ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 18046-2
First edition
2011-03-15

Information technology — Radio
frequency identification device
performance test methods —
Part 2:
Test methods for interrogator
performance
Technologies de l'information — Méthodes d'essai des performances
du dispositif d'identification par radiofréquence —
Partie 2: Méthodes d'essai des performances de l'interrogateur




Reference number
ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2011

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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 Terms and definitions .2
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms .2
5 Conditions applicable to the test methods.2
5.1 Number of interrogator to be tested.2
5.2 Test environment.2
5.3 RF environment .3
5.4 Pre-conditioning.3
5.5 Default tolerance .3
5.6 Total measurement uncertainty .3
5.7 Test result reporting.3
5.8 Test communication parameters.3
5.9 Test equipment limits.3
5.10 Human exposure to EMF .3
6 Setup of test equipment for interrogator test.4
6.1 Test apparatus and test circuits for ISO/IEC 18000-3 interrogators .4
6.2 Test apparatus and test circuits for ISO/IEC 18000-6 interrogators .4
6.3 Test apparatus and test circuits for ISO/IEC 18000-7 interrogators .4
7 Functional tests for inductive interrogators as defined in ISO/IEC 18000-2 and
ISO/IEC 18000-3 .6
7.1 Interrogator Sensitivity in Listen Mode (Receiving Mode).6
7.2 Interference rejection (I ).7
Rejection
7.3 Maximum Electromagnetic field exposure (MEexposure).9
7.4 Ratio between field radiated and power consumption.9
7.5 Field strength distribution.10
8 Functional tests for interrogators as defined in ISO/IEC 18000-6.11
8.1 General .11
8.2 Inductive UHF interrogators.11
9 Functional tests for 433,920 MHz propagative interrogators as defined in ISO/IEC 18000-7.12
9.1 Identification electromagnetic field threshold (E ) and frequency tolerance.12
THR Identification
9.2 Reading/Writing electromagnetic field threshold (E ) and frequency tolerance.13
THR Read/Write
9.3 Sensitivity Directivity (S ).15
Directivity
9.4 Interference rejection (I ).17
Rejection
9.5 Maximum operating electromagnetic field (E ) .18
Max Operating
9.6 Survival electromagnetic field (E ) .20
Survival
Bibliography.22

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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees
established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC
technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information
technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting. Publication as
an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 18046-2 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
This first edition of ISO/IEC 18046-2, together with ISO/IEC 18046-1 and ISO/IEC 18046-3, will cancel and
replace ISO/IEC 18046:2006.
ISO/IEC 18046 consists of the following parts, under the general title Information technology — Radio
frequency identification device performance test methods:
⎯ Part 1: Test methods for system performance
⎯ Part 2: Test methods for interrogator performance
⎯ Part 3: Test methods for tag performance
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
Introduction
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has broad applicability to the automatic identification and
data capture (AIDC) industry in item management. As a wireless communication technique based on radio
frequency technology, the applications cover multiple levels of the industrial, commercial and retail supply
chains. These can include
⎯ freight containers,
⎯ returnable transport items (RTI),
⎯ transport units,
⎯ product packaging, and
⎯ product tagging.
Performance tests define test methods that deliver results that allow the comparison of different RFID
systems, interrogator and tags in order to select among them for use in a particular application.
The performance characteristics of devices (tags and interrogation equipment) can vary drastically due to
application factors as well as the particular RFID air interface (frequency, modulation, protocol, etc.) being
supported. Of key concern is the matching of the various performance characteristics to the user application.
Additionally, in an open environment, users of such technology demand multiple sources for these devices
from technology providers. A key challenge is a method of evaluating the differences between various
technology providers' products in a consistent and equitable manner.
This part of ISO/IEC 18046 provides a framework for meeting the above noted concern and challenges. To
this end, clear definitions of performance as related to user application of RFID technology in the supply chain
are provided. Based on such application-based definitions, test methods are defined with attention to the test
parameters required for a consistent evaluation of RFID devices.
Of particular significance, these tests are defined for RFID devices having one antenna. It is common practice
to have products with both single and multiple antennas to define an RFID transaction zone sufficient for the
application. The defined test methods used are for a single antenna, but can equivalently be extended to
equipment with multiple antennas, in order to evaluate performance under conditions more closely matching
those of a particular application. However care must be exercised in multiple-antenna measurement since
multiple antennas can cause antenna-to-antenna interactions, physical packaging limitations, mutual coupling
issues, shadowing issues, directivity issues and other impacts, even with respect to interrogators since these
can be limited in size, shape, and mounting method for many RFID applications.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)

