RFID Tags
HOW Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Works
There are a many uses of this technology around us today, although they are often invisible to users. At its most basic level, RFID is a wireless link to uniquely identify objects or people. It is sometimes called dedicated short range communication (DSRC). RFID systems include electronic devices called transponders or tags, and reader electronics to communicate with the tags. These systems communicate via radio signals that carry data either uni-directionally or bi-directionally. As the following graphic shows, when a transponder enters a read zone, its data is captured by the reader and can then be transferred through standard interfaces to a host computer, printer, or programmable logic controller for storage or action.
Why Use R.F.I.D.?
Compared to other identification and data collection technologies, our RFID systems offer many advantages:
- Tags can be hidden (embedded) in most materials.
- No batteries needed.
- Different shapes and sizes.
- No line of sight required.
- No wear.
- Tags can be read even if covered with dirt or even submerged.
- Tags are almost indestructible.
- Unalterable permanent serial code prevents tampering.
RFID Evolution
While RFID technology is currently found in applications from work tracking and waste management, to vehicle security and highway toll systems.
Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) is increasingly becoming a familiar part of our lives, both at work and at home. RFID, which creates a dynamic link between people, objects and processes, has established itself as a primary player in the future of data collection, identification and analysis systems.
The uses for RFID technology are limitless. More flexible and easier to use than bar coding or other forms of data collection, RFID is a multi-purpose technology. The full potential of RFID technology has only just started to be realised -- perhaps some of the greatest applications and unique solutions based on RFID have yet to come to market.
Evaluating the benefits of RFID begins not only with a full understanding of how the technology works, but also an appreciation of how the implementation of the technology saves time, reduces handling and labour costs, cuts cycle times, eliminates errors and waste, and improves overall quality.
Although the technology is still considered young and emerging, it is based on electronics, and therefore, major breakthroughs are not only natural, but are expected. During the last several years, "smart labels" are the "buzz" in RFID. This newer version of the technology was fuelled primarily by the need for lower cost tags. The plea from the user community was "if only these tags could be lower in cost (now that we are used to the low cost of bar codes), then we could attach them to many more things". "Smart labels" represent the next generation in RFID for industries who want to uniquely identify and track millions of items at a low cost.
Features of "smart labels" include:
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Cost of tags in tens of cents range.
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Produced in very high volumes.
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Thin, flexible construction.
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Read/Write-programmable at point of issue.
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Simultaneous ID (SID).
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Easy to integrate into the barcode infrastructure.
Some of the potential applications include:
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Airline baggage tracking.
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Express parcels ID and tracking.
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Product ID and tracking from womb to tomb.
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Brand authentication.
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Document tracking.
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Library material handling.
An average library can have as many as 22 million items circulating each year. With RFID smart labels on items, check in and check out saves 1 1/2 minutes per transaction.
Summary of RFID Benefits
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Offers highly reliable data collection in harsh environments.
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Eliminates manual data entry-slow and prone to errors.
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Inspires new automation solutions. Fundamentally changes how processes are managed and how businesses operate. Causes a paradigm shift.
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Good information management structure is a MUST.
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RFID system that can be made almost 100% tamper proof.
