RFID stands for Radio Frequently Identification. This particular technique is used to find RFID tags and gather the encoded data that they contain. It makes use of radio waves to recognise and follow tags that are affixed to the objects. Similar to the barcodes found on product packaging, they exist.
RFID is an automated method of identification that makes use of non-contact wireless radio frequency transmissions. RFID tags, also known as smart labels, contain data that has been digitally encoded and can be read by radio signals by a reader. RFID doesn’t need any physical contact between the tagged object and the scanner. RFID tags are mainly used to record product progress in industries.
RFID Reader and RFID Tags form an RFID system.
RFID Reader: It is a system made up of one or more antennas that produce radio signals and take in radio signals from the RFID Tag to communicate with it. Since the RFID tag is being interrogated, the RFID reader is frequently referred to as the interrogator.
RFID Tags: RFID tags are made of Integrated circuits or IC. Active RFID and Passive RFID are the two primary categories of RFID tags.
The power source for an active Radio Frequency Identification tag is a battery.
A passive RFID, however, obtains its power from the reading antenna and does not need a separate power source.
There are also RFID tags that are semi-passive. This kind of RFID tag is battery-operated and powered by an RFID reader.
RFID System is classified into
Low-Frequency RFID: The LF (Low Frequency) band includes frequencies between 30 and 300 kHz (kilohertz). Although some operate at 134 kHz, LF RFID (Low-Frequency RFID) systems typically work at 125 kHz (kilohertz). Although it has a slower read speed than the higher frequencies and a short read range of 10 cm, this frequency band is less susceptible to radio wave interference. Applications for LF (Low Frequency) RFID include tracking livestock and access control.
High-Frequency RFID: The High-Frequency band covers the megahertz range from 3 to 30. The majority of high-frequency RFID systems run at 13.56 megahertz and and have reading ranges of 10 cm to 1 m. High-frequency systems are frequently used for data transfer, payment, and ticketing applications and have a moderate sensitivity to interference.
Ultra-high frequency RFID: The ultra-high frequency band contains the frequencies of 300 MHz to 3 GHz (GHz). RAIN RFID systems operate in the 860 to 960 MHz (megahertz) range and adhere to the UHF Gen2 standard. While there may be some regional variations in frequency, RAIN RFID systems typically operate between 900 and 915 MHz worldwide (megahertz). Ultra-high-frequency RFID offers a quicker data transfer rate than low-frequency or high-frequency RFID, and its read range for passive systems can be up to 12 m.
Every RFID code consists of three components: an antenna, a transceiver, and a transponder. When combined, these three components are known as an RFID reader or interrogator. This type of tracker transmits signals to turn on the tags using radioactive frequency waves. The scanning antenna receives a rush to translate the data after the tags are turned on. The reader for RFID is very mobile and fixed.
RFID codes are becoming more and more in demand daily. This is because RFID technology is more data-capable than barcodes, making it perfect for application.
RFID can be read without a direct line of sight, unlike barcodes.
Since barcodes are printed within the product packaging, RFID tags are more secure than barcodes.
RFID is applicable in multiple sectors such as
Tracking of Documents
Tracking of assets
Tracking Personnel
Management of inventories
Manufacturing and ID badging
Controlling access to limited zones
Supply chain control and Healthcare
RFID technology greatly reduces human error and automates data collection.
RFID readers can read numerous RFID tags at once, increasing productivity.
All nearby RFID tags can be instantly recognised and compared to information in your database.
Cross-referencing assets with assigned locations allows for the recording of whether they are present, missing, or relocated.
For an automated tracking solution, RFID can be paired with active scanning and fixed readers.
For anything from building security and disaster preparedness to supply chain and asset management, assets and personnel may be tracked and located automatically.
RFID systems are usually more costly than barcode systems.
Understanding RFID technology is tricky.
Can be less reliable.
Typically, RFID tags are larger than barcode labels.
Tags are application-specific that is no one tag fits all.
Chances of unauthorized reading of passports and credit cards.
An RFID tag can be attached to an object and used to track tools, equipment, inventory, assets, people, or other objects.
RFID is not necessarily “better” than barcodes. The two are separate technologies with various uses that occasionally overlap. Barcodes are a line-of-sight technology, which is a significant difference between the two. In other words, a scanner needs to "see" the barcode in order to read it. By contrast, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags can be read as long as they are in range of a reader.
It’s very doubtful as Bar codes are inexpensive and effective for particular tasks, but RFID and barcodes will coexist for many years.
Active RFID tags usually last between three to five years, depending on the battery.
RFID is a technology that's been around since at least the 1970s. Up to now, it's been too costly and too restricted to be practical for many commercial applications.