Information technology — Radio frequency identification device
performance test methods —
Part 2:
Test methods for interrogator performance
1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC 18046 defines test methods for performance characteristics of RFID interrogators for item
management, and specifies the general requirements and test requirements for interrogators which are
applicable to the selection of the devices for an application. The summary of the test reports form a unified tag
datasheet. It does not apply to testing in relation to regulatory or similar requirements.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 18000-2, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Part 2:
Parameters for air interface communications below 135 kHz
ISO/IEC 18000-3, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Part 3:
Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
ISO/IEC 18000-6, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Part 6:
Parameters for air interface communications at 860 MHz to 960 MHz
ISO/IEC 18000-7, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Part 7:
Parameters for active air interface communications at 433 MHz
ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts), Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC)
techniques — Harmonized vocabulary
ETSI EN 300 330-1, Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Short Range Devices
(SRD); Radio equipment in the frequency range 9 kHz to 25 MHz and inductive loop systems in the frequency
range 9 kHz to 30 MHz — Part 1: Technical characteristics and test methods
ETSI EN 300 330-2, Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Short Range Devices
(SRD); Radio equipment in the frequency range 9 kHz to 25 MHz and inductive loop systems in the frequency
range 9 kHz to 30 MHz — Part 2: Harmonized EN covering the essential requirements of article 3.2 of the
R&TTE Directive
47CFR15, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47—Telecommunications, Chapter I—Federal Communications
Commission — Part 15: Radio frequency devices, http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/rules/
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts) apply.
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
H  identification magnetic field threshold
THR Identification
H  reading magnetic field threshold
THR Read
H  writing magnetic field threshold
THR Write
H maximum operating magnetic field
max
H survival magnetic field
Survival
Lm Load Modulation
E  identification electromagnetic field threshold
THR Identification
E  reading electromagnetic field threshold
THR Read
E  writing electromagnetic field threshold
THR Write
S sensitivity degradation
Degradation
E maximum operating electromagnetic field
max
E survival electromagnetic field
Survival
DUT device under test
I interference rejection
Rejection
G antenna gain
D Distance between the tag and the antenna
MPE Maximum Permissible human Exposure
SAR Specific Absorption Rate
5 Conditions applicable to the test methods
5.1 Number of interrogator to be tested
Unless otherwise specified, testing shall be performed on 5 randomly chosen interrogators among a
population of 20 functional interrogators.
5.2 Test environment
Unless otherwise specified, testing shall take place in air environment of temperature 23 °C ± 3 °C
(73 °F ± 5 °F) and of relative humidity within the range of 40 % to 60 %.
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
5.3 RF environment
The tests shall be performed in a known RF environment.
For measurements of propagative UHF interrogators (ISO/IEC 18000-6, ISO/IEC 18000-7) an anechoic
chamber is the recommended test environment.
For measurement of inductive interrogators a typical laboratory environment is sufficient, where consideration
is given to minimize the impact of electromagnetic sources that may influence the results.
5.4 Pre-conditioning
Where pre-conditioning is required by the test method, the identification interrogators to be tested shall be
conditioned to the test environment for a period of 24 hours before testing.
5.5 Default tolerance
Unless otherwise specified, a default tolerance of ± 5 % shall be applied to the quantity values given to specify
the characteristics of the test equipment (e.g. linear dimensions) and the test method procedures (e.g. test
equipment adjustments).
5.6 Total measurement uncertainty
The total measurement uncertainty for each quantity determined by these test methods shall be stated in the
test report.
NOTE Basic information is given in ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
5.7 Test result reporting
Each test result shall be reported with the number of samples, minimum value, maximum value, mean value
and standard deviation.
For measurement curves additionally to the curves on minimum value, maximum value, mean value and
standard deviation, the individual curves of 5 randomly selected measured devices shall be shown in a figure
as well.
5.8 Test communication parameters
All the tests can be done for various communication parameters (forward and return link). The test conditions
shall be recorded in the test report.
5.9 Test equipment limits
Test equipment for survivability field maximum level shall be able to handle the maximum level declared by
the product vendor. It shall be ensured that the test equipment is not limiting the performance measurement.
5.10 Human exposure to EMF
High magnetic or electromagnetic field strength may exceed the limits of maximum permissible human
exposure to EMF, which should be considered accordingly. FCC guidelines for MPE and SAR or
EC 1999/519/CE are examples for relevant documents.
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
6 Setup of test equipment for interrogator test
6.1 Test apparatus and test circuits for ISO/IEC 18000-3 interrogators
The specification for ISO/IEC 18000-3 tags and interrogators specifies an operating frequency of
13,56 MHz ± 7 kHz. Since both the interrogator and the tag may be shifted by 516ppm and potentially in
opposite directions, the interrogator must function with a tag simulator that may be ±1032ppm (14 kHz)
relative to the nominal centre frequency of the interrogator under test.
This frequency adjustment will be made using only the tag simulator's signal source since there may be no
convenient way to adjust the frequency of the interrogator being evaluated. The relative Interrogator to Tag
frequency shift is still achieved using this method.
For convenience in setting up the signal source in the tag simulator, use a low carrier frequency at
13,546 MHz, a nominal centre frequency at 13,560 MHz, and a high carrier frequency at 13,574 MHz for all
frequency offset tests.
The set up of all test equipment shall be in an anechoic chamber or some other fully characterized and
controlled location that is free from interference sources and propagation influences, such as significant signal
reflections, absorptions, or blockages.
Unless otherwise specified, all the tests should be run using a known reference antenna attached to the tag
simulator.
The tag simulator used for these test shall be able to receive interrogator commands and transmit tags replies
