The Kathrein Test and Application Center

SIGMA: You talk about a "virtual proof of concept". Can you explain how this works and what advantages it offers?

Michael Kaiser:
A virtual proof of concept enables us to simulate RFID implementations before physical tests take place. With the help of simulation tools, we can make statements about feasibility and possible challenges at an early stage of the project. This saves time and costs, as many potential problems are identified before investments are made in hardware.

Why tests outside of productive operation make sense

SIGMA: Why is it advantageous for companies to carry out tests outside their usual processes and production environments?

Michael Kaiser:
In a production environment, it can be difficult to test new technologies under controlled conditions. Production and logistics must often not be hindered in the ongoing process. Our test center offers an isolated environment in which customers can run through various scenarios risk-free without disrupting ongoing operations. It also allows the test conditions to be adapted quickly in order to try out different variants.
 

Project implementation together with SIGMA

SIGMA: You mentioned that customers can test use cases together with KATHREIN and SIGMA. How does such a collaboration typically work?

Michael Kaiser:
We work closely with our partners and customers to tailor test series optimally to the respective requirements. The process typically begins with an analysis of the specific requirements. Various hardware setups are then run through and, at the end, customers receive detailed evaluations and recommendations for their implementation. With these results, our integrators such as SIGMA create successful project implementations.
 

SIGMA: How do SIGMA Chemnitz and Kathrein Solutions benefit from a partnership in the field of RFID test series? What synergies arise here?

Michael Kaiser:
The combination of SIGMA's integration expertise and our RFID hardware enables a practical and well-founded evaluation of potential RFID projects. Companies benefit from the fact that both hardware and software tests can be carried out at an early stage to ensure the smoothest possible implementation.

Successful use cases & international rollouts

SIGMA: Finally, is there a specific use case or customer project that demonstrates the benefits of a prior RFID test in the application center in a particularly impressive way?

Michael Kaiser:
The application was simulated in advance by SIGMA as part of a project in which over 300 objects from an electronics manufacturer for lighting were to be recorded simultaneously in an RFID gate. The passages were specifically adapted using suitable antenna configurations and optimized filter algorithms to ensure reliable and high-performance detection.

The project has already been successfully rolled out at several European locations. Implementation in Canada and the USA is planned for the next phase.

As different frequency ranges are used for UHF RFID in North America (FCC region) than in Europe (ETSI region), further tests are required at the KATHREIN test center. These serve to ensure the application under the local technical conditions. This ensures that smooth commissioning without unforeseen challenges is also possible for international rollouts.
 

We would like to thank Michael Kaiser for the interview. If you as a company are interested in testing and optimizing your RFID use cases in advance, both Kathrein Solutions and SIGMA Chemnitz are available as competent partners!