Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

How does it work?

Most RFID tags contain at least 2 parts - the integrated circuit and the antennae. The integrated circuit is used for storing and processing information and modulating and demodulating a radio signal. The antennae is used for the broadcasting or recieving of the signal.

There are 3 types of RFID tags, the active, semi-passive and passive RFID tag.

Active and Semi-passive tags:
These tags use internal batteries to power their circuits, and to broadcast radiowaves to a receiver. On the other hand, a semi-passive RFID tag relies on the reader as its source of power for broadcasting. These tags can broadcast frequencies from 850-950 Mhz and can be read 100 feet away.

Passive tags:
These tags rely entirely on the reader for their power source, they can be read up to 20 feet away.

“There are three storage types: read-write, read-only and WORM (write once, read many). A read-write tag's data can be added to or overwritten. Read-only tags cannot be added to or overwritten -- they contain only the data that is stored in them when they were made. WORM tags can have additional data (like another serial number) added once, but they cannot be overwritten”.

Top suppliers of RFID tags:

· UPM Raflatac - Top manufactures high frequency RFID tags. top 3 in ultra high frequency

· Alien Tech - Top manufactures ultra high frequency RFID tags

· Tagsys - top 2 manufacturer in high frequency tags category

· Texas Instruments - top 3 manufacturer in high frequency tags category

· Avery Dennison - top 2 in ultra high frequency category.

RFID uses

RFIDs are used to track or identify a product animal or person by the use of radio waves.
In the past, barcodes were used for the same purpose but it has various disadvantages. First, every barcode on every product needs to be scanned by a company in order to keep track with its inventory. Second, when a consumer checkouts a product, the barcode needs to be scanned again. Third, the barcode is a read-only technology, it cannot send out information.
RFID tags are an improvement over barcodes because the tags have read and write capabilities. This technology offers a better way to trach merchendise for stocking and other purposes because, through RFID, stores can quickly see which products leave the shelves and whats not being bought.
In addition, RFIDs have been used for transportation purposes like the e-pass cards in the Philippines and subwaypases in other countries. This is because RFID tags store data so efficiently, they are able to calculate cost of tolls and fares electronically from the money the user loads into the card.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/rfid1.htm
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/rfid.htm
http://www.abiresearch.com/abiprdisplay.jsp?pressid=1100