compliant with ISO/IEC 18000-3. The command decoder must provide a signal to trigger a properly timed
response from the code generator so that the entire assembly acts as a tag simulator.
The output of the decoder in the tag simulator is also connected to a computer and appropriate monitoring
software so that it can display the tag commands as received from the interrogator being tested in order to
confirm that it is sending correct commands.
The timing of the interrogator's transmitted signal and modulation can be monitored using the output of the tag
simulator's receiver attached to a storage scope that has sufficient memory depth to allow the capture of
complete interrogator/tag transactions.
The interrogator is connected to a control and monitoring computer that allows issuing of wakeup and
command transmissions. This software should also provide display of decoded data received by the
interrogator to confirm that it is able to properly decode and output received tag responses.
Unless otherwise specified, the recommended test distance between the interrogator's location and the
reference antenna attached to the tag simulator should be 75 % of the maximum working distance which can
be obtained with the interrogator under test and the tag simulator.
6.2 Test apparatus and test circuits for ISO/IEC 18000-6 interrogators
The test apparatus and test circuits for ISO/IEC 18000-6 interrogator tests will be the subject of future work
and are not covered in this international standard.
6.3 Test apparatus and test circuits for ISO/IEC 18000-7 interrogators
The specification for ISO/IEC 18000-7 tags and interrogators specifies an operating frequency of
433,920 MHz (±20ppm), which is approximately ±8,7 kHz. Since both the interrogator and the tag may be
shifted by 20ppm and potentially in opposite directions, the interrogator must function with a tag simulator that
may be ±40ppm (approximately 17,4 kHz) relative to the nominal centre frequency of the interrogator under
test.
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
This frequency adjustment will be made using only the tag simulator's signal source since there may be no
convenient way to adjust the frequency of the interrogator being evaluated. The relative Interrogator to Tag
frequency shift is still achieved using this method.
For convenience in setting up the signal source in the tag simulator, use a low carrier frequency at
433,900 MHz, a nominal centre frequency at 433,920 MHz, and a high carrier frequency at 433,940 MHz for
all frequency offset tests.
The set up of all test equipment shall be in an anechoic chamber or some other fully characterized and
controlled location that is free from interference sources and propagation influences, such as significant signal
reflections, absorptions, or blockages.
Unless otherwise specified, all the tests should be run using a known reference antenna attached to the tag
simulator through a splitter/combiner of a known loss as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 — Test Setup for ISO/IEC 18000-7 Interrogator Measurements
A second reference antenna is located in the place of the interrogator at its test location and shall be
connected to a spectrum analyzer at the beginning of testing with the tag simulator's signal source set to
0 dBm output to establish the field strength at the test site where the interrogator will be placed.
Calculation of field strength is as follows:
field strength = 107 + (PR + AF + |LC|)
Where 107 is dB above 1uV at 0dBm, PR = power received on the spectrum analyzer, AF = antenna factor of
the reference antenna, and |LC| = loss of cable in dB (absolute value).
Example: PR = -35 dBm, AF = 22dB, LC = |-1,2dB|
FS = 107 + (-35 + 22 + 1,2) = 107 + (-11,8) = 95,2dBuV/m
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
The field strength at 0 dBm reference level shall be used during interrogator sensitivity testing.
The tag simulator used for these test consists of an ISO/IEC 18000-7 compliant code generator, an FSK
modulated 433,920 MHz signal source, an FSK 433,920 MHz receiver, and an ISO/IEC 18000-7 compliant
decoder. The decoder must provide a signal to trigger a properly timed response from the code generator so
that the entire assembly acts as a tag simulator.
The step attenuator shown in the diagram allows adjustment over a 100 dB range in 1 dB steps. The 100 dB
of output level change can be adjusted solely using the step attenuator or, as a practical matter, using the
level setting capabilities of both the attenuator and the FSK signal source.
The output of the decoder in the tag simulator is also connected to a computer and appropriate monitoring
software so that it can display the tag commands as received from the interrogator being tested in order to
confirm that it is sending correct commands.
The timing of the interrogator's transmitted signal and modulation can be monitored using the output of the tag
simulator's FSK receiver attached to a storage scope that has sufficient memory depth to allow the capture of
complete interrogator/tag transactions.
The interrogator is connected to a control and monitoring computer that allows issuing of wakeup and
command transmissions. This software should also provide display of decoded data received by the
interrogator to confirm that it is able to properly decode and output received tag responses.
Unless otherwise specified, the recommended test distance between the interrogator's location and the
reference antenna attached to the tag simulator should be 2 meters, minimum, with 3 meters preferred. This
will provide sufficient distance to ensure Far Field conditions at the interrogator's location yet not require use
of a test site exceeding practical dimensions. A 3 meter test distance is recommended since this is a common
regulatory test distance and is also a distance at which many reference antennas have been calibrated for
Antenna Factor. This distance also meets the Far Field criteria at a frequency of 433,920 MHz.
7 Functional tests for inductive interrogators as defined in ISO/IEC 18000-2 and
ISO/IEC 18000-3
7.1 Interrogator Sensitivity in Listen Mode (Receiving Mode)
7.1.1 Purpose
This test determines the minimum level of modulated carrier at the antenna of the interrogator that can be
detected by its receiver.
7.1.2 Test procedure
The Load modulation of the tag simulator is set to the nominal level: 0
The tag simulator is positioned on the axis of the interrogator's antenna. The distance between the tag
simulator and the interrogator's antenna (D) is equal to 75 % of the E distance.
THR identification
Then, the Load modulation is increased from 0 to the level where the interrogator starts to recognize the
identification data from the tag simulator.
7.1.3 Test Report
The test report shall give the measured minimum Load modulation Lm interrogator. All parameters shall be
recorded according to the example in Table 1
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
Table 1 — Parameters recorded for Sensitivity measurement
Test: Interrogator Sensitivity in Listen Mode (Receiving mode)
Temperature: Humidity:
Interrogator Type: Interrogator ID:
Air Interface Protocol between Interrogator and tag:
Test Results
Lm Minimum xx,xx

