RFID Tag Shadowing - What is it and How do I Avoid it?
RF interference is typically caused by environmental problems like metal and water. However, Tag Shadowing can be another culprit that is often overlooked. Tag Shadowing is an RFID application setup concern that can cause less than ideal tag read/rates and reduce tag read range unless properly mitigated. Below, we will explain what tag shadowing is, when it happens, and how to mitigate it to deploy a more successful RFID solution.
What is Tag Shadowing?
Tag Shadowing happens when one RFID tag is positioned directly in front of another RFID tag, in close proximity. When tag shadowing happens, the front tag, Tag A, receives the RF energy from the reader, while Tag B is completely overshadowed by Tag A and therefore most likely doesn't receive enough RF energy to turn on, modulate the energy, and send a response back.
Tag Shadowing is always viewed in relation to the RFID system's antenna, meaning that two tags could be one behind the other when viewed horizontally, but because the RFID reader reads them both from a different position, there is less of a chance of tag shadowing. See the Graphics below.
Tag Shadowing occurs most often in Dense Tagging Environments - which means in environments that are closely packed with a large number of RFID tags. To read about Dense RF Environments, checkout the two links below.
UHF RFID Tag Communications: Protocols and Standards
What Type of Applications Experience Dense Tagging Environments & Tag Shadowing?
Most often, RFID Tag Shadowing is experienced in small item inventory applications because the items can be closely packed together, such as:
- File Tracking / Document Management
- Retail Inventory Management
-
Pallet Inventory / Pallet Asset Tracking Applications - for example:
- Shipment Verification
- Order Verification
- Logistics Tracking
- Inventory Management
How do You Mitigate RFID Tag Shadowing?
There are a few different ways to mitigate Tag Shadowing - which one you choose typically depends solely on your application. Below is an example of a pallet and RFID system setup, and below that is how the setup and placement of the tags is causing tag shadowing on a pallet.
Example
Pallet X has 8 RFID Tagged Boxes
If Boxes A & B are taken away, you can see that Boxes E & F are tagged in the same exact spot.
Boxes E, F, G, & H were tagged on the same side to correspond with the RFID reader/antenna's position on that side.
Unfortunately, Boxes E, F, G, & H are most likely not able to be read because of Tag Shadowing.
Mitigation Techniques
Reader/Tag Orientation
One way to fix or prevent tag shadowing is simply to change the tag or antenna’s orientation. Below are a few graphics showing different ways to change a tagged item and/or an RFID antenna's orientation to receive better reads for a pallet of tagged boxes.
Place all tags facing outward - to the left or right, front or back, or even have the top row of tagged items with the tag facing up if an antenna can be mounted from above, or head on.
Reader/Tag Movement
Instead of the reader/antenna system or the tagged items in a fixed position, tag shadowing can be mitigated if there is movement, movement allows the RF energy to originate and propagate from a variety of different angles. Movement could be incorporated a few different ways:
Left Image - Handheld Reader Movement
Move the RFID handheld reader in different directions while reading tags.
Middle Image - Tagged items on Moving Cart/Pallet
Move the tagged items through a read area in order to take advantage of different read angles.
Right Image - Fixed Reader Incorporated in a Pallet Wrapping Station
Allow the pallet wrapping station to turn the pallet to take advantage of different read angles.
Staggered Tag Placement
If the RFID tags are back-to-back, for instance, like files in an RFID file tracking application, tag shadowing can be mitigated by staggering each tag’s placement on the items. Instead of placing each tag in the same exact location on each item, stagger each tag’s position slightly in relation to the position of the RFID tags in front and behind the item - see image below.
Conclusion
Have you had any issues with RFID tag shadowing that you have resolved? Tell us about it in the comments below - we would love to feature your first-hand information! For more information about all things RFID - comment below or contact us.
For more information about mitigating potential problems in an RFID deployment - check the articles and ebook below.
