Radio Frequency Identification: What is it?

Tracking is essential in the modern world and RFID is the key to tracking. 

 

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, and it refers to the wireless, non-contact use of radio frequency waves to transfer data and identify objects, animals, or humans. RFID systems are typically made up of an RFID reader, RFID tags, and antennas. 

 

 

What is RFID? 

 

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a method of tracking or identifying an object via radio transmission over the internet. Data is digitally encoded in an RFID tag that can be read by a reader. In comparison to traditional barcodes and QR codes, this device functions as a tag or label, with data read from tags stored in a database via the reader. Outside the line of sight, either passive or active RFID is frequently read.

 

RFID stands for "radio-frequency identification" and refers to a technology that uses radio waves to capture digital data encoded in RFID tags or smart labels (defined below). RFID is similar to barcoding in the sense that data from a tag or label is captured by a device and stored in a database. RFID, on the other hand, has a number of advantages over systems that use barcode asset tracking software. 

 

The most notable difference is that RFID tag data can be read from a distance, whereas barcodes must be aligned with an optical scanner. If you are thinking about implementing an RFID solution, contact the RFID experts at AB&R® (American Barcode and RFID).

 

Also Read: What are QR Codes?

 

Types of RFIDs

 

There are many different types of RFID, each with unique properties, but perhaps the most fascinating aspect of RFID technology is that most RFID tags do not have an electric plug or a battery. 

 

Instead, RFID readers provide all of the energy required to operate them in the form of radio waves. This technology is known as passive RFID to distinguish it from active RFID, which has a power source on the tag.

 

1. RFID UHF (Ultra-High Frequency RFID). 

 

It can be found on shipping pallets as well as some driver's licenses. Readers transmit signals in the 902-928 MHz frequency range. Tags communicate over several meters by changing the way they reflect reader signals; the reader can detect these reflections. This mode of operation is known as backscatter.

 

2. RFID High Frequency (High-Frequency RFID). 

 

It has a frequency of 13.56 MHz and is found in passports, credit cards, books, and noncontact payment systems. Since the physical mechanism is based on induction rather than backscatter, HF RFID has a short range, typically one meter or less.

 

Other types of RFID use different frequencies, such as LF RFID (Low-Frequency RFID), which was developed before HF RFID and is used for animal tracking.

 

Also Read | Top Effective Uses of Near Field Communication

 

How does RFID Work?

 

RFID technology operates by transmitting radio waves to tags that contain electronic chips. These signals are received by readers and converted into useful information. The radio waves are then routed through a specially designed interface and analyzed by computer systems. 

 

This method enables businesses to track items without physically contacting them. The data can be analyzed and used to improve understanding and operation optimization. Once collected, the data is transferred to the host computer system, where it can be stored and analyzed.’

 

The RFID Reader contains a transceiver, which generates a radio signal and transmits it via the antenna. This signal is actually energy that is used to activate and power the tag.

 

When an RFID tag is detected in a range of signals transmitted by the reader, the transponder in the tag is activated. The reader's electromagnetic field provides power to the tag. The radio signal is then converted into usable power by the transponder. After receiving power, the transponder transmits all stored information, such as a unique ID, to the RFID reader in the form of an RF signal.

 

Fixed or mobile readers are the two types of readers. Fixed readers are installed in a specific location and receive RFID tag signals. The data from the tags is then transmitted via the network to the retailer or product manufacturer. The active tags' data can travel up to 100 meters. Companies use these devices to improve logistics and asset location.

 

RFID systems are made up of three parts: a scanning antenna, a transceiver, and a transponder. An RFID reader or interrogator is created when the scanning antenna and transceiver are combined. RFID readers are classified into two types: fixed readers and mobile readers. RFID readers are network-connected devices that can be portable or fixed. It transmits signals that activate the tag via radio waves. When activated, the tag sends a wave back to the antenna, which converts it into data.

 

The RFID tag contains the transponder. RFID tag read range varies depending on factors such as tag type, reader type, RFID frequency, and interference in the surrounding environment or from other RFID tags and readers. Tags with a higher power source have a greater read range.

 

Also Read | 8 Applications of AI in Radiology

 

Applications of RFID:

 

With RFID's seemingly limitless applications, it's a question that's becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss.

 

RFID tags could be considered the sellotape of the digital age, with their use becoming almost ubiquitous. RFID tags are popping up everywhere these days, and like the versatile adhesive, clever problem solvers are using RFID in ways its original inventors could never have predicted.