7.2 Interference rejection (I )
Rejection
7.2.1 Purpose
This test determines the interference rejection ability of the interrogator.
This test determines the minimum distances between two identical interrogators (same devices) at which the
DUT can read the tag without disturbances.
7.2.2 Test procedure
The waveform generator shall be set to the required operating frequency of 125 kHz or 134,2 kHz or
13,56 MHz respectively for ISO/IEC 18000-2 or ISO/IEC 18000-3 and the waveform generator amplitude shall
be set to a value below the identification magnetic field threshold. This amplitude is typically zero.
The tag simulator is positioned on the axis of the interrogator's antenna. The distance between the tag
simulator and the interrogator's antenna (D) is equal to 75 % of the E distance.
THR identification
A second interrogator (identical to the DUT) is positioned near the DUT. The test covers two positions: Face to
face and side by side.
The test configurations are shown on Figure 2.
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ISO/IEC 18046-2:2011(E)
Side by side
configuration
Tag simulator
nd
2 interrogator D1 DUT
Face to face
configuration
Tag simulator
D2
nd
2 interrogator DUT

Figure 2 — Test configurations
The dialog between the DUT and the tag simulator is monitored.
nd
The 2 interrogator is moved to the DUT up to errors detected in the dialog between the DUT and the tag
simulator.
The dialog must be alternatively read commands and write commands from the DUT to the Tag simulator.
7.2.3 Test report
The test report shall give the measured minimum distance between the two identical interrogators. All
parameters shall be recorded according to the example in Table 2.
Table 2 — Parameters recorded for Interference rejection distance
Test: Interrogator Sensitivity in Listen Mode (Receiving mode)
Temperature: Humidity:
Interrogator Type: Interrogator ID:
Air Interface Protocol between Interrogator and tag:
Test
...