Networking course adds RFID module

A Technology Innovation Centre product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 10, 2006

UCE Birmingham's Technology Innovation Centre is the UK's first faculty of its type to incorporate a globally recognised RFID module as part of a computer networks degree course.

UCE Birmingham's Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), is the UK's first faculty of its type to incorporate a globally recognised RFID module as part of a computer networks degree course.

An intensive, five-day, stand-alone study programme in the technology is also offered to external students with relevant qualifications.

The new professional development module is the result of an agreement between TIC and the US-based, global Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

The internationally recognised CompTIA certificate in RFID was introduced into the USA in 2005 as the first professional development qualification in the field.

It is this certification which is now offered by TIC.

The course is being introduced in partnership with the largest US training organisation in the field, California-based RFID4U, and follows CompTIA's authorised quality curriculum (CAQC).

Dermot Reilly, RFID4U's head of training for Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: "TIC has phenomenal facilities, great passion and reach with major industry segments, including automotive, construction and food and drink".

"Companies embracing innovation and emerging technologies need to work with positive dynamic partners like TIC, to share knowledge and best practice, and ensure the benefits of RFID, and associated technologies, are maximised".

RFID is a technology set to steadily pervade our lives.

It will progressively replace the familiar barcodes which have become such a feature of daily life through being used on virtually every product.

RFID will go much further as a means of recognising the identity of the item to which they are attached.

TIC Centre Manager for Electronics and Software, Parmjit Chima, says: "RFID 'chips' are already in use for macro-applications such as pet micro-chips and prisoner tags".

"However, their applications are on the point of taking off throughout industry and commerce".

Items both large and small will carry an individual information chip which can be as small and simple or larger and more complicated as necessary - from trucks to trousers, CDs to steel bars, books to bananas, parcels to passports.

Nothing will be too high or too low in value to be stocked, transported and tracked so that the maker or sender, distributor or recipient can identify what it is and where it is, whenever necessary.

Chima says: "RFID will change the way we live".

"It can be very valuable or potentially intrusive if not used well".

"That is why we need responsible, qualified people educated to use this technology".

Unlike the fixed information on barcodes, RFID chips can be modified during the life of the item to which it is attached.

This control must be in responsible professional hands.

Chima says: "It is valuable to update information on items such as fire extinguishers or cars as they go through their life-cycle and need maintenance".

"RFID also provides control over materials where traceability is crucial such as explosives or poisons and the new certification is an essential aspect of professional development in such fields".

The initial five-day course commences on 13th November 2006 at TIC's Millennium Point campus in central Birmingham.

This will be followed by one per month from January to July 2007.

Through its status as a Pearson Vue test centre announced in Spring 2006, TIC also arranges final, on-site, independent testing as an integral part of the short course for the composite cost of just over GBP 2000.