Suitable for
Medium-sized products
Large products
Goes on
Product
Packaging
Can be used for
Physical products
Visibility
Invisible
Reading device needed
Yes
Connection to server
Yes
Description
BAP tags are also known as semi-passive tags because although they have a battery (like active tags), they do not have a transmitter. Instead their signals are activated by a reader (like passive tags). The battery powers the microchip, which allows BAP tags to offer similar additional features to active tags (e.g. environmental sensors and a larger, potentially rewritable memory). They also have a longer read range than passive tags, and can operate a few dozen metres from the reader (but usually no more than 30).
As with active tags, the main disadvantages of BAP tags are their limited battery life and the adverse environmental impact of battery replacement and disposal. However, these disadvantages could be overcome by using solar energy or inertial systems to power the battery, much like solar-powered wristwatches.
Uses
Owing to their larger memory capacity and sensors, BAP tags are often used to record movement of objects and measure external temperature and pressure (in addition to tracking and authenticating).
Implementation
Any changes that may need to be made to the production process to implement this technology will depend on how you decide to attach the BAP tag to the product. If you attach it to the exterior of the finished product, only minor changes will be needed (e.g. adding an attachment process to the end of the production chain). If, however, you decide to embed the BAP into the product – so as to make it less visible and easily accessible (and thus removable or replaceable) – you may need to make significant changes to the production process, although these will depend on your particular product and the mode/place of embedding.
Cost
Implementing a BAP RFID tag system will require initial investments in equipment management systems, readers and changes to the production process. The cost of the tags themselves is around a few euros per tag and depends mainly on the cost of the battery. These costs may be reduced by using small solar-powered rechargeable batteries or inertial systems to charge the batteries.