Development, function and test of a static test bench for UHF-RFID ear tags

Abstract

Ultra-high-frequency radio frequency identification systems (UHF-RFID systems) offer multiple application possibilities for animal identification. In a present joint project, UHF transponder ear tags and readers are currently being developed especially for use with cattle and pigs. An automatic test bench was developed for measuring the detection area and signal strength of various transponders, the aim being to enable with this test bench comparison of different types of UHF-transponder ear tags in different orientations to reader antennas. Described in this paper is the constructional development and functionality of the test bench as well as trials to determine reproducibility, influence of two trial parameters and suitability of the test bench for the required purpose. The results demonstrate that the test bench fulfilled all the stipulated requirements and enabled a preliminary selection of suitable types of UHF ear tags for use in practice.