Column Control DTX

89601B/BN-BHC RFID Modulation Analysis, 89600B Vector Signal Analysis Software

Technical Overviews

Technical Overview

Key Features

- Compatible with RFID standards, including EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2, and many NFC standards

- Analyze forward (interrogator) and return (tag) bursts

- Make important time-domain measurements

- Decode and analyze burst frame structure elements

- Advanced troubleshooting tools offer detailed look at signal behavior

RFID Modulation Analysis

Option BHC provides powerful measurements and displays designed to help you thoroughly understand your RFID signal. With detailed format-specific summary results, demodulation down to the bit level, versatile time and frequency analysis tools, and easy measurement setup tools, Option BHC offers insight into a wide range of RFID formats.

The RFID modulation formats covered by Option BHC are just some of over 70 signal standards and modulation types for which the 89600B vector signal analysis (VSA) software creates a window into what’s happening inside your complex wireless devices.

The 89600B tools provide views of virtually every facet of a problem, helping you see the “why?” behind signal problems. Whether you’re working with emerging or established standards, Keysight’s industry-leading 89600B VSA software helps you see through the complexity.

RFID overview

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless technology used for tracking placement or movement of objects as in, for example, inventory tracking. Applications vary from security access to buildings to tracking animals, automation of toll collections, and tracking goods in supply chain management.

Typically, inventory is tracked by attaching a passive “tag” device. In the EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 standard, for example, the tag must be extremely small and cheap, and typically cannot require any power source other than what can be received from RF transmissions.

The “interrogator” or “reader” that talks to the RFID device typically alternates between a modulated signal (to communicate with the RFID device) and an unmodulated CW signal (to provide power so that the RFID device can respond).

There are multiple incompatible standards for RFID, but over time they appear to be slowly converging. The EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 standard is an example of this.

Near Field Communication (NFC), uses RFID technology as defined in ISO 18092, including some compatibility with ISO 14443 standards. NFC is expected to be implemented in mobile phones for bill payment, security ID card, or coupon ticket services.

Analysis and Troubleshooting

Verify your signal performance using versatile time and frequency domain measurements

Start your characterization with a detailed understanding of your signal’s time and frequency behavior. Option BHC offers simultaneous time, spectrum, occupied bandwidth, and statistical measurements, such as CCDF, plus innovative displays such as spectrogram, digital persistence, and cumulative history.

Examine your entire RFID signal with simultaneous burst and CW analysis

The 89600B software automatically identifies burst locations and displays them to you using “arrows” pointing downward for forward (interrogator) bursts and upward for return (tag) bursts.

As you move from one burst to another, the analyzer determines the direction of the burst and automatically applies the modulation format and encoding parameters defined. Detailed CW and burst time, modulation, power and error parameters are available in multiple tables.

Use sophisticated advanced troubleshooting tools to uncover structure and coding errors

Both demodulated and raw demodulated bits detected prior to applying coding are available. Option BHC can synchronize on standard search words, such as a preamble, frame sync, or other. For greater flexibility, you can also search on a manually entered sync word.

Analyze a wide range of standards, modulation formats, and line coding

RFID standards vary widely and use many modulation formats and line coding. Option BHC is flexible enough to handle multiple standards, including EPCGen2, NFC formats 14443 Type A or B, and ISO 15693. Choose setup presets and adjust required parameters.

Save and recall signals for more effective troubleshooting

The 89600B VSA includes signal capture and playback capabilities. Use it to capture burst and transient signals for analysis. Use tools like overlap processing for detailed “slow motion” analysis and the spectrogram and cumulative history traces for evaluating your signal’s dynamic frequency and amplitude behavior over time. A player window provides detailed access to the recording, or you can use the stop/play buttons on the main toolbar.

×

Please have a salesperson contact me.

*Indicates required field

Preferred method of communication? *Required Field
Preferred method of communication? Change email?
Preferred method of communication?

By clicking the button, you are providing Keysight with your personal data. See the Keysight Privacy Statement for information on how we use this data.

Thank you.

A sales representative will contact you soon.

Column Control DTX