What is RFID and How Does It Work

About Radio-frequency identification technology

About Radio Frequency Identification System

RFID is a short form for “radio-frequency identification” and refers to a technology whereby digital data encoded in RFID tags or smart labels (described below) are captured via the means of a reader through radio waves. RFID is much like barcoding in that data from a tag or label are captured by a device that stores the data in a database.

RFID, however, has many advantages over systems that use barcode asset tracking software. The maximum superb feature is that RFID tag data can be read outside the line-of-sight, whereas barcodes must be aligned with an optical scanner. If you’re thinking about enforcing an RFID solution, take the next step and contact the RFID experts at Hexahash.

HOW DOES RFID WORK?

RFID belongs to a collection of technologies called Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC). AIDC strategies automatically identify objects, gather data about them, and enter those data directly into computer systems with very little human intervention. RFID strategies make use of radio waves to perform this. At an easy level, RFID systems take in three components: an RFID tag or smart label, an RFID reader, and an antenna. RFID tags carry an integrated circuit and an antenna, which are used to transmit data to the RFID reader (also called an interrogator). The reader then converts the radio waves to a better usable form of data. Information gathered from the tags is then transferred through a communications interface to a host computer system, where the data can be stored in a database and analyzed at a later time.

RFID TAGS AND SMART LABELS

As said above, an RFID tag has an integrated circuit and an antenna. The tag is likewise composed of a protective material that holds the pieces together and shields them from numerous environmental conditions. The protective material relies upon the application. For example, the employee ID badges containing RFID tags are commonly made from durable plastic, and the tag is fixed among the layers of plastic. RFID tags are available in lots of sizes and styles and are both passive or lively. Passive tags are the maximum used, as they are smaller and cost less to implement. Passive tags must be high by the RFID reader before they can transmit data. Unlike passive tags, active RFID tags have an onboard power supply (e.g., a battery), thereby enabling them to convey the data at all times.

Smart labels vary from RFID tags in that they include both RFID and barcode technologies. They’re built of an adhesive label embedded with an RFID tag inlay, and they may also quality a barcode and/or other printed information. Smart labels can be encoded and printed on-demand using desktop label printers, whereas programming RFID tags are much time consuming and require more feature equipment.

RFID APPLICATIONS

RFID TECHNOLOGY IS EMPLOYED IN NUMBER OF INDUSTRIES TO PERFORM SUCH TASKS AS:

– Inventory management

– Asset tracking

– Personnel tracking

– Controlling access to restricted areas

– ID Badging

– Supply chain management

– Counterfeit prevention (e.g. in the pharmaceutical & retail industry)

Is RFID a Right Choice?

For example barcodes, RFID may be effective, efficient tracking solutions, relying upon your use. If it’s far crucial which you meet the subsequent requirements, then RFID is probably a very good answer for you:

Capture data without human intervention
Instantly read tags through packing substances or containers
Read masses of tags at once without them being in your direct line of sight
That said, easy data capture isn’t the only consideration when deciding whether to use RFID, which:
Nearly usually requires custom configurations
Requires purchases of extra hardware for proper installation
Is expensive to maintain due to the high prices of RFID tags

Types of RFID Systems

LF RFID

LF RFID typically operate at 125 KHz, but there are some that operate at 134 KHz. LF RFID operate from 30 KHz to 300 KHz

HF RFID

In HF, frequencies range from 3 to 30 MHz. Most HF RFID systems operate at 13.56 MHz with read ranges between 10 cm and 50 m.

UHF RFID

UHF RFID covers the range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz.RAIN RFID Gen2 Starnard uses 860 MHz to 960Mhz which varies region to region

Active RFID

The active RFID systems, tags have their own transmitter and battery power source which operates in a UHF band with a range up to 100 m

UHF RFID Labels

Labels and Inlays consist of an antenna and an IC. Labels have a paper or poly face, so text can be printed on them. Inlays are made without adhesive.

UHF RFID Hard Tags

A hard RFID tag is rigid and thicker, made of a wide variety of materials including polycarbonate, ceramic, ABS, steel, polystyrene, and polypropylene.

Hand-held RFID Readers

Hand-held RFID readers are mobile devices with an RFID reader and antenna built in to read RFID labels and tags in bulk. Both SLED readers and display readers are available.

USB Desktop RFID Reader

The USB RFID readers can read RFID tags and write information to them which is ideal for desktop applications as it is small, compact and easy to use for RFID Mapping

Fixed RFID Reader

This fixed UHF RFID reader is more suitable for enterprise applications and use cases. It is available with single, 2, and 8 port variants, to connect external antennas to it.

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What is RFID and How Does It Work | About RFID