ActiveTag radio frequency identification system available from Electro-Com
AXCESS’s ActiveTag radio frequency identification (RFID) system provides automatic vehicle identification (AVI) for parking and vehicle access control applications.
The ActiveTag vehicle access control system provides an AVI solution that combines hands-free, rolling access along with the ability to automatically locate and monitor vehicle movement at long distances.
This flexibility comes from the use of dual frequencies for tag wake-up and data transmission; low frequency (LF) on wake up (132 kHz) and high frequency (HF) for transmission (315 MHz or 433 MHz).
Tag transmission at HF encounters minimal interference and penetrates all materials except metal, enabling reliable tag transmission. This also enables long range tag reads at distances over 35 feet using omni-directional antennas, hence no line of sight required.
Benefits of using the ActiveTag vehicle access control system:
Automatic hands-free operation means no buttons to push or cards to swipe
Long-range identification allows for rolling access
Non-intrusive infrastructure gives aesthetically pleasing installation
Multiple tag types for different installations including rugged, metal mount tags
Eliminates human intervention at entry/exit for authorised vehicles
Current installations of the ActiveTag vehicle access control system:
Residential gated communities
University parking lots
Hospital parking garages
Commercial and corporate parking garages
Distribution yards
The AXCESS vehicle access system provides unique features such as multi-tag read which allows for multiple vehicles to be read simultaneously, and functional linkage which permits decision and control based on tying two or more tag reads together (e.g. vehicle to trailer, driver to vehicle, trailer to cargo, etc)
The AXCESS system can be easily integrated into most systems. Numerous standard communications protocols are currently supported, including serial (RS-232), network (Ethernet TCP/IP) and Wiegand (SIA 26-bit standard). However, the system can easily be adapted to virtually any standard or proprietary communications protocol.
How the system works
The AXCESS ActiveTag system is a wireless RFID tag communications system comprised of activators, activation antennas, receivers and small battery powered radio transponders or tags.
In a typical installation, the tag is awakened by a low frequency (LF) 132 kHz radio activation signal generated by a small radio transmitter, the activator, connected to an antenna located in the pavement, next to the gate, door lock etc. Upon activation, the tag transmits a high frequency (HF) radio signal (either 315 MHz or 433 MHz) containing at a minimum, its preprogrammed ID number that uniquely identifies the source of each transmission.
Receivers convert the tag signals into data and then pass the information on to a host computer or controller running application software. Numerous standard communications protocols are currently supported, including serial (RS-232), network (Ethernet TCP/IP) and Wiegand (SIA 26-bit standard).
However, the system can easily be adapted to virtually any standard or proprietary communications protocol. The receiver also supports user configurable decision logic, relay control and output filtering capabilities.
Vehicle Tag – The standard vehicle tag is a thin profile tag that can be mounted inside the vehicle on the windshield. The interior mount replaceable battery tag and exterior metal mount equipment tag are both designed to operate in rugged environments at extreme temperatures.
All vehicle tags are optimized for high speed reads in vehicle applications such as access control (residential and commercial gates), equipment tracking and fleet management.
Road-Loop Antenna – The road loop antenna is a low frequency activation antenna that connects directly to the activator to provide flexible coverage zones.
The loop transmit element is buried in the floor or pavement and can be adjusted to match each application as well as variety of operational environments. The loop antenna is available in two standard lengths capable of covering single and multi lane configurations.
Activator – The activator is the cornerstone of the ActiveTag control point architecture. The activator is a stand alone transmitter that connects directly to an application specific antenna to provide a low frequency activation signal that awakens tags as they pass through the antenna’s field.
The activator writes its location ID to the tag, which is then re-transmitted, along with the tags unique ID, to provide the tags precise location at the time of activation. By adjusting the power output on the activator, the activation area can be expanded or reduced, thus creating control points from a few feet in diameter to tens of feet across.
Network Receiver – The serial receiver is a network-capable general purpose receiver that detects tag signals, converts them into data and forwards the information to a controller or host application. The IP network receiver adds a LAN interface to the basic serial receiver to provide Ethernet connectivity across the enterprise.
Any number of receivers can be networked throughout multiple facilities to enable enterprise-wide monitoring and tracking of assets, personnel and other.
ActiveTag radio frequency identification system is available from Electro-Com.