RFID: A Guide to Radio Frequency Identification

V. Daniel Hunt, Albert Puglia and Mike Puglia
Wiley Interscience • 238 pages; $60
ISBN: 978-0-470-10764-5

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is a wireless communication technology that enables users to uniquely identify tagged objects or people. This book provides a broad overview and guide to RFID technology and its application. It is an effort to do the initial “homework” for the reader interested in better understanding RFID tools. It is written to provide an introduction for business leaders, supply chain improvement advocates and technologists to help them adopt RFID tools for their unique applications, and provide the basic information for better understanding RFID. The book describes and addresses the following:

• How RFID works, how it is used and who is using it.

• The history of RFID technology, the current state-of-the-art and where RFID is expected to be taken in the future.

• The role of middleware software to route data between the network and the IT system within an organization.

• The use of RFID technology in both commercial and government applications.

• The role and value of RFID industry standards and the current regulatory compliance environment.

• The issues faced by the public and industry regarding the deployment of RFID technology.

The most important impediments in the development of RFID technology are resolving consumer privacy issues, overcoming the higher costs of developing and deploying RFID technology compared with traditional bar code technology, and technological immaturity and integration with legacy data management systems. Also important is the need for RFID tag and system robustness, the lack of application experience, end-user confusion and skepticism, insufficient training and education on RFID applications, and the scope, utilization and cost of data management tools.

To order this book, contact:
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
One Wiley Drive
Somerset, NJ 08875
(800) 225-5945
www.newnespress.com



Frequency-Domain Characterization of Power Distribution Networks

Istvan Novak and Jason R. Miller
Artech House • 360 pages; $129, £72
ISBN: 978-1-59693-200-5

This book focuses on the frequency domain characterization of power distribution networks. Design approaches and design methodologies of power distribution networks and semiconductor (silicon) power distribution, as well as time domain characteristics are not covered in this book. Power distribution network characterization in electronic systems encompasses many disciplines from control-loop theory to material science, from assembly technology to metrology. Chapter 1 starts with the explanation of why frequency-domain characterization is the focus. The pros and cons of frequency- and time-domain characterizations are summarized. Exceptions are pointed out when time-domain is needed. The modeling approach used in the subsequent chapters is outlined. Chapter 2 is devoted to frequency-domain power-distribution simulations using various approaches, including MATLAB, SPICE and field solvers. Simulations are correlated to measurement results to help the reader understand how the simulation parameters and settings impact accuracy. Chapters 3 and 4 focus on characterizing and modeling vias, via arrays, planes and laminates. Chapters 5, 6 and 7 describe in greater detail proper measurement practices. From selecting the right probe or cable to calibrating an instrument, these chapters cover all aspects of how to make accurate PDN measurements. Chapter 8 is devoted entirely to the characterization and modeling of bypass capacitors, starting with the simplest model and working through various complexity levels to frequency dependent causal models. Chapter 9 focuses on the characterization and modeling of inductors, DC-DC converters and systems.

To order this book, contact:
Artech House
685 Canton St.
Norwood, MA 02062
(781) 769-9750 ext. 4030; or
46 Gillingham St.
London SW1V 1HH, UK
+44 (0) 207-8750