 

RFID is an ideal building block technology because it is simple, scalable, and inexpensive, and adopters are leveraging the technology to use it in surprising ways: but with unsurprising levels of success, as you will see in some of the applications below.

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Applications of RFID

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1. Highway toll collection: 

 

One of the most successful applications of radio frequency identification technology is highway toll collection.

 

At the moment, expressways are being built at a breakneck pace. Convenient traffic conditions are a requirement for regional economic development. However, there are a few issues with highway tolls. First, there are traffic jams. Many vehicles must park and queue to pay tolls at toll gates, creating a traffic jam. The second issue is that the tolls collected by a few unscrupulous toll collectors have resulted in financial losses for the country.

 

The use of REID technology in automatic highway toll collection can fully demonstrate the benefits of this technology. When a vehicle passes through a toll booth at high speed, the payment is automatically completed, the traffic bottleneck problem is solved, the car's speed is increased, congestion is avoided, and the charging calculation efficiency is improved.

 

2. Amusement parks: No-swipe ticket passes:

 

Disney recently incorporated RFID technology into their tickets to improve their customers' theme-park experiences by eliminating the need for scanning and swiping in ride lines, resulting in shorter wait times and lower staffing costs. The RFID-enabled tickets also provided the park's operators with a wealth of data by tracking thrill-seekers' movements throughout the grounds.

 

3. Cargo Tracking Management:

 

Radiofrequency identification technology is a simple, quick, and accurate automation technology for tracking, managing, and monitoring goods.

 

The automatic identification of containers, based on radio frequency identification technology, has grown to become the world's largest cargo-tracking management application. An electronic tag that records data such as container location, item type, quantity, and so on is mounted on the container, and radio frequency identification technology is used to determine the exact location of the container in the yard. 

 

The system can also detect prohibited container movements for management and security purposes.

 

4. Animal Tracking: 

 

Radiofrequency identification technology can be used to track and manage animals. The electronic label encapsulated in a small glass is planted beneath the skin of the animal, which can identify important information such as livestock and monitor the animal's health. It provides a dependable technical means for the modernization of pasture management. 

 

In large-scale farms, the use of radio frequency identification technology to establish breeding files, vaccination files, and so on, in order to achieve efficient and automated livestock management while maintaining food safety.

 

Many developed countries use radio frequency identification technology to identify individual animals, to ensure effective tracking of infected people during large-scale disease outbreaks, and to isolate and control uninfected people.

 

5. Anti-counterfeiting:

 

Forgery is a problem in all parts of the world, and current anti-counterfeiting technology, such as holographic anti-counterfeiting, will be forged as well. The use of radio frequency identification technology in the field of anti-counterfeiting has its own technical advantages, including low cost and difficulty in forging. 

 

Electronic tags are relatively inexpensive, and chip manufacturing requires expensive factories, discouraging counterfeiters. The electronic tag itself has a memory that can store and modify data related to the product, making it useful for determining authenticity. The use of this technology does not necessitate any changes to the existing data management system, as the only product identification number is fully compatible.

 

Future of RFID: 

 

There are no opportunities without challenges. The fact that RFID is thriving in the market despite the challenges demonstrates the confidence that investors have in it. RFIDs will become safer and more reliable as new technologies emerge. The current RFID market trends are expected to accelerate in the near future. The global market for technology is expected to reach USD 17.4 billion by 2026, growing at a 10.2% annual rate. This forecast comes, unsurprisingly, at a time when a dreadful pandemic is spreading.

 

RFID tags are the most widely used segment. Tags that are versatile and durable while remaining affordable are not far off. Furthermore, chipless RFID tags are beginning to gain traction and market share.

 

RFIDs and cloud technology are being used together, and are currently useful in limited circumstances. When combined with the Internet of Things, Big Data, and sensors, this could transform enterprises into full-fledged virtual environments. Warehouses and manufacturing businesses will benefit the most from this transition.

 

RFID continues to assist manufacturers in cataloging and producing better products. According to trends, RFID is reducing employee workload and will continue to do so in the future. The prospect of a safe work environment with minimal work is as close to paradise as a worker can get.

 

Automation advancements are impossible to achieve without RFID integration. Healthcare and warehouses are unavoidably driving the RFID market as they strive to incorporate automation. However, in the retail industry, the ability of technology to combat counterfeit goods and monitor commodities in real time drives demand. RFID is unavoidably urging stakeholders to opt for omnichannel retailing and a seamless e-commerce experience.