Basics
Radio Frequency Identification Basics
Radio Frequency Identification (commonly known as “RFID”) is an automatic identification (AIDC) technology that uses tags/labels with tiny microchips and an antenna to store data. This digital data is “read” by RFID readers using radio waves. Because the technology is radio frequency-based, non-contact reading is the norm. And, unlike bar codes, line-of-sight is not required. It is one of the few technologies where paint, dirt, grease, packaging, etc. do not interfere with the collection of data.
RFID tags come in a wide range of form factors, from flexible laundry tags to smart labels (pressure sensitive labels with an integrated circuit and antenna incorporated), and from toll tags to those with ruggedized casings for extreme environments.
RFID Advantages
RFID offers specific features not available with other AIDC technologies. Although not all systems offer all features, below are some common features of RFID.
- Permanent identification or read/write capabilities
- Non-contact, non-line-of-sight reading
- Virtual immunity from obscuring paint, dirt, grease, etc.
- Automatic operation
- Wide range of tag options and frequencies
- Read range from several inches to several feet (depending on the system)
- Extremely high data integrity
Components of an RFID System
The basic components of an RFID system are the tag, an antenna, a reader, and a host computer with appropriate application software.
How It Works
Passive RFID tags (which are the most utilized) are “asleep” (do not emit RF signals) until they enter a read zone created by an antenna connected to the RFID tag reader. The size and shape of this zone is dependent on both antenna design and operating frequency. The RF energy field emitted by the reader “wakes up” the tag and supplies it with power to transmit the data to the reader or write data to the tag, if the tag has read/write capability. An active tag which contains a battery and radio circuitry transmits its own signal to the reader instead of relying on the reader for power, giving an active tag a much greater read range. Both types of tags use algorithms to insure the integrity of the data passing between the tag and reader.
The data collected from the tag is then passed from the reader to the host computer, where it is manipulated by the application software.
RFID Applications
RFID systems are currently being used for:
- Animal (livestock and domestic) identification
- Flexible manufacturing (tracking and control)
- Asset identification
- Laundry tracking
- Vehicle Identification/Electronic Toll Collection
- Parking and access control
- Supply chain & logistics tracking
