Standardization News

Low frequency radio frequency identification transponders have become a common means of acquiring data at livestock collection points, such as markets, feed yards and packing plants. However, there are currently multiple LF RFID technologies that exist in the marketplace, the LF RFID Half Duplex and the LF RFID Full Duplex technologies. In order to standardize the use of transponders, ASTM International Committee F10 on Livestock, Meat and Poultry Evaluation Systems is currently developing a proposed new standard, WK27546, Test Method for Acquisition Distance of Low Frequency RFID Transponders. The proposed standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F10.20 on Device Performance Criteria.

"The practical application of WK27546 is fairly straightforward," says Bryan Rickard, non-hormone-treated cattle program and process verified programs administrator, Micro Beef Technologies Ltd., and an F10 member. "The proposed standard is designed to measure the distance at which a low frequency RFID transceiver (reader/antenna) successfully interrogates a low frequency RFID transponder (tag)."

According to Rickard, the proposed standard will allow end users to test a set of tags to determine the overall performance prior to placing the LF RFID tag in an animal. This initial test will generate a bench mark that the LF RFID technology end-user can expect in real-world applications.

"We believe that minimum acceptable transponder acquisition distance will improve product consistency, promote better communication between buyers and sellers, and will improve the overall knowledge, satisfaction and acceptance of low frequency RFID technology by users," says Rickard.

Participation in the development of WK27546 from all interested parties, particularly from RFID technology manufacturers, is welcome.

CONTACT Technical Information: Bryan Rickard, Micro Beef Technologies Ltd. • Amarillo, Texas • Phone: 806-372-2369 | ASTM Staff: Kelly Paul • Phone: 610-832-9745 | Upcoming Meeting: April 18-19 • April Committee Week • Phoenix, Ariz.