ISO 24631-5:2014

Overview

ISO 24631-5:2014 defines a practical, cost-effective test procedure for verifying the capability of RFID transceivers to read animal identification transponders that comply with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785. This part of the ISO 24631 series focuses on non-synchronising transceivers (no wired or wireless synchronisation and no dual adaptive protocol), describing how manufacturers apply for Registration Authority (RA) approval, how RA-approved test centres perform tests, and how an approval reference number is issued and used.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope: Verifies reading capability for both FDX‑B (full duplex) and HDX (half duplex) ISO transponders; excludes evaluation of synchronised mobile or wired-synchronised transceivers.
• Application & Approval: Manufacturers submit an application form to the RA (ICAR acts as RA); RA maintains a list of approved test centres and issues an approval reference number for conformant transceivers.
• Functional Tests:
  • Readability: transceiver must successfully read 10 HDX and 10 FDX‑B reference transponders without code errors.
  • Code handling: correct display/storage of manufacturer/country code and identification code; clear handling of non-animal codes and invalid manufacturer codes (>999).
  • CRC verification: correct cyclic redundancy check calculation.
• Activation Field:
  • Carrier frequency measurement requirement: within ±0.1% of the nominal 134.2 kHz.
  • Timing requirements: set to allow reading of both FDX‑B and HDX transponders; activation field frequency accuracy is more relaxed than full-feature tests.
• Documentation & Labelling:
  • Test report, photograph, weight, dimensions, serial number included.
  • Non-synchronising transceivers must be labeled and carry a warning to avoid operation within 10 m of any ISO (synchronising) transceiver.
• Test Centre Responsibilities: RA-approved labs keep tested units (under RA ownership), prepare confidential reports, and forward results to the RA.

Applications and Who Uses It

• RFID transceiver manufacturers seeking RA approval and market recognition for devices intended for animal identification (livestock, companion animals, wildlife tagging).
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies that perform ISO 24631-5 testing and report to the RA.
• Regulators, vets, breeders, and livestock integrators who require assurance that readers reliably decode ISO 11784/11785 transponders.
• Use cases: farm management systems, veterinary clinics, animal registries, and supply-chain traceability where cost-effective, non-synchronised RFID readers are adequate.

Related Standards

• ISO 11784 - Code structure for animal RFID transponders
• ISO 11785 - Technical concept (FDX-B, HDX protocols)
• ISO 24631 series (Parts 1–4, 6–7) - conformance and performance evaluation, manufacturer code registration, synchronization and data representation

Keywords: ISO 24631-5:2014, RFID transceivers, animal identification, ISO 11784, ISO 11785, FDX-B, HDX, RA approval, ICAR, conformance testing.