Hi Robert, The answer to your question is yes, RFID can be used throughout the entire assembly process, not only for PCBAs, and in some applications it offers significant benefits over traditional barcode technology. For PCB identification, RFID can be a good alternative because of their durability, reliability and flexibility. In some applications even high temperature barcode labels cannot survive the harsh environment. RFID also enable higher levels of automation because RF tags and reader antennas can be packaged in various shapes and sizes and because the read/write process does not require a direct line of sight like barcode technology. RF tags on PCBAs can be very cost-effective if they are used in a closed-loop environment, by means of a temporary attachment to the board. This enables automatic data acquisition throughout your operations and this data can be linked to a unique serial number before the product is shipped to your customer. You get all the benefits of RFID without the cost. In general, permanent RF tags are only viable for high cost and high reliability PCBAs that require complete traceability and where barcode labels are not suitable. Do not hesitate to contact me offline if you would like to discuss the details of your specific application. Best Regards, Francois Monette Cogiscan Inc. Tel : 450-534-2644 Fax : 450-534-0092 [log in to unmask] www.cogiscan.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2004 10:50:30 -0600 From: Bob Donaldson <[log in to unmask]> Subject: RF ID Tags for Electronic assemblies We are a Contract assembler and we have a customer who is looking at using RF Tags to identify their electronic assemblies instead of labels. Does anyone have any experience with this type of technology for use on Electronic Board asseblies? Can they be used throughout the entire assembly process? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob D. --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 -----------------------------------------------------