The 3M Dynatel RFID Marker Location System includes hand-held 3M Dynatel 2200M Series tag locators, which 3M said are compatible with standard GPS data collection devices. The idea is that companies can enable real-time mapping of RFID tagged products for underground assets and resources, such as telecommunications and CATV facilities, as well as natural gas, electric power and water utilities. It also could provide cable and pipe location and fault location, 3M said.
Traditional underground RFID tags do not store or convey ID data. 3M launched intelligent RFID tags for underground applications about five years ago, but its latest products are able to relay a unique ID number, as well as data, about buried assets. The company claims this is an industry first.
Designed for near surface and deeply buried applications, the system uses new technology with a custom chip inside that may be programmed in the field to store data about each RFID-tagged asset underground, said 3M marketing manager Corey Willson. Markers are located by means of a utility-specific radio frequency signal and respond to the locator with details, including a unique identification number as well as unique feature attributes that provide positive identification of the underground facility, he said.
Unlike conventional tags, these can differentiate every RFID-tagged underground feature, including distinguishing between the facilities of competitors having adjacent RFID tags tuned to the same frequency, said the company.
