RFID

RFID is an acronym for “radio-frequency identification” and refers to a technology whereby digital data encoded in RFID tags or smart labels, are captured by a reader via radio waves. 

HOW DOES RFID WORK?

RFID systems consist of three components: an RFID tag or smart label, an RFID reader, and an antenna. RFID tags contain 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 more usable form of data. Information collected 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

RFID tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are either passive or active.

Passive tags are the most widely used, as they are smaller and less expensive to implement. Passive tags must be “powered up” by the RFID reader before they can transmit data.

Like passive RFID tags, active tags have both a microchip and an antenna. The chips, however, are usually larger in size and have greater capabilities than the RFID chips in passive tags.

Active tags have two additional components that differentiate them from passive tags: an onboard power supply and onboard electronics.

Onboard electronics may consist of sensors, microprocessors, and input/output ports, all of which are powered by the tag’s onboard power source.

Smart labels differ from RFID tags in that they incorporate both RFID and barcode technologies. They’re made of an adhesive label embedded with an RFID tag inlay, and they may also feature 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 more time consuming and requires more advanced equipment.

RFID APPLICATIONS

– Inventory management

– Asset tracking

– Personnel tracking

– Controlling access to restricted areas

– ID Badging

– Supply chain management

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