Container ports are very proactive in investing in the latest technology to ensure they remain efficient and effective in an extremely competitive market.

Utilising state-of-the-art technology demonstrates a commitment to customer care. And, in an industry where time is of the essence, selecting automatic identification, in particular RFID, assists in a fast and effective service.

Integral to their automated systems are over 36 Eureka Decoders each one being housed on an RTG which in turn process data from in excess of 500 311 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Tags. The container yard is laid out in a matrix with rows and columns with each row/column being identified by a Tag. These Tags are buried in the ground along the channel where the RTG's wheels travel.

The Decoder on each RTG is connected via an RS422 serial link to the on-board system in the RTG's "E" House (electrical house) which in turn sends the information received from the EUREKA 311 RFID Tagging System to the main computer room over a Radio Data Link.

The Eureka 311 Tag

Each Eureka 311 Tag operates as a miniature radio frequency read only transponder. It is normally in a quiescent state, but when it comes within range of a radio frequency field produced by the interrogating antenna, it is activated and transmits its data back to the decoder via the antenna. The radio frequency communications, to and from the Tag, utilise low frequency inductive coupling, and can therefore function through most non-conductive materials, allowing Tag operation in very difficult and harsh environments. A long-life lithium battery maintains the Tag's data memory, and provides the small amount of power needed to transmit data from the Tag. Because of this the Tag is referred to as an "Active Transponder".

System Operation

There are over thirty RTG's operating in Trinity container yard, each one fitted with an Antenna under the mesh floor of the checkers cab. To help achieve accurate location information of an RTG, Felixstowe Dock & Rail Company utilise a Eureka 311 Tag. The container yard is laid out in a matrix of rows and columns, and at the start of each row a Eureka 311 Tag is buried in the ground providing a unique ID. This is then used to give an accurate location of the RTG, within the container yard.

Having real-time information on any RTG's movements within the container yard, enables scheduling to be carried out to direct it on a pre-programmed route.

Conclusion

By using Eureka 311 Active Tags to uniquely identify RTG's locations, the loading and unloading of containers with waiting lorries is streamlined and automated.

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