Networked RFID transponders in automated productionAfter being filled and transported to the distributor and restaurant, how does a beer keg reliably find its way back to the right place in the warehouse? A small transponder makes this possible by supplying the information necessary for perfect storage. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) applications in transport and production logistics are increasingly demanding long read ranges, also in close proximity to liquids and metals. Conventional, foil-based RFID transponders (smart labels) are not suitable here. With the use of MID (Molded Interconnect Devices) technologies, HARTING Mitronics is able to implement three-dimensional antenna structures that, as passive transponders in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) range, attain a read range of over five meters. At the same time, Ethernet connection is becoming increasing important for integration into the industrial environment. The HARTING Industrial Communication and Power Networks (ICPN) division supplies the appropriate infrastructure for networking, including the necessary industrial switches and gateways. ANTENNAS IN 3D-MID Truncated antenna designs with a directional response pattern must be used for passive RFID transponders in the UHF range (868 MHz). Patch antennas, inverted-F antennas and dipole antennas are examples of the antenna principles that can be considered. Each type is arranged directly over a reflector. MANUFACTURING PROCESS Selected thermoplastics have a low loss factor and a dielectric constant of 3, allowing applications at up to 180° C. The thermoplastic injection-molded body receives a laser-structured metal coating as a three-dimensional conductive pattern. The RFID transponder housing is also the circuit carrier, and the RFID chip is contacted by means of the flip chip process. Sealing the housing with ultrasound welding allows IP54 to IP67 protection to be achieved. IN USE The assembled functional samples with various antenna principles show a high degree of correlation with the simulation results. The materials and manufacturing processes used offer a great deal of freedom for design and application requirements. It was possible to verify the function of passive RFID transponders in the UHF range with read ranges of approximately six meters. Field trials in transport logistics also proceeded successfully, and more trials will follow with additional models. CONNECTION TO THE ETHERNET INFRASTRUCTURE Compatibility with the local industrial Ethernet network infrastructure is vitally important for successfully integrating RFID technology into existing networks. This requires an analysis of the use profiles of the corresponding systems and RFID readers in order to facilitate seamless integration within the logistics chain. The first step is to draw up the appropriate profile by looking at the data quantities that arise in the logistics chain and network section, using the cycle time of the reading system. This is conveyed to the logistics systems in the subsequent application in the form of standardized data packets using TCP/IP network protocol. For seamless integration into Ethernet, HARTING can work with reading system manufacturers to offer appropriate infrastructure components. The systems for the particular application can be individually configured by using the standardized UDP protocol. This frees users from cumbersome programming requiring special equipment and proprietary solutions. Instead, users can now work flexibly with the help of a standard Web browser to adjust all system parameters necessary for RFID operation. Existing RS485/422 and RS232 systems are easy to integrate directly by way of the appropriate converter. SUMMARY The utilization of HARTING transponders also opens up a large number of applications in production automation, from process control to defense against counterfeit products in spare parts management. Furthermore, HARTING coordinates the compatibility of the system components in customized projects and provides the active and passive infrastructure up to IP67.